Using virtual reality and computer animation was the subject of a study recently completed by Hacas Chapman Hendy for the Housing Corporation.
We found around 25 examples where housing associations, local authorities, developers or architects had consulted residents using three-dimensional moving images created on computer, and showing a possible future development or regeneration that does not as yet exist.
The virtual reality models are in real time, where an operator or user can "drive" themselves anywhere in the model.
Alternatively, they can be recorded as computer animations on video or CD-ROM so the viewer is taken on a set path through the model.
These were two reactions from one organisation that commissioned the model: "People could see what they were going to live in and interact with it, seeing the scale, access, performance, rooms and arrangement. They did not have to build up a representation in their own minds from relatively abstract or codified drawings.
"It was extremely useful, it did work, tenants loved using the computers, and there was amazing feedback from residents."
Official feedback is not yet available from residents, but from a general background of scepticism in the sector, we received a positive message from the people who actually used the models.
Far from being a barrier, the technologies have often proved to be transparent, allowing tenants and residents to engage in decisions in a way that one person summarised as "truly democratic".
We classified what we found into "scenarios" (see left).
In some situations the models were used to inform residents and the community about what was planned; in other situations they were used to consult more actively.
Where the intention was primarily to inform, the models were often used to present something novel and unfamiliar the landlord felt would be hard for people to envisage without "seeing" it.
This was sometimes linked to a choice: for example, people could choose whether or not they would want to move into the new homes.
In most of the examples, tenants and residents were being fully consulted, with virtual reality or computer animation being used as an alternative to architects' drawings, plans or physical models.
Where the models were used at a very early stage of consultation, it was perhaps more like a "planning for real" model, and designed to identify problems, generate ideas and stimulate discussion.
The principles of good community consultation apply just as much to virtual reality or computer animation: be clear what it is you are trying to do and select the best tool for the job.
The choice of whether to use new technologies, and if so which ones, should be seen as part of the process, not something separate.
In almost all of the projects, the models could be shown to residents on a computer screen. However, within this there was a great deal of variety (see factfile, below).
Far from being a barrier, the technologies have allowed tenants and residents to engage fully in a way described by one person as ‘truly democratic’
Changes were made to the model in the course of consultation only in a small number of examples. This may seem strange, as interactivity is often seen as a major feature of virtual reality.
Before building a model, a decision has to be made about what it is to cover. For instance, whether it should show the whole area or only sample streets, interiors as well as exteriors, bathrooms as well as living rooms.
With a real-time virtual reality model it is possible to travel anywhere within the model – but not outside the area that has been modelled.
With a computer animation or recorded model, the routes through the model have been selected in advance, although there is often a menu of choices.
Alternatives may have been built into the model, but it is hard to build in changes on the spot. Realistically, any changes made to the model need to be incorporated for specific consultation meetings.
In a small number of cases, the model was used as part of the process of developing the detailed design of an estate, its homes and community building.
It was a working model, which became increasingly more detailed as the design process progressed. There are resource issues here, as more detail means a higher cost, but a number of organisations see this as the direction of the future, with a basic model gradually refined as the consultation moves forward.
In some experimental examples, the consultation process consists solely of allowing residents to change the model. Often the changes are quite modest, such as colour or room layout, and these can be noted as feedback.
The models were produced by private-sector companies specialising in computer modelling, university departments or by architects.
The costs we were quoted for the models ranged from £400 to £20,000, with the majority clustered around the £5,000 mark.
Cost was the main drawback quoted by the housing organisations that had commissioned virtual reality or computer animation for consultation.
Indeed, a number of suppliers told us that cost was more of an issue in the housing and regeneration sectors than in any other.
However, the commissioning organisations usually added that they felt the cost of the model was worth it, and that they would use one again in the right circumstances.
The Housing Corporation, which sponsored the work, is funding a dissemination strategy designed to reach the construction industry, and to reach tenants through partnership with the Tenant Participation Advisory Service.
The corporation funding will help to keep the website up to date – and we would like to know of any other examples that should be featured.
In the longer term, we hope to track new initiatives and to develop proper good practice guidance.
On show...
Facades and exteriors: this was the most common use of the models, with half the examples giving residents an impression of what homes and buildings would look like after improvement. Remodelling estates: one third of the examples used models to help consult on remodelling the estate, sometimes at an early exploratory stage, sometimes presenting specific options. Special situations: one third of the examples used modelling to present a new building process, a complicated decanting or an unfamiliar form of provision for the elderly. Interiors: a number of examples used models to show interiors, often allowing individual residents to choose from a palette of colours and finishes for walls, floors, fittings and furnishings. Master planning: a smaller number used models for master planning for a whole area or neighbourhood, often in an early stage of development.The way to do it
Virtual models can be shown in a number of ways: Real-time virtual reality models:these could be shown on small screens to individuals or tenant groups; projected onto large screens for meetings or consultation events; or run as needed at a project office. The “driver” of the model was often a specialist, but in other projects staff or tenants learnt to “drive” the model themselves. Computer animations:
a pre-determined path through the model was recorded on CD-ROM or video. This could be used in the ways described above and could also be viewed at home, perhaps with friends and neighbours. Virtual reality centres:
in a smaller number of projects, residents viewed the model at a virtual reality centre. This can give residents the experience of immersive virtual reality, with surrounding screens giving a wide angle of view. Internet:
some models could be accessed over the internet, on a project website where residents can navigate round the model for themselves. This was often linked to a “wired communities” project, where there were plans for extending individual and community internet access.
Source
Housing Today
Postscript
Ann Martin is information technology consultancy manager at Hacas Chapman Hendy ann.martin@hch.eu.com
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