The Visualization Lab at the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning is a research and learning facility that allows one to “enter” 3D digital simulations (virtual models) of buildings, cities and landscapes, whether they physically exist or are in the planning stages. It enables individual Virtual Reality encounter and group meetings and discussions over virtual displays and elaborates on the traditional architecture design studio.

Established in 2013, the Visualization Lab includes a concave screen eight meters wide with a 75 degree field of view that can project a uniform and continuous image, which facilitates a virtual “trip” to the displayed environment. In addition, the Lab is equipped with stationary and mobile VR headsets.

The Visualization Lab is the first of its kind in Israel and is among the leading laboratories in the world that can share a virtual immersion experience. The advanced virtual tools in the lab enable researchers to create better building methods for the development of smarter, resilient buildings and environments. The lab also supports communication between architects, engineers, and builders, providing the advanced tools needed to create digital representations at all stages of the building process and to simulate real-world performance. One benefit of such methods is less waste in actual construction, the removal of costly design errors and conflicts between building systems. The Visualization Lab makes it possible to experience a building before it is built.

The Visualization Lab is used for research by faculty members and students pursuing advanced degrees and is being integrated as a teaching tool in the faculty’s studio courses. The lab is capable of supporting new work processes in the design studio and new research directions.

The lab is located at the Second Floor of Amado Building, adjacent to the Computer Lab. To coordinate a use of the lab, please contact Doron Zur or Haim Singer.

The academic director of the lab is Assoc. Prof. Dafna Fisher-Gewirtzman.