PRESS RELEASE 

Release date: 4th November 2014

Virtual Reality brings learning to life

Visitors, students and staff at a recent university open day were able to experience a new science facility ahead of construction thanks to the use of a virtual reality application. 

Wolverhampton University appointed 3D and Building Information Modelling (BIM) expert SEEABLE LLP, to carry out the project ahead of construction on the academic institute’s new science facility, enabling a recent open day to run with minimal disruption. 

The intuitive application produced by SEEABLE meant that prospective students were able to experience how the new facility will look once construction is completed. The project, which utilised the unique SEEABLE app and a games controller, allowed users to easily manoeuvre though data projections and explore the new science facility from BIM data. 

A sister company of chartered geomatics specialist Severn Partnership, SEEABLE enables non technical access to BIM data, hosting it in a games engine powered app and augmenting it with information, images and interactive features to communicate in an intuitive manner.  For Wolverhampton University, this enabled prospective students to explore first hand the building layout and design of the new science facility from original scanned information. 

Whilst the use of virtual reality within the construction sector is still in its early stages, the latest project carried out by SEEABLE also holds future potential for attracting prospective overseas students, unable to attend open days due to transport logistics. By utilising this technology, educational establishments can hold interactive open days with overseas students, allowing them to explore an entire campus through a simple internet connection.

Virtual Reality is growing in popularity and fast becoming a useful tool amongst marketing teams as a way to showcase construction projects in a safe manner, away from actual construction sites, which come with a number of dangers and safety issues

Of the recent Wolverhampton University virtual reality project, Dr Nigel Moore, Partner at SEEABLE LLP said: “When Wolverhampton University told us they wanted to be able to showcase their new facility at their open day but work was not yet complete, we immediately identified the potential to utilise SEEABLE and display original building information through Virtual Reality.

“Not only did it enable the university to display its new facility ahead of construction, this technology can also be really useful to marketing teams to aid stakeholder engagement in a building project. Virtual Reality through SEEABLE can help marketing teams deliver presentations away from the danger of building sites and give an accurate view of a building’s completed infrastructure. The possibilities for this, particularly in the education sector are huge and we are working to develop this service even further.”

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About SEEABLE LLP

SEEABLE LLP is a sister company to the established Chartered Geomatics company Severn Partnership Ltd. By using the 3D laser scanning and 3D modelling skills of Severn Partnership, SEEABLE is able to create new 3D models and Building Information Models (BIM) from scratch where no data exists. Severn has been surveying since 1983 and laser scanning as early adopters since 2004.

About Severn Partnership

Severn Partnership is a firm of Chartered Land Surveyors with offices in London and Shropshire. The company has a reputation established over 30 years for providing a high quality professional service. The company surveys, measures and monitors to produce high quality plans, sections, elevations – all the way to 3D and Building Information Models (BIM). It works throughout the UK and overseas, utilising the latest robotic survey equipment, 3D laser scanning technology & 3D modelling software, backed up by a wealth of survey expertise and experience. Severn Partnership’s mission is to deliver a professional and personal service, regulated at all times by RICS standards and underpinned by strong ethical standards.

For further information, please contact:-

Dr. Nigel Moore, Partner, SEEABLE LLP, on 08700342222 or email nigel.moore@seeable.co.uk

Nick Blenkarn, Partner, SEEABLE LLP, on 08700 34 2222 or email nick.blenkarn@seeable.co.uk

or John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 02476520025 or email john@bridgepr.co.uk