Summary

Some judges in Mississippi have been part of a pilot project launched by the General Services Administration (GSA) to use virtual reality in the design process.Judges use 3D glasses to view stereographic representations of the new court in Jackson long before its construction. The pilot project sponsors hope that through this process, the design team and the client can identify problems with sight lines, lighting, and materials before the court is built, to avoid adjustments or change orders and requests.

Each judge gives preferences with respect to the geometry of the room and the placement of elements such as bench, the tables of the defendants and plaintiffs, the steps of the jury and the witness stand. The judges met with the design team in imaging studies of Disney to test sight lines and to analyze the lighting project.During the virtual meeting with the design team, the various elements of the court could be moved and reorganized based on feedback from the judges and others.

After obtaining the response of the judges, GSA Hardy and refined a number of design elements, including lowering the rail that obstructed the view at the top of the bench, and the CAVE sessions also helped to determine where to put tables of the defendants and plaintiffs.

To validate the acoustic characteristics of the design, GSA relied on a model of 3D sound acoustic modifications in the court of Jackson included changing the shape of some surfaces and adding absorbent material to improve clarity in voice and diction heard in court.

Marantz feels that the experience was valuable. "We were able to arrange a half dozen issues - none of which was fatal. But he gave us the opportunity to improve the design "

The challenge now lies with the GSA to refine the process of feedback.  