Virtual reality for urban planning
Researchers at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) are using virtual reality for participatory design processes. Their innovative tool is being trialled in the Gestalte Zürich project.
Researchers at ZHdK and ZHAW have developed an innovative tool for participatory urban design. Using virtual reality (VR), residents and those responsible are given the opportunity to experience planned redesigns virtually. For example, the effects of traffic-calming measures on street noise, space conditions or bicycle and pedestrian traffic can be experienced through the senses of sight and hearing.
In the Gestalte Zürich project, the researchers support the Zurich city administration in planning sustainable spaces in the city, explains the ZHdK in the project description. Gestalte Zürich is supported by the City of Zurich‘s Department of Urban Planning, the city’s Civil Engineering Department and the Zurich Transport Authority. Other practice partners are the organisations myclimate, umverkehR and Fussverkehr Schweiz. Prototypes of the VR tool could be tried out on 20 September at Zurich Park(ing) Day. The project, which will run until next year, is funded by the digitalisation initiative. Its aim is to strengthen cooperation between Zurich’s universities on the topic of digitalisation.