Even the best photorealistic CGIs are limited by scale and go so far in creating an accurate feel for a building or a space.
Virtual Reality (VR) is the natural next step for 3D imaging with unprecedented benefits for architectural marketing. The latest software and hardware releases have made VR technology extremely accessible, opening infinite possibilities for architectural visualisation through largely affordable tools. Through the use of a mobile phone and a headset stereoscopic device, virtual reality takes viewing architectural models to a whole new level, enabling amazing new experiences for interior designers, real estate developers and end customers.
VR images viewed with stereoscopic image devices are freed from the limitation of scaled representations, and, through 360 panoramic tours, customers can experience a “full scale” proposed space on a more visceral level, through an immersive environment representation, and understand the structure one step closer to the finished project than usual visuals would allow. The use of VR tools is becoming more common among developers and architects for the visual representations of their unbuilt projects, allowing for a more immediate feedback from potential customers or financial sponsors.
Eye-kon has produced VR 360 imagery for both external and internal views, used by property developers or letting agents to market luxury residential and high-specs commercial projects. This type of images can be easily embedded in marketing websites or shared privately as a secure link and are the most coveted marketing tools for luxury residential and commercial properties. Alternatively, they can be downloaded as files and viewed in gyroscope on most hand-held devices while on site.
While the basic kit for viewing VR images is usually any smartphone issued over the last couple of years, at eye-kon, we recommend using the latest Samsung Galaxy in combo with the Samsung Gear VR. While this is not yet comparable with the latest Oculus technology, it is however relatively easy to use and offers respectable image resolution, not to mention portability.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you are curious to explore this service for your projects or marketing needs. We also have spare equipment for you to test and compare the different results achievable with different equipment or resolutions.