Virtual Reality and the Built Environment：Practical implications.pdfVIP

6 Practical implications Many of the organizations involved in the design, produc- tion and management of the built environment are project- based (Gann and Salter, 2000). They are involved in a portfolio of projects, using their skills and expertise on each project over its finite lifetime. In this final chapter we look at the use of virtual reality within these organizations and explore practical implications of its use. We have seen how the Schools of Cartography in the Borges (1946) story became interested in the Map the size of the Empire, without regard for its application. In contrast, the professionals interviewed in this book are not interested in virtual reality itself. Instead, they are inter- ested in what they can do with it. As the case studies show, some leading organizations are using virtual reality to differentiate their products and services within the sector. Others are using it to diversify their interests and exploit new market opportunities for spatial design skills. Virtual reality provides professionals with an interactive,