Innovative VR Solutions for Construction

Buildwise, a Belgian research institute supporting construction professionals, recently relocated to their new headquarters in Zaventem. As part of their move, the team sought to inspire visitors by creating a state-of-the-art demonstration room to showcase innovative construction technologies. “We wanted a special demonstration room to inspire visitors and show the possibilities through hands-on demonstrations and tailor-made training,” explained Timothee Simoens, Business Manager at Buildwise. Together with our partners at Barco, we integrated cutting-edge projection systems equipped with VR software to offer enhanced 2D and 3D visualization for construction projects.

Installing immersive systems like VR presents unique challenges, such as selecting the right tracking systems and projectors. “Given that every immersive system is unique, fully anticipating each detail is difficult. The selection of an experienced integrator who offers strong support in both technical and practical aspects is essential,” noted Alejandra Vazquez, Digital Construction Advisor at Buildwise. While the installation required ongoing adjustments, the process has been a valuable learning experience, enriching the team’s expertise in immersive technologies.

The chosen setup features Barco’s Canvas system, which uses three laser-based F-series projectors and lightweight RigiFlex screens arranged at a 135-degree angle. This customized design enhances the vertical field of view, crucial for visualizing 3D building models. The system enables project teams to detect and address issues before construction begins, ultimately saving time and reducing costly errors.

The Canvas also supports interactive group VR sessions, using see-through 3D glasses for both 2D and 3D imagery. Unlike traditional head-mounted devices, this setup offers a collaborative group experience, where multiple stakeholders can view the same immersive image simultaneously. As Senior Principal Advisor Bart Van De Pol noted, the demonstration center has been a major draw since its opening in March 2023, attracting visits from large industry federations and smaller companies alike.

In addition to improving project design and communication, the immersive system fosters more efficient work processes by allowing all parties to view and adjust construction models in real-time. This leads to fewer last-minute changes, enhanced customer satisfaction, and a more seamless integration of Building Information Models (BIMs) into the design process.