From the Back Cover
This book explores the applications of virtual reality technologies in building design and offsite construction. Its focus is on how small and medium-sized architectural and construction practices with limited budgets and time can implement innovation through visualisation creation.
Virtual reality technologies, known as empathy machines, offer a productive interaction process for clients and professionals. Gaming and simulation have already proven their efficacy in solving problems in science and business. However, the next challenge is designing data-rich virtual environments that can enhance clients' spatial understanding, simplify architect-client communications, provide customisation options, consolidate quantification, and export data directly to manufacturers' software, minimizing fragmentation across the entire building information management (BIM) lifecycle.
With this book, architects and construction professionals can learn how to leverage virtual reality technologies to improve their work processes and enhance client engagement. Whether you're new to virtual reality or an experienced practitioner, this book provides valuable insights and practical tips to help you harness the power of this exciting technology.
Farzad Pour Rahimian is Professor of Digital Engineering and Manufacturing, with a robust research track-record delivering more than 150 quality publications and more than 2000citations. His research career has been developed through 1) ten years high-quality education in Architecture, Digital Design and Innovative Construction Technologies (from 1996-2002+2007-2010), 2) 20 years' academic work experience, including research-informed teaching and teaching supported research on different areas related to Digital Architecture and IT integrated design and construction (Since 2002), 3) 15 years intensive industry engagement as a full member of Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB-UK) and a First Class Registered Architect (in Iran), and 4) variety of hands-on virtual modelling and development skills and knowledge of different qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. These support his research on various aspects of Construction 4.0 including Digital Twins, Smart Contracts, Building Information Management/Modelling (BIM), Distributed Ledger Technology, Big Data, IA/Machine-Learning, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Smart Homes, IoT, Cybernetics and use of Smart Agents within the built environment.
Virtual Prototyping and use of VR/AR/MR interfaces for building simulation, automation and integration of design, Offsite Construction, Lean and Six Sigma thinking and development of new business models for integrated construction. Farzad has also successfully led several high-profile research projects - from InnovateUK, through to Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Data Lab, and Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC). This expertise and standing are also recognised through a number of high-profile bodies, including the International Council for Building (CIB) and building SMART International. Dr Rahimianhas more than 10 years experience of leading international journals as editor, co-editor, guest editor and editorial board member. He is the Editor in Chief for the Emerald Journal of Smart and Sustainable Built Environment; ISSN: 2046-6099.
