ISG’s Virtual Reality Technology

Mason Henke
,
Visualization Specialist
June 20, 2023

Virtual reality has increasingly become one of the most evolving technologies and is changing the way we perceive and interact with our world. To capitalize on this technology, ISG’s visualization team uses virtual reality to create computer generated environments that immerse users in a real-world interactive platform. This technology allows ISG’s clients to experience the design concept of their future space before shovels hit the ground.

Creating a Virtual Scene

After conversations with a client about their project vision, ISG’s visualization team jumps into action. Our visualization specialists collaborate with architects and interior designers to create realistic scenes complete with accurate details and high-quality materials, including color, texture, landscaping details, and much more. Taking preliminary REVIT models, our specialists refine the elements to translate a client’s vision into a virtual reality. These detailed visualizations are then uploaded to the headsets for the client to interact with in a 360-degree view, allowing them to look around and see all the design elements of their project. To give clients the full experience, lighting can also be adjusted to fit a specific scene throughout different times of day, showcasing what their structure can look like during different times of the day, but also how natural lighting will impact the interior space.

Getting in the Zone

ISG has acquired three different types of headsets that all give you the immersive experience, but each offer something unique.

Meta Quest Pro

This high-quality, wireless headset is the latest and greatest virtual reality device from Meta. The user controls mobility through their custom virtual environment using the headset and controllers.

HTC Vive

HTC Vice is a wired headset set up with sensors which allow users to move in a 3D space using handheld controllers to control their interaction with project environment.

Cardboard VR

These cost efficient and portable headsets are small enough to fit into your pocket. The easy to assemble, cardboard-like, fold-out goggles can be formed into the shape of a headset. It features a slot for a smartphone to fit showing the user a virtual reality through its lens.

Better Decisions, Faster

Virtual reality offers clients a first look into what it would be like to live, work, and play in their custom designed space before it is built. Interacting with the proposed reality can generate excitement, increase confidence, and build consensus among stakeholders—expediting the decision-making process and generating buy-in for design elements. Engaging with the virtual 3D details can garner discussion about details and information for each project allowing better decisions faster, saving time and money.

Virtual Reality in Action: The Cork 50131

The Cork 50131 is an exciting new wine bar located in the up-and-coming Johnston Town Center in northeast Des Moines. From the very first meeting it was clear to the design team that the Owners wanted to create a unique and inviting gathering space for a glass of wine or refined cocktail, unlike other bars in the area. ISG created photorealistic visualizations and employed virtual reality technology to illustrate the interior design materials, finishes, and furniture layout to make sure it felt right for the Owners before the “hammers started flying.” Virtual reality allowed the Owners to immerse themselves and experience the design with the selected finishes and furniture in a realistic sense, confirming the tangibility of their design.  This approach also helped to avoid surprises during construction, and generate even more excitement for this future establishment.

The Future of Virtual Reality at ISG

As virtual reality improves and becomes more mainstream, ISG will continue to find ways and dedicate resources to use it to the benefit of our clients. We are ahead of the game and plan to find more ways to integrate so clients can experience their visions prior to groundbreaking.

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Mason Henke
Visualization Specialist
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Mason Henke

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