Explore Revit models in VR with Unity Reflect

Unity Reflect makes it easy to bring Building Information Modeling (BIM) data into virtual reality (VR). Learn how you can use the Unity Reflect VR Viewer to conduct immersive design reviews with Autodesk Revit models.

This blog post is about Unity Reflect, a product targeted at our architecture, engineering and construction audience. Read this blog for updates on Unity’s XR platform support.

The value of VR in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is well documented. It provides an unrivaled medium for gathering rich feedback, catching design flaws, and reducing the need for physical mockups. Studies have shown construction professionals are twice as likely to spot design errors when reviewing designs in VR versus PCs. 

Unity is the leading platform for creating content for AR and VR applications. Unity’s AEC customers use VR for a wide range of use cases, from conducting immersive walkthroughs that help their clients catch errors pre-construction and save hundreds of thousands of dollars on individual projects, to creating immersive training programs that lead to safer job sites.

Unity Reflect in VR

One of our customers’ favorite parts of Unity Reflect is how it simplifies the process of bringing AEC projects into augmented reality (AR) and VR. With Unity Reflect and its native integration with Revit, you can:

• Instantly prepare and deploy multiple Revit models for VR
• Shorten revision cycles by having changes in Revit update in VR in real-time
• Make BIM data accessible to clients and other key stakeholders

HTC VIVE Pro is the first VR system to be compatible with Unity Reflect out of the box. You can also import your projects into the Unity Editor to extend the functionality of the VR Viewer or deploy to other VR platforms supported by Unity, including Oculus and Windows Mixed Reality. 

Try Unity Reflect for free for 14 days

Unity Reflect VR Viewer

The default interface for the Unity Reflect VR Viewer includes seven buttons, two of which are exclusive to the VR Viewer: BIM Viewer and Mini World. We plan to make this functionality available in PC and iOS Viewers in the future.

Let’s dive into what you get out of the box in the VR Viewer.

BIM Viewer

Unity Reflect preserves BIM data from Revit, making it possible to place this rich information into the hands of clients, consultants, and project leaders. The BIM Viewer lets users select any object within the model and instantly get a holistic view of its associated BIM data (e.g., length, volume, width, and description).

BIM Filter

In addition, you can access different aggregated views of BIM data. With BIM filtering, you can toggle the visibility of BIM data and hide or isolate various components of the project.

Sync with Revit

This opens a live connection between Revit and Unity Reflect. Every change in Revit is updated automatically in the VR Viewer, helping close gaps between revisions and meetings.

Mini World

Mini World shows your model on a smaller scale, helping you see the big picture. You can scale and rotate the Mini World view based on your preferences.

Projects

Easily toggle between multiple projects that you have federated from Revit. Bringing a new project into VR is as simple as selecting

Screen Mode

Activate or disable the VR Viewer.

Settings

Switch between different levels of visual fidelity to optimize performance.

Navigating models in VR

The Unity Reflect VR Viewer offers two ways to explore your model: Fly or Teleport. You can use them separately or in tandem to explore the interior and exterior. For instance, you can use Fly to travel to different floors of a model and Teleport to navigate within different parts of the floorplan.

Teleport

Teleport mode lets you quickly move around large areas by pointing an arc where you want to go. This is the easiest navigation option to use, especially for project reviewers who are new to VR. Pro-tip: If you want to travel longer distances, press the trigger on the controller to double the length of your teleport arc.

Fly

Fly mode lets you take flight and navigate the model from a bird’s eye view. Pro-tip: Press the trigger on the controller to fly twice as fast.

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Want to bring your Revit models into VR? Get a free trial of Unity Reflect now. 

Don’t forget to check out more information about Unity Reflect on our blog, FAQ page, and product page. You can also learn how to use Unity Reflect with this free course on our official learning platform or book an in-person training workshop for your team.