







The impression that architecture and design is progressively going into an “effect driven” industry or as a “mediatic art” is to me, not a sign of degradation of the discipline but only a logical and transient stage in the maturity process of a global culture that now has these wonderful new tools to express itself. This proliferation of images, spectacular buildings, vehicles, outrageous forms that amuse the eye is perfectly natural when not long ago we were bound to the limits of 2D representation through ink and paper or to the slow and full of sacrifice world of unassisted craftsmanship. 3D technology including 3D printing and VR technologies, have a liberating effect that also has its growing pains in the competitive mind, but on the other hand, enhances the potential for collaboration and problem solving in graceful ways, like in no other time in history. We are indeed very lucky to be living in a time were such flourishment of opportunity is expanding.





Digital resources as VR can expand our capabilities as designers, to attract and convince clients, to better inform and coordinate with developers and entrepreneurs. Innovation in the application of this technology is on its verge and anyone with enough vision can sense we are on the top of the wave to make bold moves to promote research and development in any possible VR application.





Back in time, the development of CAD and BIM software expanded the paradigms of design when they came. In parallel, 3D and render apps expanded the paradigm much more. So now we find that 2D plans are not enough to convey the complex ideas of generative architecture, freeform surfaces and other interesting and complex manifestations, relatively new expressions of architectural art nowadays.





But even for the convenience, practicality, speed and ease that VR technology has to communicate design ideas, especially in architecture and industrial design, its applications take hold on more conventional, not-so-spectacular architecture as well, and can be oriented at the market of real estate and tourism as well passing through interior design and decoration.





The meaning of the word architecture is broadening, to an art-less rigid, more interconnected and interpenetrated with other disciplines, like plastic art, sculpture, product and service development, sustainability, energy, invention, business, or even high-tech engineering.





Also on a technical level the potential is tremendous. The use of virtual conference rooms, where avatars of distant people can meet over the internet and discuss about modifications of complex 3D models, part assemblies, project management, timing, costs and implications of different options and also communication with clients, potentially gives a flexibility unsurpassed in any other time of history. Also the effectiveness of consultations, coordination, explanation and approval of projects can speed up the curve of completion to a great extent.





The cost of these technologies also is going to be progressively affordable, coming in a wide range and variety.





It’s only a matter of time for all the pieces to take place and interlock, realizing all these applications and more. And to foresee, and then learn and implement this opportunities is going to be a key to success in the future of design and industry. VF.







