Until very recently, the only way to get your Revit model to VR was to convert it to 3DS Max, then convert it again to Unity, a program designed to be used with the Oculus Rift. A lot of development occurred in the last year and it is now possible to experience your Revit model in VR without having to use a complicated workflow.

This means you can visualize your Revit Model in VR without the need to be a tech expert.

*2017 Update: we made a complete VR guide for Revit, check it out here.

Samsung Gear VR: Smartphone Based VR

Samsung released their consumer VR gear in December 2015. It is compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 5 as well as the Galaxy S6, S7 and S8. It works by plugging your phone in front of the device. The gear itself is only 99$, but you need to own one of these phones. If you do it is a very cheap and great way to experience VR. As opposed to HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, you don't need a computer, so it has the advantage of being an experience you can carry with you and easily try with a client.

Alternately there is a cheap 15$ Google cardboard that also works with most recent smartphones. I got dizzy and nauseous after 5 minutes of use, so I honestly don't recommend it whatsoever.

Samsung Gear VR: starting at 99$ (+ required smartphone)

Oculus Rift + HTC Vive: Computer Based VR

The Oculus and HTC Vive are both computer based, meaning they need to be plugged on a computer. Both these devices are created mostly for gaming. Most VR specialists I talked to think HTC Vive is a better device, but it is more expensive.

In an Autodesk demo I tried recently, they gave you a controller that shot a laser when you pressed the button. The laser could be used to reconfigure the furniture of the living room and interact in many ways with the environment. This experience is very addictive, and once it is over you just want to start over again.

The downside to these devices is that will need a powerful graphic card and a high-end computer, besides the high cost of the device itself.

Oculus Rift: 499$

HTC Vive: 799$

Static VR - Stereo Panorama

This is the most basic and easiest way to use VR with your Revit models right now. In fact, if you have a Building Design Suite with Autodesk and you have cloud rendering credits, you can use them right away without further modifications to the model to produce a VR panorama. This will produce a static 360° view that will move along your head with the VR device. You cannot move the observer. Click here for more info. It can be used with any of the devices listed above.

Dynamic VR - Walk Around Your Model

If you want to walk around your Revit model, you need the help of third-parties app. At Autodesk University 2015, I had the opportunity to try many of them.

One of the dynamic demo I tried was by IrisVR. They have recently introduced a plug-in that brings your Revit model to VR in one click. You can use a controller to move, interact with object, adjust daylight, etc. This is a good out-of-the-box option that can work very well for small to medium architecture business.

The other demo I tried was by WorldViz, a bigger company involved in many fields. They had a demo in which you were matched against an opponent, throwing boxes at each other. Their offer for architects seems a little more customized. They don't have a one-click to VR option, you have to use their software or work directly with their team.

Revizto is another great software that recently introduced VR to their software. It requires the Oculus Rift.

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