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“Having the models up on a real-time screen enables clients to make decisions quickly and confidently – a game-changer in our fast-paced environment.

This setup isn’t just a display – it drives us to think more creatively about how we present and narrate our design choices.”

The product

Tranquility, named after an observation deck on the International Space Station, is a 360° immersive space where complex 3D models can be explored and refined in real time, fostering faster decision-making and more accessible, engaging presentations.

This space, named after an observation deck on the space station, serves as a collaborative environment where both internal teams and clients can engage deeply with project designs, viewing, adjusting, and annotating models in real-time.

Back in 2019, we installed a high-spec cylinder, equipped with:

  • An Igloo Immersive Media Player, our all-in-one solution that takes any content, from any source, and puts it into an immersive space
  • Our Igloo software – at the time of installation, SHoP used our original software suite, but has since transitioned to use our new platform, Igloo Core Engine
  • Six ultra-short-throw laser Epson projectors, for minimal shadowing and super-sharp, super-bright imagery

From large-scale presentations to intimate design reviews, the Tranquility Room enables project teams to work through various design elements and spatial concepts quickly and effectively.

The result

Tranquility has transformed SHoP’s approach to both design review and client engagement. With the room, SHoP is able to present more dynamic and layered visuals than traditional slide decks, allowing for a holistic view of their projects in progress.

This has been especially valuable in client presentations, where it enables stakeholders to assess the spatial scale, make design choices confidently, and engage in collaborative decision-making, leading to accelerated decision-making.

Taking clients through 360° walkthroughs provides them with a true sense of scale and design, boosting confidence in final decisions and resulting in more considered designs that align with client expectations.

Furthermore, the communal aspect of the room has addressed the often-isolating experience of VR headsets, making 3D immersive presentations a shared, inclusive process.

Tranquility has also proven invaluable for SHoP’s internal training programs. All SHoP employees undergo training to operate the space, giving project teams autonomy to use it as needed, whether for immersive 3D walkthroughs, project pinups, or client presentations.

This broad accessibility has ensured the room’s usage as a staple tool in SHoP’s workflows, driving efficiency and fostering creativity, and is one of many reasons the room is still a success five years later.

Since its installation, SHoP Architects has consistently praised Tranquility highlighting its transformative impact on their design process and client interactions. Its continued investment in the Igloo system is a testament to the strong customer relationship and satisfaction, highlighting the effectiveness of the solution in meeting their evolving needs.

“Having that quick desktop-like experience is really useful for the less technical members of staff who just want to get in and use it. We can just say, click on there to load up your space and then just go with whatever lesson plan you already have.”

Going forward

Looking ahead, SHoP Architects is set on deepening the capabilities of their immersive space through features like interactive functionality within their 3D models and own applications, allowing for in-depth annotations and real-time modifications to geometry.

Plans to incorporate motion-based interactions, such as hand gestures, are also in the works to make the Tranquility interface even more intuitive. SHoP envisions further integration between the Igloo system and its 3D pipeline, creating an increasingly seamless design experience that bridges the gap between digital and physical design.

We look forward to checking in with SHoP again in a few years' time to see its continued success with the Igloo immersive space.

Testimonials

“We no longer have to rely on flipping through slides. Instead, we can present everything in a 360° view, making design communication much more engaging.”

“Our digital models flow seamlessly into Tranquility, letting us utilize our Unity-based models in real-time, which is invaluable for iterative design.”

“The room allows us to navigate our 3D models with ease, evaluating design choices more intuitively and helping clients experience spatial scale in a direct way.”