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"Our ability to set up rapid interactive prototypes using the Igloo makes it a powerful tool for experimenting with design ideas.

Being able to critique an actual space rather than a flat rendering gives us better feedback and makes the design process more effective."

The product

The Igloo immersive space at NBBJ is a state-of-the-art visualization tool designed to transform how its teams and clients experience architectural designs.

The space itself is a 270° six-meter cylinder comprised of five Epson projectors, a slick video-conferencing solution for dialling in remote participants, and a sliding curtain to cut out natural light and noise when needed.

The whole space is of course powered by Igloo Core Engine, our software platform for immersive spaces, and NBBJ takes full advantage of its features and functionality to get the most out of its immersive content.

Users get to step inside digital renderings, videos, virtual walkthroughs and interactive presentations, making the Igloo a versatile solution for design reviews, project planning, and client presentations.

The Igloo’s flexibility and ease of use enables design firms like NBBJ to seamlessly integrate immersive visualization into their workflows, enhancing collaboration, decision-making, and client engagement.

The result

Since the install, NBBJ has significantly enhanced both internal workflows and client presentations.

By allowing designers and clients to experience architectural spaces in an immersive environment, NBBJ has transformed traditional flat renderings into dynamic, three-dimensional visualizations. This has resulted in several benefits including,

  • Enhanced Client Engagement: For clients unfamiliar with traditional architectural drawings, the immersive nature of the Igloo helps bridge the gap, enabling them to experience the design rather than merely envision it. This has proven especially valuable during schematic design reviews and project planning sessions, where clients can view different design options side-by-side, making quicker and better informed decisions.
  • Improved Internal Workflows: Internally, the Igloo serves as a digital bulletin board and an interactive hub for design teams. It allows them to review projects in an immersive format, fostering better feedback and more collaborative review sessions. The technology has been seamlessly integrated into the workflow, with minimal effort required to adapt existing digital content for the Igloo environment.
  • Efficient Project Planning and Prototyping: The Igloo is used for project planning meetings, where design teams interact with digital content directly on the Igloo canvas. Additionally, design teams use the space for rapid prototyping, taking advantage of the easy-to-use setup to test and visualize interactive projections quickly.
  • Flexible Presentation Capabilities: The ability to host remote participants through the integrated video conferencing system further extends the versatility of the Igloo. NBBJ can conduct hybrid meetings where off-site stakeholders can view both the canvas and the physical space, allowing for more inclusive design discussions. 
  • Event Space and Showcasing: The Igloo has become an integral part of NBBJ's New York office, featuring prominently in client tours and industry-wide events. It serves as a showcase for NBBJ's work, enabling the firm to present projects and design processes in an engaging, visually impactful way.

Going forward

NBBJ plans to continue expanding the use of the Igloo far beyond its current functions.

The firm is exploring the development of a more customized digital bulletin board, allowing the office to better showcase and share work across different teams, as well as design ideation using generative AI. It is also developing custom applications for overlaying content on top of Matterport scans, which could significantly enhance construction administration processes by enabling virtual walkthroughs and note-taking within the space.

The firm sees continued growth in the Igloo’s use for everyday workflows and is committed to finding new ways to integrate immersive technology across all stages of the design process.

Testimonials

"The Igloo makes it easy to involve both design teams and clients together in the same space, enhancing collaboration."

"For project planning, having an immersive space where we can interact directly with the content on the canvas is invaluable."

"The Igloo enhances our ability to show clients different design options side-by-side, making it easier for them to choose the right direction."