Client expectations of virtual environments for urban design development

This paper presents two case studies related to the application of virtual environments for urban design development based on an analysis of client expectations. Within the first study, community consultation is the focus of the application of the virtual environment, whereas the second study considers the application of the technology within the design development process. Therefore, the client is considered as both the community and designer as end users of the technology. In both studies a comparison is made between traditional tools used for urban design development and virtual environments. Findings from research indicate that both user groups have a preference for virtual environments. In certain aspects of the design development process, however development time, disruption to the design process and display medium all impact on the experience recorded