How is VR changing Architecture?
With Virtual Reality (VR) becoming a key player in technology, gaining its start in gaming and moving into video entertainment along with health care and education. It’s also made itself quite a splash in the architecture industry.
It makes sense, being able to see the room at full scale before you even build it offers designers new opportunities, it allows the ability to test a build before commencing development. Some software allows a one to one experience when building, so instead of creating a 3D room, then using VR to check it, you can stand in the room and build its contents from scratch like a blank canvas.
VR also offers the ability to check for problems with a design, from lighting issues, material design, scale, room contents natural lighting and other elements that are out of the designer’s control, allowing you to optimise a build for the environment surrounding it. When working with clients, you’ll be able to virtually show them your pitch, as well as being able to show them any issues their idea would run into and how to solve them.
With VR under your belt, you can show off exactly what your building is like and prove that your design is the best for a client, allowing this kind of interaction adds an important human element, seeing your work come to life, even before it’s finished.
Since the release of Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and other PC Headsets, software for the headsets has been improving and even AutoDesk has plugins for Fusion 360 to support the headsets. One company, “IRIS VR” decided it was best to create a converter for all kinds of Architecture software which works with the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Google Daydream. This means you’ll be able to keep using standard mainstream software but be able to test your designs accurately, meaning designers can avoid the issues with transitioning from 2D drawings to 3D building.
With this kind of designing available it even permits you to look at how things like air conditioning would work, how Internet of Things (IoT) devices could be utilized, and potentially acoustic sound levels. VR allows you to get close and personal with the designs you are creating.
Why do Architects need Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance?
As an Architect, Professional Indemnity Insurance is essential. If you also belong to a professional body, having this cover could, in fact, be compulsory.
As an Architect your clients look to you for precision, attention to detail and most of all, advice. If you were to make a mistake and a professional negligence claim was brought against you for inaccurate or unsuitable professional advice, the result could be costly, complicated and harmful to your business. Because of the nature of the job, architects (such as yourself) can leave your business open to a number of risks, which include but are not limited to inaccurate or unsuitable advice or incorrect specifications, which were supplied to the client, by you.
At Black & White, we have years of experience in the insurance industry providing competitive and comprehensive Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance to a range of professions and trades in addition to architecture. We work with leading underwriters to provide the appropriate professional indemnity insurance for you and your business, which can protect you against a number of claims.