A Virtual World Application Visualizing the Building Code

International Residential Code The International Residential Code was first published by the International Code Council in 2003 in an effort to consolidate codes used in the U.S. 2006 edition is 600+ pages Primarily text and illustrations such as this one

The International Residential Code was first published by the International Code Council in 2003 in an effort to consolidate codes used in the U.S.

Gettting from Code to House + + = Requires Human Interaction & Understanding

Virtual Worlds allow for 3-D visualization In a virtual world, we can build a home that shows the code and distributes code requirements

Code translation examples: This bathroom is located in the code house. Clicking the info button distributes a note card with specific requirements.

Examples of illustrating egress requirements

Work in Progress Some other ideas: Script object for interaction: lights turn on/off, water faucets stream water, etc. Pull out specific components with more detailed displays. For example a glazing display that demonstrates specific areas in which tempered glass is required.

Some other ideas:

Code training opportunities Some other ideas: Training code inspectors Training builders not only on code but on construction methods or installation requirements Training the public

Some other ideas:

Ultimate Build Out Construct code homes for different codes/countries Construct eco-code homes to illustrate differences between them and standard code homes Offer space for suppliers to demo/display their products

Construct code homes for different codes/countries

Construct eco-code homes to illustrate differences between them and standard code homes

Offer space for suppliers to demo/display their products

Benefits? Challenges? Benefits include : Easy to access Cost effective Easy to change/edit Allows for collaboration Easy to export images/illustrations Open 24/7 Challenges are : Perception of the interface – the idea that this is a “game” Not enough people yet in virtual worlds to allow for faster implementation

Benefits include :

Easy to access

Cost effective

Easy to change/edit

Allows for collaboration

Easy to export images/illustrations

Open 24/7

Challenges are :

Perception of the interface – the idea that this is a “game”

Not enough people yet in virtual worlds to allow for faster implementation

Contact Information The code house is located on Public Works Island in Second Life Second Life Avatars: Pam Renoir (Pam Renoir) Brand Woodin (Martin Brown) E-mail: [email_address] Website: www.publicworksgroup.com Twitter: pbroviak

The code house is located on Public Works Island in Second Life