Yet another successful event was held at UP Town Center Amphitheater with the handling of ASAPHIL-UP’s Arkistry team headed by Andre Gutierrez and Kara Reyes. Sponsored by I AM Cardboard PH and Sun Life Financial Philippines, REALITY X: A Virtual Reality Experience offered its audience a taste of modern technology. The event covers one of ASAPHIL-UP’s main thrusts, which is architectural education. By contacting companies from its community partner, VR Philippines, the team was able to contract exhibitors – namely VR LAB PH, Narra3D.ph, Altitude, and Ubiquitous Computing Laboratory.
It is a known trend to see people using VR in different fields.
But first, what is Virtual Reality? How is it projected and what is its purpose?
Virtual reality, or VR for short, is also termed as immersive multimedia or computer-simulated reality. The user of this computer technology experiences a replication of an environment artificially created by means of involving the senses. Virtual Reality can be a simulation of the real world, or imagined situations and places developed from the inventiveness of its creator.
The first virtual reality systems were goggle-based with holographic recording of illusory experiences of the senses. The most recent virtual realities are projected on screens of computers or mobile phones. Smartphones have been in use because of it user-friendly interface. VR apps from Google Play are available for free to download. VR can also be displayed with the use of virtual reality headsets, which are designed for this sole purpose. Simulations focusing on real sensory information are achieved through additional devices such as headphones for sound replication.
Uses of virtual reality have expounded throughout the years. Before it was only used for but now, it has extended its services in education, military training, video games, fine arts, archaeology, architectural design and heritage, urban planning, therapy, leisure, marketing, and media.
As the advancement of the digital industry paved the way for this event, thousands of people have their eyes caught in virtual reality for its developing potential. It can be seen from the audience that this platform has harnessed an interest in the fields of architecture, entertainment, and tourism.
Many have tried using VR headsets for playing games. Plenty participated in the talk that was conducted in the afternoon. Some strolled around to check the booths and a few won prizes for participating in the raffle. Among the audience are students of architecture, mainly with motives of exploring 3D manipulation of design features. A family of four takes a picture to be printed in 3D and a professional can be spotted making abstract art out of the Tilt Brush at the corner. From kids to grandparents, there’s no exception in using these inventions. This only proves that virtual reality is for everyone, disregarding age limits or occupation.
With dozens of enterprises focusing on virtual reality, the development of technology escalates with vast possibilities. Services of this advancement continue to increase as the exploration of its practical uses are examined further.
Whether used for recreation or for profession, virtual reality promotes culture in a high-tech manner. One can say humanity is one step closer to a virtual world.
