Editorial: special issue on use of virtual world technology in architecture, engineering and construction

摘要

The rapid development of World Wide Web and the dominance of networked computers for information transfer and communication have enabled the rise of online computer games and recently the virtual worlds. Virtual worlds, which are similar to the computer games with which they share technology, take their participants called residents to new places beyond the physical and geographic limitations of the real world. Residents become producers of content in the virtual world, designing and developing the environment around their own interests. This virtual world technology can offer significant benefits for AEC disciplines from 3D walkthroughs, interactive visualisation, through virtual collaboration, design and planning to education, and training. The special issue is aimed to provide insights into the use of virtual world technology in AEC and includes seven papers with authors representing institutions in Australia, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, UK, and the USA.