Immersive reality. Extended reality. Augmented reality. Whatever you want to call it, it is safe to say technologies like virtual and mixed reality are here to stay in the AEC industry.
As architecture, engineering, and construction firms around the country work to integrate some form of extended reality into their daily work flow, anyone with a background in the technology is quickly becoming invaluable. Which means firms may want to keep an eye on the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as it recently became the first college in the country to offer a four-year degree in what it refers to as ‘immersive reality.’
See Also: Virtual Reality: How three firms are using VR technology
The program, which launched with the Fall 2018 semester, combines coursework, classroom experience, and sponsored SCADpro projects to provide students with technical skills across physics, scripting, programming, and visual effects compositing. According to the programs webpage, “With an understanding of all facets of the design process, [students] develop and produce narrative-driven experiences and programs across immersive reality platforms.”
Students will be taught on industry-standard tools, which includes a full suite of VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Samsung Gear. The new degree program is one of three new SCAD B.F.A. programs recently launched.
Related Stories
AEC Tech | May 9, 2016
Is the nation’s grand tech boom really an innovation funk?
Despite popular belief, the country is not in a great age of technological and digital innovation, at least when compared to the last great innovation era (1870-1970).
Virtual Reality | Apr 29, 2016
NBBJ to develop virtual reality productivity platform
The Seattle design firm has partnered with Visual Vocal, a startup VR company.
Augmented Reality | Apr 21, 2016
Is mixed reality a more exciting prospect than virtual reality? Movie director Peter Jackson thinks so
Magic Leap and Microsoft’s HoloLens are just two examples of mixed reality technology on the horizon that are determined to blend the real world with the stuff of dreams.
Building Tech | Apr 12, 2016
Should we be worried about a tech slowdown?
Is the U.S. in an innovative funk, or is this just the calm before the storm?
Virtual Reality | Apr 8, 2016
Skanska will use Microsoft HoloLens to lease planned Seattle high rise
The mixed reality headset will allow people to take a holographic tour of the building while keeping visual contact with the leasing representative.
AEC Tech | Mar 15, 2016
Two to tango: Project Tango isn’t just for entertainment, it also has a wide range of possibilities relating to the professional world
Making things like augmented reality, precise measurements of indoor spaces, and indoor wayfinding possible, Google’s Project Tango has all the makings to become a useful and ubiquitous tool in the AEC market.
Augmented Reality | Feb 17, 2016
Startup Meta unveils holographic augmented reality prototype
The startup is an underdog in the AR battle but has a range of investors and fans.
BIM and Information Technology | Jan 27, 2016
Seeing double: Dassault Systèmes creating Virtual Singapore that mirrors the real world
The virtual city will be used to help predict the outcomes of and possible issues with various scenarios.
Augmented Reality | Jan 19, 2016
Will Generation Virtuals' office be a pair of glasses?
A waning need for office buildings may be on the horizon, thanks to the possibility of working remotely via new technologies like Google Cardboard, writes HDR's Rachel Park.