A conceptual framework for multi-modal interactive virtual workspaces

Construction projects involve a large number of both direct stakeholders (clients, professional teams, contractors, etc.) and indirect stakeholders (local authorities, residents, workers, etc.). Current methods of communicating building design information can lead to several types of difficulties (e.g. incomplete understanding of the planned construction, functional inefficiencies, inaccurate initial work or clashes between components, etc.). Integrated software solutions based on VR technologies can bring significant value improvement and cost reduction to the Construction Industry. The aim of this paper is to present the research carried out in the frame of the DIVERCITY project (Distributed Virtual Workspace for Enhancing Communication within the Construction Industry - IST project n°13365), funded under the European IST programme (Information Society Technologies). DIVERCITY's goal is to develop a Virtual Workspace that addresses the three key building construction phases: 1. Client briefing (with detailed interaction client and architect); 2. Design Review (which requires detailed input from multidisciplinary teams - architects, engineers, facility managers, etc.); 3. Construction (aiming to fabricate or refurbish the building). Using a distributed architecture, the DIVERCITY system aims to support and enhance concurrent engineering practices for these three phases therefore allowing teams based in different geographic locations to collaboratively design, test and validate shared virtual projects. The global DIVERCITY project will be presented in terms of objectives and the software architecture will be detailed.

@Article{ADFGMSS01b,
  author       = {Aspin, R. and Dalto, L. and Fernando, T. and Gobbetti, E. and Marache, M. and Shelbourn, M. and Soubra, S.},
  title        = {A conceptual framework for multi-modal interactive virtual workspaces},
  journal      = {Electronic Journal of Information Technology in Construction},
  volume       = {7},
  pages        = {149--159},
  month        = {november},
  year         = {2001},
  publisher    = {Royal Institute of Technology},
  note         = {idxproject: DIVERCITY address: Stockholm, Sweden},
  url          = {https://publications.crs4.it/pubdocs/2001/ADFGMSS01b},
}