A Blueprint for Success: Architecture and Second Life

In the real world of Wisconsin, architect Jon Brouchoud and his team at Crescendo Design create custom homes and sell pre-designed plans for Springboard Homes, that, among other things, make energy efficient, 'green' design features more affordable. Jon and his team have found Second Life to be a great architectural tool. They use Second Life both within their company and among long-distance clients to create virtual designs and structures. "Second Life enables us to generate study models quickly, and it helps our clients visualize materials, colors, finish choices, and landscaping," he says.

"One of the most effective ways we've used Second Life is by including a Second Life model of the plans we sell online," Jon explains. "Clients can customize the materials, colors, and finishes to suit their tastes. It's a huge advantage for these clients to see the building first-hand. We had a client, for example, who really wanted a small house. We tried to explain that it was a little too small and that he'd need more space to be comfortable. But the client held fast to the idea of small. So we built the house in Second Life exactly as he wanted it, and then we walked through it with him."

Jon continues, "Almost immediately, he was saying: "Yeah, this is way too small. Let's open this wall. Let's add more space over here." Without the model in Second Life, we would not have been able to convince him. Although there are architecturally driven visualization programs out there, nothing gets you down into a first-person perspective like this. In Second Life, you're walking around with another person in the space. Not only that, but Second Life is free, and anyone can download it from any computer in the world."

"Even though our Second Life studio is in its infancy, it has already proven to be an effective sales tool and a tremendous benefit to our studio. We are able to offer a new dimension to our service-set that is nearly unprecedented in our field. By opening our virtual office, and developing Second Life Prefabs and custom designs, what used to feel like 'work' is now more like 'play.' "

Jon strongly recommends Second Life as a tool within any architectural or design firm. However, he advises thinking of Second Life as an immersive alternative to building a basswood study model rather than a replacement for architectural software.

"Build at least 1.5 or 2 times the real life size," he says. "Also, start by building in the Sandboxes but never bring clients there. Purchase private land for professional interaction. Start small. If you need to do a large-scale build, hire a seasoned Second Life builder to assist or consult throughout construction. Explore and contribute your design expertise to Second Life content as well. Stop in and meet other Architects at the Society for Virtual Architecture meetings every Monday at 6:00!" And then Jon adds: "Most important of all, have fun!" And clearly he and his team are.

Want to learn more about the Second Life Developer Program? This month alone, we've added 10 new developers to the Second Life Developer Directory. If you're at the stage where you have done contract work for others, consider submitting a listing.