Virtual Reality for Planners

Virtual reality (VR) is changing the practice of planning. This track teaches the techniques and software necessary to use VR in urban planning. Course instructor Chase Mullen, director of design visualization at MIG, gives an overview of the elements that lead to urban design simulations that enable users to explore urban design scenarios. The track covers the step-by-step process for using software tools SketchUp and Unity to build a virtual reality model and concludes with a discussion about integrating virtual reality into the urban design workflow and managing its use with public stakeholders. Each course in this track is approved for AICP CM credit.

Virtual Reality for Planners 1: Introduction

Virtual reality presents urban planners with a unique tool to create immersive virtual experiences that can inform visioning processes, design decision-making, and community engagement. Learn about the evolution of virtual reality technology, its key vocabulary and logistics, the benefits of virtual reality over traditional media, and what the future of public engagement may hold.

45 Mins
AIA CES
AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

Virtual Reality for Planners 2: Modeling in SketchUp

This course provides a step-by-step SketchUp tutorial and teaches users how to create content appropriate for a virtual reality environment. Viewers will learn how to optimize the performance of their software and ensure success in the next steps of the process, including final model export to Unity.

72 Mins
AIA CES
AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

Virtual Reality for Planners 3: Working with Unity

This course provides a high-level overview of the process involved in creating a virtual reality application and teaches viewers how to assemble a virtual reality application from scratch using Unity how to make the process as successful as possible.

64 Mins
AIA CES
AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

Virtual Reality for Planners 4: Refining the End User Experience

Creating a VR experience is one thing, but managing its use at public events and integrating it into the urban design workflow is an extra, separate step. This course considers the bigger picture and covers a few ways to fine-tune the user’s experience for maximum success.

74 Mins
AIA CES
AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

Course Instructors

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