In 2004 we started using immersive 3D projection systems and interactive real-time visualization for several design studies of large construction projects. At that time, we collaborated with the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering in Stuttgart using their 6-sided CAVE projection system. The stereoscopic projection made it possible to carry out architectural visualization on a 1:1 scale.
Since at that time there were no sufficiently well-functioning systems available, we started the development of our own interactive real-time application, which was used as a central tool in the design review and coordination process of the Makkah Clock Project.
With the development of a layer-based data structure and an efficient pipeline for data conversion, the 3D planning data including all revisions from 50 specialist planners and executing companies were merged into a single database. With the use of a 3D immersive projection system design changes were visualized immediately and planning errors identified at an early stage.
Interactive real-time visualization has become an integral part of our design and construction methodology.