This year, the first six students successfully completed their bachelor studies at the FAST BUT Institute of Building Structures, whose exams took place in augmented and virtual reality.

The students presented their designs for the Bachelor's State Examinations using special glasses and several connected devices, including a large screen and a projector. They described and explained the chosen structural system, materials, layout and energy solutions, ventilation, heating, furnishings or the use of a particular building layout. Two of the examiners joined the virtual environment during the examination, walked through the building together and had space to ask questions and complete the work according to the opponent's judgement. 3D models can be decomposed in virtual reality (VR) into individual structural elements, layers or sections to show specific solutions and details. Everything is done in real time. In addition, the examination committee could also open the project documentation on their computer or tablet at any time using a QR code.

"The VR approach to design represents a major shift in the design of civil engineering structures. Students can now present their designs with a continuity and detail that was not possible before, plus they perceive everything on a realistic scale. Virtual and augmented reality not only allows for the visualisation of building design solutions, but also for interactive tours of them. This innovative way of designing and presenting pushes the boundaries of our field and brings new possibilities for teaching and practice. I am excited that our students have the opportunity to use this technology and believe it will greatly enhance their readiness for real-world design practice and give students a significant competitive advantage. I am glad that my colleagues and I found students who were not afraid and wanted to try what will be the standard in the future," says professor Jan Pěnčík.

Technology and sustainability in one

The official defence and exam was preceded by several rounds of rehearsals, where the students could practice the technical aspects of presenting their work, practice working with headsets and virtual reality controllers and other devices, so that everything would run smoothly. "Of course there were technical difficulties, as with everything new. We dealt with software licenses that are not designed for academic environments, large data volumes, compatibility of all connected devices, importing different file formats or kinetosis of more sensitive individuals. But it turned out great and it's just the beginning," sums up the fine-tuning phase of the details, says PhD student Vojtěch Vaněk, who helped the first group of students prepare for the exams and served as secretary on the exam committee.

The students designed their bachelor projects with the principles of sustainable construction in mind. Their designs focused on the use of modern, environmentally friendly materials and technologies, energy-saving solutions and an environmental approach.

Gaming for construction

"There is no room for error in 3D, we had to draw and model more carefully than if they were conventional printed drawings. We were nervous, but not because of the virtual reality, more because of the overall state exams," the students summarise the preparation and the course of the exams. For them, this innovation means a new level of interaction and understanding of the field. Some of them were still getting to grips with the control interface, but because the virtual environment of construction projects is very similar to a game environment, they had no problem finding their way around.

The main benefits of using virtual and augmented reality in the education of future civil engineers include increased engagement, better visualisation of complex design solutions and the opportunity to practice in a safe virtual environment. Learners can instantly react, modify models and demonstrate alternative solutions. This way of working is more dynamic and interactive than traditional methods, leading to better understanding and deeper knowledge. In addition, learners gain valuable experience with technologies that are already changing their future work.

The future has begun

The Department of Building Structures plans to continue with thesis projects next year after the success with the undergraduate projects. "Soon enough, building design will be extended more to the cloud and artificial intelligence will help with regulations and legislative standards. It will automatically monitor and supplement them. A building information model (BIM) in a virtual environment will allow real-time adjustments to the project with a click or a hand movement," outlines the future of the construction industry, with David Bečkovský as one of the supervisors of this work. He also praises those who took part in the pioneering project, "They said they mainly needed to study questions for exams and wouldn't have time for VR, but in the end they went for it, even though they had many times more work to do on the project."

All the teachers agree that this direction of modernising work in the construction industry is inevitable. It will improve and speed up not only the design itself and the necessary input from related disciplines, such as structural engineers and others, but also the process of obtaining planning permission or presenting to clients.



BIM (Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management) is an accurate digital footprint of a building and contains all information about it throughout its entire life cycle - from design, through construction, operation and disposal. It enables real-time collaboration between all professions and improves decision-making in all phases and areas of the building's existence.