Insights from verto360
The Next Big Thing (sort of)
Andrew Lutowicz, President, Verto360
November 7, 2024
Curious what the next big thing will be, in the world of architecture, engineering and construction (ACE)?
Well, actually, the next big thing is already here. It has been - in plain sight - for quite some time.
We’ve been talking about it for years and yet, at best, it sputters along in fits and starts.
It’s the answer to some of today’s biggest challenges in design and construction and has the potential to lead us to the undiscovered world of tomorrow. A better, easier, and more efficient tomorrow.
But we can’t seem to see it. Let alone give it a try. Why?
We’ve told ourselves stories like: it’s too expensive, it’s inferior, there are design limitations or logistical obstacles.
These stories are not rooted in the next big thing’s ability to deliver. Their origin stems from policies, procedures and practices that don’t allow us to:
- Compare the whole costs of one form of construction to another in an apples-to-apples way.
- See past old stereotypes or mindsets.
- Understand that we have close to limitless design possibilities, versus a menu of set choices.
- Be able to see and quantify the efficiencies embedded in the process of doing something differently.
Yes, I’m talking about prefabricated construction - but with a key difference.
That difference is the technology that drives the process. Technology that saves us time and money over the entire journey. That delivers exceptional results with a much higher level of fit-and-finish. And that surprises and exceeds everyone’s expectations.
Many of these technologies extend well beyond the proof-of-concept stage and now have deep roots within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
The visual aspect of these technologies are often referred to as XR, AR, VR or MR.
Autodesk acquired a company out of California called The Wild in 2022 and are aggressively pitching these technologies to be used on a daily basis in the AEC industry.
And here’s the good news: at Verto360, we’re already doing that. And we have been for years. And when you partner with us, you and your project will benefit.
I wrote my first blog about VR back in 2018, the same year Verto360 started to use VR technology in our process. Our partner, DIRTT, has been using VR for almost 15 years and AR since at least 2019.
I’ve been waiting patiently for these technologies to get put to good use, more often. But here’s the thing. If architects and designers don’t embrace the AR, VR, XR and MR - technologies that drive prefabricated design - then the construction side of it will never happen. And the benefits it offers will never be fully realized.
Why?
Because, when projects are specified using the traditional course, and prefabricated solutions are applied post-design development model, they don’t fit.
Square pegs don’t fit into round holes.
It’s called off-site construction precisely because all design decisions need to be made before any on-site documentation is created.
And here’s the even better news: you don’t have to go it alone. Verto360 is here to help you get your next project off on the right foot. Both during design development through to execution and beyond.
At Verto360, we aren’t just building spaces. We’re building the future. And we’re invested in the success of your project just as much as you are - here to support, collaborate and deliver every step of the way.
Are you ready for the next best thing? Get in touch with us for a free consultation.