New computer simulation technology gives guided tour of venue to internet users.

Visitors to the Brighton Centre will be able to benefit from a view with a difference – a 3D guided tour of the building, without leaving their seats. Computer users will be able to explore a virtual view of the interior, thanks to the same technology that the local football team, Brighton and Hove Albion used to demonstrate the potential of their new stadium.

The new technology is the work of Brighton-based Makemedia with the company’s experience in the gaming and simulation industry standing it in good stead. Besides its work with Brighton and Hove Albion, the company has worked with several other local businesses as well as major corporates.

The Brighton Centre is increasingly using technology to showcase its potential as a conference and exhibition venue – it recently launched a mobile phone app to provide up-to-date information for conference delegates – and the new simulation technology will provide prospective clients with a real feel for the advantages that the Centre has to offer.

Work to develop the 3D virtual environment has already commenced and will be completed in August. It uses Unity3D and has been designed to work with every browser.

While the design of the Brighton Centre could have proved a tricky proposition, Makemedia believes that the layout of the building means an online tour is particularly interesting. “The nooks and crannies of the Brighton Centre will make it a more interesting environment to explore for users. Exploring the model will help them to know exactly where they are going when they visit the real Brighton Centre! It will also help those who are investigating hiring the venue get a real feel for the building,” said Laura Evans, Makemedia’s head of marketing.

“The Makemedia technology will be the perfect way to demonstrate the potential of the venue,” said Penny Parker, business and communications manager for the Brighton Centre. “In a competitive marketplace, features such as this 3D simulation will really help attract new clients and will help highlight some of the most attractive aspects of the Brighton Centre to event organisers.”