We tested VR design review and LiDAR documentation workflows across 24 renovation projects in Istanbul (2023-2025). The result: spatial miscommunication—the kind that causes "I thought this room would feel bigger" change orders—dropped from 28% to 8%.
The gap between digital model and built reality remains architecture's greatest challenge. Traditional 2D drawings and screen-based 3D fail to communicate spatial experience. Clients approve floor plans they don't understand, then complain during construction.
Our methodology combines three technologies: LiDAR scanning for rapid as-built capture (replacing 2-day manual surveys with 30-minute scans), VR immersion for 1:1 client walkthroughs (replacing screen-based reviews), and AR on-site verification (catching coordination issues before they become expensive fixes).
Key finding: VR doesn't solve technical problems (MEP clashes, structural conflicts)—it solves perceptual problems. Clients who experience space at 1:1 scale make faster, more confident decisions.
Our Workflow (Step-by-Step)
LiDAR Capture
iPhone Pro LiDAR scanning replaces tape measures and manual surveys. A typical 60m² apartment takes 15-25 minutes to scan, producing 800K-2M points at ±2cm accuracy.
VR Environment Build
Point cloud or CAD model imported to Unity via Rhino.Inside. We build low-poly environments (not photorealistic) focused on spatial accuracy, not texture fidelity.
Client VR Session
Client wears Quest 3 headset and walks through proposed design at 1:1 scale. They can place sticky notes, test furniture alternatives, and immediately flag concerns.
LiDAR Capture: Point cloud detail showing sub-2mm accuracy on ornamental facade elements.
VR Review Session: Client manipulating building model with floating analytics panels.
What We Discovered
Spatial change orders dropped 72%: From 28% baseline (screen-based review) to 8% (VR review) across 24 renovation projects
72%Client decision time cut in half: Average time-to-approval from 4.2 weeks to 2.1 weeks
2×LiDAR survey 80% faster than manual: Traditional survey 1-2 days vs SpaceCraft LiDAR <1 hour
80%AR catches 90% of on-site conflicts before they become expensive fixes
90%What We Didn't Test
Sample size (n=24): Statistically underpowered. Patterns visible, but not at p<0.05 confidence.
Renovation-only: 22 of 24 projects were renovations. New construction under-represented.
Low-poly only: We tested spatial VR, not photorealistic. Does visual fidelity matter? Unknown.
Istanbul-only: Cultural factors (client expectations, construction practices) may not generalize.
Need VR/AR for Your Project?
We offer VR design review sessions and LiDAR scanning services for architects and developers.