GIZMO REVIEW
This new virtual reality tool is changing the way we view architecture and design
Testing out a new virtual reality tool
Building your home, even if you have an army of architects and interior designers at your disposal is stressful. One is never certain of the end result, till you actually see the brick and cement building. What if we told you that you can walk in, access and see the space much before the actual project gets completed with virtual reality? But is virtual reality as good as the real thing? Do you truly get a sense of the space and dimensions? Does one still have to visualise the colours and styles?To answers all these questions and more, we went for a firsthand experience with Trezi, a virtual reality product developed by SmartVizX.
The session begins with an explanation about how to navigate using a joystick and what to expect. Then the headset is tightened, placed on you and the screen is calibrated. That’s where the theory ends and the virtual experience begins.
It takes a while to get a hang of how to move in the virtual world. I managed to get stuck mid air, behind a door and outside the house a few times before working it out. The experience would be completely different if the architect or interior designer is in the virtual world with you. So, does it feel real? Yes, you can even look under the sofa or the table and measure the space between the bed and the window. It allows you to view the interiors and exteriors from every possible angle. There’s even an option to see how the sunlight will fall down from the skylight or through a window at different times of the day. And if you want to make changes to the wall’s texture, paint or colour, furniture style and type, shape of windows or the placement of a plant, notes can be made or your architect/ interior designer can make those changes in real time.
Any cons? If the headset isn’t correctly placed on you, vision can blur. And if you are not used to virtual reality gear, once you take it off, you might experience a slight headache. All in all, it’s a wonderful experience.
AT www.trezi.com