Most people now know that big data and virtual reality (VR) have changed the way departments such as marketing do business, but they may not realize that these two technologies have also had a significant impact on other industries. Big data and construction are a combination of technologies worthy of in-depth exploration.

The two technologies can complement each other

Some forward-thinking construction companies are trying to use big data and virtual reality (VR) methods in their daily work. A company called Ennead Architects used virtual reality (VR) to bridge the gap between what they learned from data and what they couldn't imagine.

In the process of building a planetarium project, the architect provided environmental data about how daylight enters the building to the virtual reality (VR) platform, allowing people to watch the visual performance through a virtual reality headset. In addition, another project carried out by the company collected data on users entering existing buildings. Next, they created a model of the flow pattern of people. Through this model, they can evaluate things such as how layout changes might affect people's activities or how people are most likely to stay in a building to talk to others, and how long it lasts.

Architects can go beyond the representation of two-dimensional design

Computer modeling systems have changed everything, but not long ago, two-dimensional drawings restricted the architect's accurate vision of future buildings or how to explain concepts to clients. Virtual reality has greatly improved the visualization method and can also help customers reduce costs, especially when architects also use big data. For example, some home renovation projects may be extremely expensive, and many heads of households spend their budgets before completing the renovation. However, if the head of the household wants to upgrade in their residence and communicate with the architect when budgeting and planning, then the cost may be reduced. It is often difficult for people to imagine how much certain things might cost and draw conclusions about whether the costs are reasonable. The architect can not only make some sketches to tell the client how to view a sliding glass door or a glass window in a certain area, but the architect can also encourage customers to wear a virtual reality (VR) headset to see this addition in the virtual world. Effect.

Then, a construction company might have a large data platform that can aggregate customer data and make it anonymous. If this is the case, if the customer decides to use virtual reality technology to showcase the displayed enhancements, they can answer questions about the materials used by similar customers and the cost of these items.

Virtual reality (VR) can also help construction companies ensure that they comply with and meet building codes for basic components, such as customer and employee lounges. Paying attention to the code and other details can avoid unexpected cost drops, and can help people find the most convenient location for toilets, washrooms, or other parts of the building that are frequently used.

Most construction professionals plan to use virtual reality (VR) technology this year

ChaosGroup is an organization that specializes in visualization technology and has conducted a survey of nearly 6,000 architects. The survey found that more than two-thirds of respondents said they plan to use virtual reality (VR). In addition, among those who already use virtual reality (VR) at work, 80% of respondents are doing this for multiple projects, which shows that those early adopters are satisfied with the results. In addition, it emphasizes that virtual reality (VR) in architecture is not just a possibility, it has already happened.

Big data helps architects predict future factors

When calculating factors such as population growth or the impact of climate change, architects in the past relied heavily on guesswork. Big data helps architects understand the place and human factors, and then incorporate relevant revelations into their designs. Data sets and modeling can help architects test their feasibility before constructing design concepts in real life. Or, those professionals may study data storage related to local authorities and discover problems that different design options can remedy, rather than exacerbating them over time.

Some customers also want data collection functions inside the building, and they know that these aspects can help with future planning. Consider a scenario where the client wants to gradually make the building more energy efficient. The big data platform can track resource usage and point out the return on investment of a particular project. Based on this information, they can choose how often to make more energy-efficient improvements and speed up.

Big data is a key element of smart city design

The "smart city" closely related to people's work and life has become more and more prominent in society, and it is no longer a dream for the future. Although some of them are built from scratch, city officials, architects, and related professionals have installed sensor networks to transform buildings to improve energy efficiency and build and optimize buildings that can withstand the possible impact of climate change over the years. Make it more intelligent. Analysts even pointed out that although they rely on architects to design buildings, they also rely on data architects to develop data-based infrastructures that are consistent with easy-to-see building structures.

During their participation in the construction of smart cities, architects can use the database they use when communicating with construction contractors or clients to help set expectations and reduce costs. In addition, they can use this data when working on other smart buildings, whether in the same city or in a different location.