ENHANCING VISUAL COMMUNICATION IN AEC INDUSTRY THROUGH BIM, VISUALIZATION AND VIRTUAL REALITY

Understanding space is fundamental to exploring design possibilities in architecture. To enhance the design process and improve spatial comprehension, a workflow integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM), visualization technologies, and Virtual Reality (VR) is proposed. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the contribution of immersive visualizations in enhancing the communication of architectural design and enriching the processes of BIM data management and use, particularly for educational and knowledge-oriented purposes. The process begins with an ontological sketch that describes space from a conceptual perspective and supports the digitalization of the design concept through dimensional documentation, including floor plans, elevations, and sections, developed using BIM-based software such as Autodesk Revit. This makes it possible to obtain a data-driven representation of space. To produce an accurate visual replica of existing spatial conditions, rendering software such as Enscape is employed to generate high-fidelity static visualizations. For further validation, a point cloud of the space may be acquired through spatial scanning and integrated into the Revit model, enabling a measurable assessment of deviations between the physical and digital environments. For an immersive understanding of the designed space, Virtual Reality devices such as Meta Quest provide an interactive experience through real-time model synchronization. This enables students, designers, and other stakeholders to evaluate and refine design decisions more effectively, while supporting the BIM process and promoting interoperability across the different stages of the workflow, ultimately contributing to the development of better-performing buildings.