Factors vital for a productive virtual reality gathering utilizing openBIM:
Effective Virtual Reality Meetings in Construction Projects
Virtual Reality (VR) meetings can be highly effective, particularly when organized and executed professionally. These sessions, while requiring standard meeting preparations like agendas, targets, and timing, transport participants into a Virtual Reality space. Philippe Acas, Chief Business Officer of Vixel, shares insights on VR meetings in construction projects utilizing an open Building Information Modeling (openBIM) environment.
For multiple-user meetings at various geographical locations, specifically in construction projects, these VR sessions can prove invaluable. Preparing for such meetings involves several steps:*
- Prepare an Agenda: Outline a clear agenda, preferably as a list of BCF issues to discuss in the VR session. These issues have location markers within the openBIM model, which can be accessed directly in VR. Utilizing Vrex or other VR-applications, models can be easily brought into VR, and access can be shared with attendees such as architects, engineers, user representatives, and other project stakeholders.
- Send Complete Invitation: Include the following in the invitation:*
- A clear agenda with a date and time
- Access code for the VR room and a link to the pre-video conference
- Expected preparation guidelines for attendees
- Invitation to join a briefing session for new VR members
- Offer a How-to Briefing for New VR Members: To alleviate intimidation or insecurity among new VR users, a pre-meeting session is recommended to familiarize them with the menu and tools, view BCF issues, among other preparations.*
- Set a Video Conference 15 Minutes Prior to the VR Meeting: Plan a 15-minute video conference before the VR session to ensure everyone's connection is stable, and to introduce attendees if they are not already familiar.*
- Keep the VR Meeting Within 45 Minutes: Be mindful that being immersed in a VR environment requires concentration and focus, and could be tiring for some individuals, especially new VR users. If necessary, provide a 5-minute break after 45 minutes to allow attendees to regroup their senses before another "dive."
- Respect the VR Etiquette: Following simple rules of behavior, like waiting for everyone to join before flying around or making noise, will make the meeting more effective and pleasant.*
- The Host Shall Lead the Meeting: A designated meeting leader is essential to guide the group, resolve conflicts, and ensure everyone understands the discussion.*
- Allow Free Exploration Towards the End of the Session: Encourage participants to explore the model after the agenda is completed, as VR offers an opportunity to discover and understand new aspects of the project.*
- Debriefing the VR Experience with a BCF Check and a Questionnaire: Upon completing the agenda and exploration, gather feedback from participants, summarize decisions, and identify tasks for follow-up.*
- Analyze the VR Efficiency in the Meeting: To determine the effectiveness of VR meetings, gather data related to issues resolved, discoveries made, and travel cost saved.*
By adopting a structured approach for VR meetings in construction projects using openBIM and BCF, teams can collaborate efficiently to resolve design conflicts, coordinate trades, and review critical issues in a transparent and engaging environment. Centralized communication, version control, regular check-ins, and feedback loops can further optimize such meetings for improved collaboration and project success.*
*Based on Enrichment Data provided.
- Technology, such as Vrex and other VR-applications, plays a crucial role in facilitating effective Virtual Reality (VR) meetings, especially in construction projects.
- To successfully participate in a VR meeting, attendees may need to familiarize themselves with the technology and its tools, necessitating a how-to briefing session for new VR members.
