The new market of the city of Ponte de Sôr, which will create an area for startups and creative companies, was presented through an Immersive Virtual Reality experience developed by ISTAR-IUL‘s D.L.S. group.

Using a Head Mounted Display (HDM) it was possible for everyone who went to the ‘Flavours Fair’ to navigate virtually in the future market building of the city and in the surrounding areas. This technology ensures full immersion and a sense of presence that is impossible with any other representation method. According to the architect João Monteiro, author of the architectural project "This method of seeing a future space has enormous potential for communication with clients and lay people in architectural codes". Immersive virtual reality gives the user the experience of being in a real space. The user can walk virtually to their liking by choosing the route and looking in all directions.

"I noticed once again that plans, cross-sections, elevations and even models are not understood by most people, but in this virtual environment they understand the space perfectly", said Sara Eloy, who led the team of researchers that adapted the architecture model for virtual reality and accompanied the demonstration.

This partnership between ISCTE-IUL, the João Correia Monteiro architects’ studio and Ponte de Sôr City Council made it possible for all its residents to gain thorough knowledge of the new space that will arise from the renovation of the city's market that will revitalize the city.