flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Startup PocketCake aims to bring virtual reality simulations to the AEC masses

Startup PocketCake aims to bring virtual reality simulations to the AEC masses

Founded in 2012, the development firm offers custom virtual reality simulations for the price of a typical architectural illustration.


By PocketCake | February 26, 2014

PocketCake is working with some of the nation's top architectural and engineering companies, converting their 3D models into stunning virtual reality simulations using the Oculus Rift.

PocketCake's simulations offer first-person interaction from the comfort of a laptop. You are in the driver's seat. From homes and churches to stadiums and fairgrounds, nothing enhances a client's - or an architect's - conception of a project better than virtual reality.

Instead of an abstract blueprint process, a virtual reality simulation ensures your concepts look exactly as you envisioned them. For a price that's comparable to traditional architectural illustrations, a prospective client can have an immersive 3D experience in which they inhabit real space, walking wherever they like.

BIM technology, once a rarity in the architectural industry, is now mainstream as a majority of buildings are crafted digitally. Virtual reality is the next logical step for BIM. PocketCake can also convert point cloud data into a mesh that's usable in a virtual reality environment.

PocketCake is currently developing a proprietary product called VRSCA (Virtual Reality Simulation Converter Assembly), which will allow architects and engineers to easily navigate up to four people through a virtual space at the same time and host up to 32 viewers remotely.

PocketCake, founded in November 2012, specializes in virtual reality simulations and custom mobile app development.

 


The firm uses the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset to immerse clients in project designs. 

Related Stories

Laboratories | May 24, 2024

The Department of Energy breaks ground on the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center

In Princeton, N.J., the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has broken ground on the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center (PPIC), a state-of-the-art office and laboratory building. Designed and constructed by SmithGroup, the $109.7 million facility will provide space for research supporting PPPL’s expanded mission into microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. 

MFPRO+ News | May 24, 2024

Austin, Texas, outlaws windowless bedrooms

Austin, Texas will no longer allow developers to build windowless bedrooms. For at least two decades, the city had permitted developers to build thousands of windowless bedrooms.

Resiliency | May 24, 2024

As temperatures underground rise, so do risks to commercial buildings

Heat created by underground structures is increasing the risk of damage to buildings, recent studies have found. Basements, train tunnels, sewers, and other underground systems are making the ground around them warmer, which causes soil, sand, clay and silt to shift, settle, contract, and expand.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 23, 2024

The Cincinnati Open will undergo a campus-wide renovation ahead of the expanded 2025 tournament

One of the longest-running tennis tournaments in the country, the Cincinnati Open will add a 2,000-seat stadium, new courts and player center, and more greenspace to create a park-like atmosphere.

Mass Timber | May 22, 2024

3 mass timber architecture innovations

As mass timber construction evolves from the first decade of projects, we're finding an increasing variety of mass timber solutions. Here are three primary examples.

MFPRO+ News | May 21, 2024

Massachusetts governor launches advocacy group to push for more housing

Massachusetts’ Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll have taken the unusual step of setting up a nonprofit to advocate for pro-housing efforts at the local level. One Commonwealth Inc., will work to provide political and financial support for local housing initiatives, a key pillar of the governor’s agenda.

Building Tech | May 21, 2024

In a world first, load-bearing concrete walls built with a 3D printer

A Germany-based construction engineering company says it has constructed the world’s first load-bearing concrete walls built with a 3D printer. Züblin built a new warehouse from a single 3D print for Strabag Baumaschinentechnik International in Stuttgart, Germany using a Putzmeister 3D printer. 

MFPRO+ News | May 21, 2024

Baker Barrios Architects announces new leadership roles for multifamily, healthcare design

Baker Barrios Architects announced two new additions to its leadership: Chris Powers, RA, AIA, NCARB, EDAC, as Associate Principal and Director (Healthcare); and Mark Kluemper, AIA, NCARB, as Associate Principal and Technical Director (Multifamily).

MFPRO+ News | May 20, 2024

Florida condo market roiled by structural safety standards law

A Florida law enacted after the Surfside condo tower collapse is causing turmoil in the condominium market. The law, which requires buildings to meet certain structural safety standards, is forcing condo associations to assess hefty fees to make repairs on older properties. In some cases, the cost per unit runs into six figures.

Office Buildings | May 20, 2024

10 spaces that are no longer optional to create a great workplace

Amenities are no longer optional. The new role of the office is not only a place to get work done, but to provide a mix of work experiences for employees.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category

Laboratories

The Department of Energy breaks ground on the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center

In Princeton, N.J., the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has broken ground on the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center (PPIC), a state-of-the-art office and laboratory building. Designed and constructed by SmithGroup, the $109.7 million facility will provide space for research supporting PPPL’s expanded mission into microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. 




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021