Vrex: Project coordination in the AEC Metaverse

Everyone in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry knows that effective communication is the key to successful project management. With the increasing adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), project teams have access to powerful 3D models that contain a wealth of project data. This is a huge step forward towards the integration of all stakeholders into the planning process. How can we ensure everyone has the easiest access to the virtual modesl and can make the maximum use them, from architects and engineers to clients and contractors? Enter Vrex, a AEC Metaverse platform for construction that’s transforming how we meet in buildings long before they are built, share and understand projects on a new level.

Every project involves a diverse group of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, each with varying levels of technical expertise. Traditional communication methods, such as 2D drawings and reports, can be inadequate for conveying complex designs, leading to frequent misunderstandings. In turn, this results in wasted time, money, and materials.

In 2018, FMI Corporation undertook a survey that indicated that 52% of rework is due to miscommunication, and 59% of delays are attributed to either miscommunication or lack of information. They also found that directors and managers spend around 13 hours a week addressing mistakes that could have been avoided. Furthermore, 35% of project time is spent on sub-optimal activities that pull the project in the wrong direction. Clearly, the AEC industry needs a more inclusive and intuitive way to present and discuss project details.

By using multiuser VR technology, Vrex addresses these issues head-on, ensuring that every team member can fully grasp the project’s complexities, regardless of their technical background. Vrex is a powerful, yet intuitive, VR collaboration platform tailored for the AEC industry. It allows you to seamlessly import your BIM models and experience them in a 1:1 scale virtual environment. Imagine walking through rooms, evaluating sightlines, getting a true sense of space, understanding complex technical details and solutions– all before a single brick is laid. The beauty of Vrex is its accessibility – there’s no need for extensive VR training or BIM expertise. With Vrex, anyone on your team can easily navigate and understand complex 3D models, fostering a shared understanding of the project.

By enabling users to “walk through” 3D BIM models as a group of people, Vrex transforms complex data into a highly valuable social experience that is easily comprehensible by all stakeholders, regardless of their technical proficiency. This immersive experience ensures that everyone, from project managers to clients, can visualize and interact with the project as if it were already built, leading to a clearer understanding and better decision-making. Combining BIM models, point clouds and city models Vrex offers access to all kind of 3D data available in the project.

The benefits of using Vrex are significant. According to surveys across 700 projects, 92% of users reported increased confidence in their decisions after using VR, and complex topics were understood 375% faster and better when compared to traditional screens. This enhanced understanding reduces rework and errors, with projects finding on average three more costly mistakes per VR session that were not identified using traditional methods. In one sample project, 52 issues were identified in just two hours using VR, despite the model being presumed ready for production. This proactive identification saved an estimated 350,000 euros in rework and fines. By removing the barriers of traditional communication methods, Vrex fosters an environment where ideas can be shared freely, and potential issues can be identified, documented and resolved earlier in the process.

For Allplan and Bimplus users, Vrex offers seamless integration, allowing you to easily transfer your models into the VR environment. This means, you can leverage the full power of your BIM data within Vrex, streamlining your workflow and maximizing the value of your models.

Vrex is more than just a VR tool; it is a real Metaverse solution: a catalyst for better communication, collaboration, and decision-making in construction projects. By making complex 3D models accessible to everyone, Vrex empowers teams to work more efficiently, reduce errors, and deliver projects that exceed expectations. As the AEC industry continues to evolve, embracing immersive technologies like Vrex will be crucial for staying ahead of the curve. If you’re looking to enhance communication and streamline your BIM workflows, Vrex is a powerful solution worth exploring.