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Architects issue invitation to the future

A group of award-winning property specialists from the Midlands are to give young designers a glimpse into the digital future of building design, during a special virtual reality event in Birmingham.

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Associated Architects, built environment consultants Cundall and property services group Kier will host an interactive evening exploring the use of cutting-edge digital design tools, including advanced Building Information Modelling, virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D building scanning.

The event, on behalf of the British Council for Offices’ NextGen group, will give dozens of the region’s brightest young property professionals the opportunity to access the latest technology.

It takes place at Associated Architects, 1 Severn Street Place, The Mailbox, Birmingham, on Thursday, June 14 from 6pm to 8pm.

Guests will learn more about the growing impact of BIM, VR and AR on building design, with industry-leading designers on-hand to demonstrate interactive tools and answer questions on their application.

Steve Townsend, associate director at Associated Architects and BCO NextGen committee member, said: “Digital design tools are transforming the way in which designers create and communicate workplace designs. Technology is greatly informing design choices and ultimately giving designers and developers the confidence to be bold and creative.

“Whilst it may seem counter-intuitive, implementing tools such as VR can also help people to feel more connected, allowing designers to share and communicate ideas with clients and end users more effectively. It is hugely exciting for our industry and something that our designers are pioneering, to create the buildings of the future here in the Midlands.”

Digital technology is enabling architects and designers to test the performance of finished buildings and spaces, optimising construction efficiency and assisting occupants with the operation and maintenance of the finished building. It is producing significant benefits in areas including clash detection, health and safety and facilities management.

The BCO NextGen event will give young property professionals the opportunity to wear Oculus Rift, Oculus Go and HTC Vive VR headsets, taking the user on a journey within the virtual environment of a proposed building design and even test its acoustics.