Preview of design by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh
DIEPENBEEK – POM Limburg is launching a Virtual Reality (VR) experience that allows visitors to literally walk along the future walking trails at Limburg DC, designed by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. The VR simulation, developed by UHasselt, will be showcased for the first time on October 6 during Open Bedrijvendag.
The new walking trails, designed by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, known for projects such as Reading Between The Lines in Borgloon, will connect key areas of campus Limburg DC, including the Health Campus and the Construction Campus. In addition to their functional role, the trails are designed with respect for the natural environment, allowing users to enjoy the surrounding nature.
According to Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg, nature restoration and biodiversity are central to the campus’s development. “These paths contribute to our ambition to preserve and strengthen the existing natural environment,” says Vandeput. “They enhance mobility and make the campus more attractive to both visitors and users.”
Pieterjan Gijs of Gijs Van Vaerenbergh agrees: “One of the main principles is to preserve the existing nature as much as possible and remove as few trees as necessary. As a result, the path takes on a winding shape in various areas and is wrapped around the trees. The route and its irregular movement create a varied experience. For example, you walk along a willow edge by an open field, a pond, and various ‘forest rooms.’ This meandering elevated path introduces campus users to the natural area in a new way. They are guided through special places, fostering a slower, more mindful experience of this wild environment. The route, elevated path, and framed views set the stage for the surrounding nature.”
3D design and VR technology
In addition to the traditional 2D design, a 360-degree virtual representation of the walking trails has been created. The terrain was mapped in detail using advanced technologies such as 360-degree photography. The Expertise Center for Digital Media at UHasselt experimented with these data to develop a photorealistic VR simulation. “Visitors can already take a virtual walk along the new trails using a VR headset and treadmill, even before they are physically constructed,” says Tom Vandeput.
“Until now, VR headsets were mainly used for static scenarios, such as 360-degree videos, or for less photorealistic content, such as 3D environments in VR games. Thanks to recent advancements, users and developers can now freely explore fully photorealistic environments. This technology, which is still evolving, offers an affordable way to capture real scenes with commercial cameras and generate new photorealistic imagery,” explain Nick Michiels and Lode Jorissen of EDM UHasselt.
Digital twin of Limburg DC
The VR experience is part of a broader project to digitize Limburg DC. In collaboration with knowledge institutions on the campus, POM Limburg is working on the development of a ‘digital twin’—a digital replica of the campus that can simulate future projects. This tool helps to better understand the impact on the environment, resources, and costs, as well as to conduct mobility simulations. The ultimate goal is to transform Limburg DC into a ‘smart campus.’
“Thanks to the digital twin, we can plan projects more accurately and reduce the risk of unexpected costs or delays,” says Tom Vandeput. “This leads to more efficient execution of future construction projects on the campus.”
Experienced contractor
The public contract for constructing the walking trails has been awarded to Wegenis- en Rioleringswerken De Dender, a contractor with experience in similar complex projects, such as the island garden at the Botanical Garden of Meise. The waiting period runs until October 15. The works, expected to take a year, will be carried out with respect for nature. The construction zone is strictly defined to minimize environmental impact.
