Proof-of-concept demo for collaborative machine room planning in virtual reality
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Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2021-06-14
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Master’s Degree Programme in International Design Business Management (IDBM)
Language
en
Pages
80 + 2
Series
Abstract
The use of 2D drawing in the elevator machine room planning has been a critical challenge in high-rise construction project. In this thesis, the use of a multi-user VR application in complex machine room planning process is investigated via case studies. Four real-life high-rise elevator projects from KONE in USA, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Indonesia are involved. The aim is to identify the benefits of multi-user VR from the user and business perspective and how this technology should be applied in the process. The study utilised design thinking model as the methodological framework. Interview and user testing with the emphasis on replicating real design review and construction planning tasks were conducted remotely to test the multi-user VR environment. The results suggest that multi-user VR has great benefits in the process. From a user perspective, the technology serves as an intuitive tool for complex design communication and planning as well as facilitates the collaboration between teams. Users’ confidence in the construction project is enhanced and critical design issues can be found easily in the early stage. From a business perspective, the use of multi-user VR saves cost and time by avoiding costly mistakes and increasing efficiency. Waste materials and the need for travelling decrease, which leads to a more sustainable collaboration within construction industry. Adopting the technology also enhances the company image. For early adoption, multi-user VR should be considered on a case-by-case basis with optimal use cases in de-sign review and construction planning. Overall, the study presents the view from the industry on the role of VR in construction project and contributes in closing the knowledge gap between academia and the industry. The results suggest the need of a true cost-benefit of implementing VR in construction companies. Be-sides, future studies should focus on establishing the fluid communication between BIM authoring tool and VR to facilitate the adoption of VR in the construction industry.Description
Supervisor
Hölttä-Otto, KatjaThesis advisor
Siltanen, SanniTurtiainen, Reetta
Keywords
multi-user VR, construction planning, collaboration, design review