The Immersive Design Lab (IDL) at BNCA is a cutting-edge facility equipped with advanced Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. It provides a platform for students and faculty to create, design, and experience virtual environments, enhancing the architectural design process through immersive and interactive digital simulations.
In IDL, users can visualize and test their designs in a virtual space, enabling rapid prototyping, iteration, and simulation of real-world conditions. This capability allows students to explore various scenarios, refine concepts, and make informed design decisions with greater precision.
Key Features of the Immersive Design Lab
- Virtual Reality (VR) Stations: Experience immersive environments and simulations that allow interaction with digital models in three dimensions. These stations support architectural visualization, engineering prototypes, and virtual landscape explorations with unparalleled realism and interactivity.
- Mixed Reality (MR) Devices: Blend the physical and digital worlds with MR technology. Users can manipulate holographic objects overlaid onto real-world environments, facilitating innovative design collaboration and visualization.
- 360-Degree Camera: Capture panoramic views and immersive video footage with high-resolution 360-degree imaging. This tool is essential for documenting real-world environments, creating virtual tours, and developing compelling immersive storytelling experiences.
- LiDAR Scanner: Generate precise 3D models of real-world spaces using advanced LiDAR scanning technology. Applications range from architectural surveys to archaeological reconstructions, expanding the possibilities of spatial data collection and analysis.
Objectives of the Immersive Design Lab
- Empower Creative Exploration: Provide architects, designers, and students with cutting-edge tools to push the boundaries of digital creativity.
- Integrate Emerging Technologies: Establish a multidisciplinary approach combining VR, AR, MR, and AI to redefine architectural workflows.
- Advance AI-Driven Design Innovation: Foster research and development in AI applications for immersive architectural visualization.
- Promote Interactive Storytelling: Utilize AI-based visualization tools to craft dynamic, immersive, and engaging architectural narratives.
- Develop Site-Specific AI Methodologies: Create AI-driven frameworks that ensure context-aware, structured, and deliberate design approaches.
- Enhance Computational Design Proficiency: Equip participants with parametric and generative design skills using software like Grasshopper and Rhinoceros.
| Product Name | Quantity | |
 |
VR ready PCs | 15 |
 |
VR Oculus quest 2 HMD | 14 |
 |
Oculus Quest pro HMD
|
01 |
 |
Microsoft Hololens 2
|
02 |
 |
Insta 360 OneR camera
|
01 |
 |
Matterport Pro 3 camera
|
01 |
 |
Microsoft Azure IR sensor
|
01 |
 |
Revpoint 3 scanner | 01 |
Advancing Architecture with AI [ AA_AI ]
The Immersive Design Lab is dedicated to exploring the intersection of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architectural design. IDL’s mission is to integrate cutting-edge digital tools with structured design methodologies, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces creative decision-making.
With the rise of Generative AI in design workflows, the challenge is no longer just about using AI but mastering it with intent. While AI-generated prompts can inspire ideas, they often lack the specificity required for context-aware, site-responsive solutions. The Immersive Design Lab equips students with the knowledge and tools to command AI-driven design processes effectively.
AI in Architectural Practice: Specialized Workshop
The Immersive Design Lab offers a specialized workshop that introduces students and professionals to the latest Generative AI applications in architecture. This initiative, led by Deva Prasad, faculty in charge IDL , focuses on integrating AI into structured workflows to enhance precision and creativity in design.
Key Learning
- Exploring AI in Architecture: Study Generative AI applications developed at leading architectural firms
- AI-Powered Design Techniques: Gain insights into prompting, LoRAs, Seeds, Steps, ControlNet, and Denoising methodologies.
- Advanced Visualization Methods: Learn SDXL segmentation techniques for Photoshop and Rhino, enabling precise architectural visualizations.
- High-Resolution Outputs: Master Flux upscaling techniques for enhanced clarity in AI-generated designs.
- Multimodal Design Workflow: Integrate rendering tools with Forge SD, Photoshop AI, Comfy SD, and FLUX for a seamless AI-driven process.
- Next-Gen Architectural Workflows: Utilize LLMs and Diffusion models for structured, AI-assisted design development.
Students Works
COMING SOON
Design Viva Exam
Third year Students presenting their final Design Jury in Virtual reality environment with Oculus HMD’s to Examiners
Stay tuned for upcoming workshops, seminars, and events centered around immersive technology. We can’t wait to see what you create in Immersive Design Lab!
Come visit the Immersive Design Lab and unleash your imagination like never before!
Timing for Students – Monday to Friday- 3Pm- 5Pm with prior booking and appointment
IDL can be booked by sending a mail to bncamrlab@bnca.ac.in
Welcome to the BNCA Immersive Design Lab!
We are excited to have you as part of our vibrant community. To ensure a positive and collaborative experience, please familiarize yourself with the following general rules:
Booking of the IDL
Always book the IDL before use by sending a mail at bncamrlab@bnca.ac.in. This ensures a fair and organized allocation of lab resources.
Eating and Drinking in the IDL
Eating: Eating is not allowed inside the IDL to maintain cleanliness and protect equipment. You can enjoy your meals and drinks on the designated areas like the balcony.
Drinking: Drinking is permitted, but please use bottles only (no coffee cups). Take extra care to avoid spills on the floor and devices.
Cooling
Ensure the cooling system is turned on in summers if you are using the lab and PC’s.
Do not open the balcony door for ventilation when the outside temperature is warm, as the room is mechanically ventilated.
Turn Off Equipment Before Leaving
PC, Lights, and Fan: Ensure that all PCs, lights, fans and AC are turned off when you are not using the room or before leaving.
Projector
The projector should not run for more than 5 hours. Turn it off before leaving the IDL.
Tables and Chairs
Return any tables and chairs brought in from other areas to maintain a tidy and organized workspace.
Keep the chairs back in place
Maintain Silence
Please maintain silence in the lab to ensure a conducive environment for everyone working on their projects.
Duty of Care
Users are responsible for the infrastructure, XR equipment, and software in the lab.
Any damage or neglect of the duty of care will result in the responsible user being held liable.
Thank you for your cooperation and adherence to these rules. The BNCA Immersive Design Lab Team looks forward to your continued creativity and innovation within this collaborative space!
Deva Prasad
Faculty In-charge IDL
deva.prasad@bnca.ac.in
bncamrlab@bnca.ac.in
