Spatial visualization of building components

The new age of computer graphics and the Internet, and the advancement of new technologies, forces the design environment of construction to undergo rapid changes. Such changes require good IT skills and a high level of Spatial Visualization Skills (SVS) for those who are training to use CAD environments. These skills deal with the ability to visualize 2D-3D information, and are considered to be more essential than ever to ensure success in any engineering studies. According to literature, SVS can be gained over time through experience and visualization of construction processes. However, individuals who are undertaking CAD courses, with no or little knowledge of 3D concepts, often face difficulties in translating 2D concepts to 3D concepts. Therefore, it is important to promote educational tools that enhance the spatial visualization skills of CAD users. This paper describes a virtual learning environment, which provides an online interactive Virtual Reality (VR) training system, for enhancing the SVS of CAD users. Meanwhile, this system also provides a database of virtual building components for construction and built environment students when facing difficulties in learning building concepts of two-dimension drawings and three-dimension objects, using Web3D technology.