GDP ARCHITECTS GET A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
WHO ARE GDP?
Leading Malaysian architectural firm, GDP Architects (GDP) are innovators and are recipients of dozens of awards in recent years, including the prestigious 2012 RIBA International Award. With buildings like the University Teknologi Petronas, The Troika and Pavilion KL, GDP have proven themselves to be among the world’s most successful architectural practices.
WHY VIRTUAL REALITY?
Few architects in the world have jumped on the Virtual Reality (VR) bandwagon which, at first sight, is mystifying. GDP, however, have blazed a trial in the Far East by investing in a Virtalis ActiveWall 3D VR display system and Virtalis’ Visionary Render software. The decision to deploy VR technology came from GDP’s CEO, Kamil Merican.
“GDP is the first architectural firm in Malaysia to have and to use this virtual reality facility. VR was a natural progression for us, especially within the BIM sphere. Although our ActiveWall has only been installed for a short time, it has already been extremely useful for technical reviews and in co-ordination with other project consultants.” Kamil Merican, GDP CEO
THE VR KIT
GDP’s VR suite features a Virtalis ActiveWall with a 4.4 m wide by 2.3 m high screen to create an interactive and immersive experience in a virtual world. Virtalis’ Systems Delivery Team installed a Christie projector with ART tracking, including both head and hand tracking, to follow an immersed user’s movements. Software-wise, GDP settled on Virtalis’ Visionary Render which takes 3D CAD data and transforms it into 3D stereoscopic VR models that can be explored immersively and interactively in real-time. GDP also added Virtalis Exchange, which seamlessly translates CAD, and the Virtalis StereoWorks Control System.
THE BENEFITS
“Although architects design in 2D and 3D, VR technology adds another dimension for both designers and our clients to have a better sense of the space and volume. This added dimension allows us to evaluate the quality of spatial volume created and by using that process as a new canvas for our design development.”
Ahmad Nazari, architect at GDP
Once the new system is bedded in, GDP has plans to use its new VR facilities to collaborate with other architects and engineers across the globe and they are shortly to try real-time 3D design reviews using the Virtalis Viewer.
“Our new VR kit is a powerful design tool. There’s no question that being immersed in the virtual space and interacting with huge amounts of data is a significant progression – both GDP staff and clients have been impressed by the experience. Being able to experience the designed space before it is built helps our clients make critical decisions in large-scale projects.”
Ahmad Nazari, architect at GDP