Livable Cities Studio’s Yishuen Lo recently partnered with another emerging professional, Anna Dillé, to present the latest in virtual reality technology at the Rocky Mountain Region’s ProGreen EXPO. Yishuen and Anna shared their experience on successfully launching virtual reality (VR) processes at landscape architecture firms, integrating VR as core part of the design process, and developing VR training programs for design staffs.

Three key components in implementing virtual reality for landscape architecture firms include technology, people, and process. Yishuen stressed how technology such as VR helps emphasize designing with an eye toward people and users, rather than objects and forms in landscape architecture, public realm design and architecture.

Through Yishuen’s leadership, VR and 3D modeling has been built into Livable Cities Studio’s DNA. VR is used early and often to study creative ideas, analyze how spaces feel and make decisions in real-time. Best of all, it can be used as an engagement tool to communicate with non-designers and build rapport with stakeholders, community members, and clients.