Project Correl is a collaborative experiment in multi-presence virtual reality (VR) illustrating the development of complex assemblies inside virtual space. A shared, digital extension to our physical reality that proposes a dynamic new relationship between human creators and machine logic. Powered by Unreal Engine, Project Correl demonstrates the possibilities of emerging immersive technology in architecture.

Founded in 2014, ZHVR Group is working to shape immersive VR technology for architectural design, including real-time modelling and visualisation tools. 

ZHVR Group is focussed on the production of VR as a design tool and researching the potential of specific technologies that can enhance the architectural design process.

Partnering with leaders in the development of immersive software and hardware technologies: Unreal Studio, HP Virtual Reality Solutions, NVIDIA and HTC VIVE, ZHVR Group combined room scale tracking with high powered graphics capabilities to develop Project Correl for ZHA ‘Design As Second Nature’ exhibition at the University Contemporary Art Museum (MUAC) in Mexico City.

Project Correl invites visitors to the exhibition to collaborate in real-time, experiencing scale and digitally augmented design to collectively build a virtual structure that will grow over the coming months. Progressive iterations of this digital structure will be captured and exhibited in the gallery as scaled 3D-printed models.

Visitors will be immersed in the virtual environment with up to three others at the same time, moving freely in digital space to select, scale and place components according to their preference and a dynamic set of rules assigned to act depending on the chosen scale of the component. "This is possible thanks to Unreal Studio, the free real-time technology that helps architects visualize our most creative ideas," explains Helmut Kinzler, head of ZHVR Group.

While the virtual construction components and the guiding principles informing the placement algorithms have been designed by ZHA, the scale of the components and their position of placement is entirely up to the visitor.