Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) is receiving ever-increasing attention and is utilized by many construction companies in their current practices. This paper aims at a critical investigation of the impact of VR technology on how sustainability and cost are understood and perceived by the users in building design projects, which could lead to improving and supporting the actual building design processes. The research study focused on evaluating design alternatives using Building Information Modeling (BIM)-enabled VR technology integrated with cost and sustainability life cycle assessment (LCA) software. In doing so, the paper begins with reviewing the relevant literature in the mentioned areas. Thereafter, it adopts an experimental-qualitative-quantitative method to test the research hypothesis and analyze the effects of 360-degree VR on the users (66 participants), while distinguishing between users who have a relevant background in building/construction engineering (i.e., architect engineers and civil engineers), and those who have not (i.e., owners and clients). It is observed that despite their background, the user participants positively embrace the ideas and aspirations of sustainability, and that there is some evidence of respondents preferring the economy over sustainability. Likewise, the participants are not making an effort to measure the emissions of their design options rather than focus on the building’s economic aspects.
Highlights
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a multi-dimensional model, and information integration technology developed based on CAD technology [1]
It was interesting to investigate the difference in answers between between the groups on how they valued cost and carbon footprint in construction projects the groups on how they valued cost and carbon footprint in construction projects using Virtual Reality (VR)
The research in this paper proposed a hypothesis enabling a VR experience in the design decision-making of different façade alternatives, comparing the costs and carbon footprint by using BIM-enabled VR technology
Summary
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a multi-dimensional model, and information integration technology developed based on CAD technology [1]. BIM enhances work efficiency, ensuring the quality of the work by reducing errors throughout the construction of the project [2]. Project stakeholders can access information through the whole lifecycle of the building, including the conceptual design phase, construction phase, or even demolition phase. Cloud services associated with BIM enable stakeholders to have constant access to changes and monitor progress, reducing construction errors [3]. 6. Do VR models improve your perception of costs associated with different facades? 7. Do VR models improve your perception of the carbon footprint associated with different facades?. 8. After knowing the experimental results, did the VR models affect your perception of costs and carbon footprint of building façade systems?. Do you think using BIM + VR can help design efficient and sustainable buildings in the future, based on your current experience?
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