Virtual Building concept

	Ben Wallbank, Architect, Project Director John Robertson Architects, London, UK
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The Virtual BuildingTM embraces the entire building industry and manages the entire information life cycle of buildings. Ben Wallbank from London architects JRA explains, through his years of hands-on experience, how integrating virtual modeling throughout the design process is the way forward.
Unlike a simple 3D model on a computer, the Virtual BuildingTM contains a great deal more information about the building's materials and characteristics. It is a 3D digital database that tracks all elements that make up a building. This information can include surface area and volume; thermal properties; room descriptions; price; specific product information; window, door and finish schedules; and more.

The Virtual BuildingTM model is useful for all professionals connected to the building industry - architects and residential designers, interior designers, real estate agents, facility managers and marketing staff. Working from the same Virtual Building as the architect, the real estate agent can easily obtain exact room dimensions and area calculations, present perspective views from any vantage and even invite prospects on a virtual tour of the building. Interior designers can begin working during the planning phase on the same Virtual Building model. After construction is complete, building managers are able to use the comprehensive materials list and integrated 3D partition plan to track building assets and modify spaces.