A conceptual framework for multi-modal interactive virtual workspace

Aspin, R; DaDalto, L; Fernando, T; Gobbetti, E; Marache, M; Shelbourn, M; Soubra, S

Abstract

Construction projects involve a large number of both direct stakeholders (clients, professional teams, contractors, etc.) and indirect stakeholders (local authorities, residents, workers, etc.). Current methods of communicating building design information can lead to several types of difficulties (e.g. incomplete understanding of the planned construction, functional inefficiencies, inaccurate initial work or clashes between components, etc.). Integrated software solutions based on VR technologies can bring significant value improvement and cost reduction to the Construction Industry. The aim of this paper is to present research being carried out in the frame of the DIVERCITY project (Distributed Virtual Workspace for Enhancing Communication within the Construction Industry - IST project n°13365), funded under the European IST programme (Information Society Technologies). DIVERCITY's goal is to develop a Virtual Workspace that addresses three key building construction phases: (1) Client briefing (with detailed interaction between clients and architects); (2) Design Review (which requires detailed input from multidisciplinary teams - architects, engineers, facility managers, etc.); (3) Construction (aiming to fabricate or refurbish the building).Using a distributed architecture, the DIVERCITY system aims to support and enhance concurrent engineering practices for these three phases allowing teams based in different geographic locations to collaboratively design, test and validate shared virtual projects. The global DIVERCITY project will be presented in terms of objectives and the software architecture will be detailed.

Citation

Aspin, R., DaDalto, L., Fernando, T., Gobbetti, E., Marache, M., Shelbourn, M., & Soubra, S. (2001). A conceptual framework for multi-modal interactive virtual workspace

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2001
• Deposit Date: Jan 9, 2009
• Journal: Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITCon)
• Print ISSN: 18744753
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Pages: 149-162
• Keywords: Virtual environments, product modelling, construction industry, client briefing, design review, construction planning
• Publisher URL: http://www.itcon.org/2001/11
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Special issue: 'Information and communication technology advances in the European construction industry'