ZHdK and ZHAW use virtual reality to design cities

Researchers at ZHdK and ZHAW have developed an innovative tool for participatory urban design. Using virtual reality (VR), residents and those responsible are given the opportunity to experience planned redesigns virtually. For example, the effects of traffic-calming measures on road noise, space conditions or bicycle and pedestrian traffic can be experienced through the senses of sight and hearing.

In the Gestalte Zürich project, the researchers support the Zurich city administration in planning sustainable spaces in the city, explains the ZHdK in the project description. Gestalte Zürich is supported by the Office for Urban Development of the City of Zurich, the Municipal Civil Engineering Office and the Zurich Transport Authority. Other practice partners are the organizations myclimate, umverkehR and Fussverkehr Schweiz. Prototypes of the VR tool could be tried out at the Zurich Park(ing) Day on September 20. The project, which will run until next year, is funded by the digitization initiative. Its aim is to strengthen cooperation between Zurich's universities on the topic of digitalization. ce/hs