2/5/2025 | 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Grand Peninsula D

Re-envisioning Paris landmarks - VR used to evaluate and judge architectural design competitions

Author(s)

Kevin Gilson | WSP

Abstract

In advance of the 2024 Olympics the City of Paris was looking to enhance the visitor experience and improve safety around many of its cultural landmarks. The City arranged several design competitions for redesign of the environs around the landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. The challenge was for the City and it’s stakeholders to evaluate the design entries and make an informed and fair decision on the chosen designer. Historically design competition entries have been artistic and conceptual, and very difficult to interpret equally and objectively. The City reached out to Autodesk, Inc. who is an industry leader in developing 3D infrastructure design and visualization tools. The WSP Visualization Group partnered with Autodesk, Inc. to develop an accurate, realistic, and immersive 3D model of the sites around the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. The team captured 3D LiDAR and photographic data for the site which was used to develop the 3D model with accurate terrain, building locations, and vegetation reflecting the existing condition. The WSP/Autodesk Team worked directly with the design competitors for each site to develop 3D models of the different design proposals and incorporate them into the overall site models in a consistent and uniform way. The models were developed in a realistic and immersive VR environment so that stakeholders could explore the sites and compare the design alternatives directly from multiple viewpoints and key site locations. HMD presentations were provided to the judging staff for the competitions along with the designer’s presentations. After a designer was selected the 3D VR models were then made available with desktop and HMD displays at public events and venues for visitors to see and experience the different designs in context.