Margaret Horne

The Role of Virtual Reality in Built Environment Education

Abstract This study builds upon previous research on the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) within the built environment curriculum and aims to investigate the role of VR and three-dimensional (3D) computer modelling on learning and teaching in a school of the built environment. In order to achieve this aim, a number of academic experiences were analysed to explore the applicability and viability of 3D computer modelling and VR into built environment subject areas. Although two-dimensional (2D) representations have been greatly accepted by built environment professions and education, 3D computer representations and VR applications, offering interactivity and immersiveness, are not yet widely accepted. The study attempts to understand the values and challenges of integrating visualisation technologies into built environment teaching and investigates tutors’ perceptions, opinions and concerns with respect to these technologies. The study reports on the integration process and considers how 3D computer modelling and VR technologies can combine with, and extend, the existing range of learning and teaching methods appropriate to different disciplines and programme areas.

Strategic Perspectives on the Use of Virtual Reality within the Building Industries of Four Countries

Abstract This paper presents results from the first stage of an analysis of the use of virtual reality (VR) within the building industries of strategically selected countries, namely, China, Sweden, the UK and the US. The aims of the research are to assess VR usage and its benefits within the building industries of these countries and to identify perceived barriers to VR usage and ways of overcoming them. The countries selected offer a range of experience in the adoption of VR technologies and the paper provides an initial analysis of developments at an international level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior professionals from each of six leading construction companies within each country. The findings included the rationale for the adoption of VR and the barriers to doing so, as well as some divergence between the respondents in their working definition of what visualization and, specifically, VR actually represents.

Heliodon prediction of shading on building integrated photovoltaic systems

Extensive shading of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) power systems causes high performance losses, often much higher than originally estimated. In the urban environment, shading cannot be avoided and therefore methods to accurately predict PV facade and/or roof system shading patterns must be developed. By utilising a Heliodon, normally used by architects to predict natural interior lighting effects, accurate seasonal shading by surrounding structures can be assessed on a 3D scale model of the proposed PV generator, or array. In order to test this Heliodon prediction method, comparisons are made between photographs of the shading on both the model of and an actual Northumberland building PV facade in the UK.

Visualisation of photovoltaic clad buildings

The paper describes a study carried out to investigate the capabilities of computer aided design software for the visualisation of building elevations and detail, with focus on the representation of photovoltaic cells in facade architecture. The development of photovoltaic (PV) technology, converting energy from sunlight into electricity, has resulted in the emergence of PV as a building material. This has generated much debate on the aesthetic implications of PV integrated buildings. PV introduces a particularly complex set of requirements not present in traditional cladding materials. As well as the physical characteristics of the material, there is a need to consider factors such as orientation to the sun, and shadows cast by neighbouring buildings. Architects, engineers, developers, clients and the general public all need to be able to visualise proposed designs, either of new or refurbished buildings. This study investigates both the process and end results of computer visualisation in the context of photovoltaic clad buildings.