Comparing Virtual Reality and 2-Dimensional Drawings for the Visualization of a Construction Project

Abstract

In recent years, advanced visualization tools for the representation of construction projects has gained increased attention from educators and industry practitioners. As they become more receptive to such technologies, it is important to quantify and compare the impact of these technologies on users’ visual cognition of building representations. This study performs a quantitative comparison of users’ cognitive performance when using 2-dimensional (2D) drawings of a structure versus using a BIM-based immersive virtual reality (VR) model of the same structure. Participants were asked to complete visual tasks using the VR platform and the 2D drawings. Findings suggest that visual information depicted in VR is more effective in terms of one’s perception accuracy and memory. The study concludes that the immersive VR tool is suitable for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) students and professionals, even those with low spatial ability, facilitating learning and enhancing conventional 2D representations.