Multi-user virtual reality based design review of students construction designs

Cost overrun, failure and defects in architectural, engineering and construction industries are known problems. Today design review processes are based on humans reviewing 2D drawings, descriptions and 3D models, which places high demand on interpretation. In more recent years computer-based clash detection algorithms and rule-checking are also being used, which automatically identify clashes in the 3D models. However, when it comes to constructability and buildability, existing design review processes come to short. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows the user an immersive experience of the 3D models, making it possible for stakeholders to review building design proposals as intuitively as a real building in the physical world, with a minimal need for interpretation. This chapter reports a mixed study, where students from the Architectural Technology and Construction Management education use a multi-user VR application for reviewing their building designs. By observations, assignment hand-in and survey, this study shows how students communicate and interact in a multi-user immersive experienced environment, value of multi-user VR and what benefits and drawbacks are associated with reviewing designs in a multi-user VR application.