Enhancing Urban Planning Education with VU.CITY at Glasgow University

Before the integration of VU.CITY into their curriculum, University of Glasgow grappled with the complexity of finding user-friendly software that would facilitate simple building modelling without demanding extensive training. Additionally, the visualisation of development proposals within the existing urban fabric posed a challenge, as students struggled to grasp the intricacies of site perspectives and angles.

This case study delves into the journey of  University of Glasgow in addressing these challenges, exploring the motivations behind opting for VU.CITY as a comprehensive solution. We will delve into the specific features and capabilities that impressed the university, shedding light on the transformative impact the platform has had on academic practices. Furthermore, we will take a look at how the students themselves have been using the platform in their studies.

Through this exploration, we uncover how VU.CITY has become an invaluable asset in narrowing the gap between novice designers and seasoned professionals, ultimately transforming the way the University of Glasgow approaches the teaching of urban planning and development projects.

Challenges Faced Before VU.CITY

Before incorporating VU.CITY into academic practices, University of Glasgow encountered several challenges in the realm of architectural, urban planning, and development projects. One primary challenge was the difficulty in finding software that was easy to use for simple building modelling without requiring extensive training. The existing market for such software primarily catered to architects and designers, making it challenging to meet the specific needs of planning and real estate students.

Another obstacle was enabling students to visualise their development proposals within the existing urban fabric without the complexity of intricate modelling and photography. Some students grappled with visualising sites from various viewpoints and angles, hindering their understanding of how their proposals fit into the broader context.

Why VU.CITY?

The University of Glasgow opted for VU.CITY as a solution due to its impressive features and capabilities. The decision was influenced by:

Easy-to-use Building Modelling: VU.CITY offered a user-friendly interface for simple building modelling, aligning with the university's goal of avoiding extensive training.

Contextual Visualisation: The ability to visualise architectural and urban design within the context of the existing built environment, with options to adjust for time of day and year.

Embedding Planning Policy: VU.CITY's digital twin of Glasgow included the embedding of planning policy, providing a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape.

Glasgow-specific City Model: The platform offered a Glasgow-specific model, incorporating both existing structures and development proposals, allowing students to work within a familiar context.

Flexibility: The capability to add new buildings, remove existing ones, and explore 3D views of the city enhanced the flexibility and adaptability of the platform.