IV '97: interactive visualisation through applied virtual reality in construction

The paper is concerned with the development of an integrated, open and fully usable virtual reality (VR) environment for the construction industry for use on a low-cost PC (but transportable to other, more sophisticated systems) to make VR accessible and usable by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The paper describes a new VR system for collaborative interaction in the construction industry that enhances communication between the design team, contractors and sub-contractors through open systems design. It discusses how feedback from potential users of these VR systems is assessed and implemented, to ensure systems are designed to meet user requirements. By enabling the use and integration of a wide variety of multimedia technologies, communication channels between different construction parties become more effective.