
WDBE UPDATES // WDBE Talks episode 12 released
The Importance of Immediacy: Talking BIM, VR/AR, and Supersensor Integration with Rune Huse Karlstad.
In this episode of WDBE talks, we sat down with Rune Huse Karlstad of Varjo Technologies to talk through the real-world use of VR/AR hardware and the capacity for BIM technologies to integrate and visualise sensor data to help add value for clients. Our discussion covered the increasing role VR headsets play for the sector, obstacles to adoption, and what Covid 19 revealed about the reality of where we are with tech implementations.
Guest of this episode:
Rune Huse Karlstad is the Business Developer for AEC, Oil, and Gas with Varjo. After starting his career as a skilled construction worker, Karlstad became an advocate for BIM technologies after retraining as a BIM Construction Engineer at Fagskolen Oslo. This led to him operating as a BIM Technician with Rambøll and BIM Co-Ordinator with ADF Gruppen before focusing on design review, sites inspections, and remote collaboration.
You can meet Rune at WDBE 2021 Summit on September 28, 2021, where he will be a keynote speaker. You can review our program and register for the event at WDBE.org.
Get your ticket to the WDBE Summit 28–29 Sept 2021 (199€ + VAT)

“I think people underestimate the potential of actually experiencing your models in 3D. Look at how things are done today – it’s 3D models on a 2D plane, just a computer screen. That can make it hard to fully understand the design layout and for clients to engage with. It’s often difficult for them to relate that to a drawing or understand the space they’re given when starting to work on a project. Using 3D models and virtual reality allows us to experience the models one-to-one scale as they would if the building were finished. It’s a huge benefit, especially when it comes to the time it takes for everyone to understand the basics and get feedback. People can lose days looking at paper drawings and not fully get the grasp of what you’re building or what you’re getting. But being inside VR? It’s much more efficient.”
Our discussion covered:
– The real-world benefits of deploying BIM and VR in unison
– The importance of securing quality client feedback
– The challenges of tech implementations during Covid
– The need to remove obstacles to adoption for VR/AR technologies
– Future threats and opportunities for the industry
Listen the WDBE Talks podcast!
(also on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and other platforms)

More Updates
Digital sensors can make construction more sustainable – BLOXHUB and ConTech Lab announce a Special Session at WDBE Summit
WDBE UPDATES // New Special Session at WDBE SummitSpecial Session at WDBE Summit – Digital sensors can make construction more sustainableAt the WDBE Summit on 28–29 September, the event's Danish collaborators BLOXHUB and ConTech Lab (Molio) will organise a 45 minute...
WDBE-talks: Contemporary Supersensing: Discussing Client-Led Implementation
WDBE UPDATES // WDBE Talks episode 11 releasedContemporary Supersensing: Discussing Client-Led Implementation with Danielle Dy BuncioIn this episode of WDBE Talks, we sat down with Danielle Dy Buncio of VIATechnik to discuss the role sensor technology has when it...
WDBE-talks: Urgency and Scale: Discussing the Importance of Human-Led Supersensing
In this episode of WDBE Talks, we sat down with Dr. Sofie Pelsmakers of Tampere University to discuss the role of sensor technology in the modern built environment and the continuing need for sustainable change within the contemporary built environment. Our conversation covered the need to address the ‘performance gap’ within the sector, the ethical issues surrounding data capture, and obstacles impeding change.
Urgency and Scale: Discussing the Importance of Human-Led Supersensing with Sofie Pelsmakers.
In the run-up to WDBE 2021, we talked with Dr. Sofie Pelsmakers, the Associate Professor for Sustainable Architecture and Sustainable Housing Design at Tampere University. Our conversation covered the importance of implementing human-led sensor technology, the need for continuous research, and the role urban supersensing can play when it comes to sustainability and improving quality of life.
WDBE-talks: Closing the Loop – Discussing Automation and Realtime Supersensing
In this episode of WDBE Talks, we sat down with Brian Ringley of Boston Dynamics to discuss the role robots can play on-site when it comes to scanning and data capture. Our conversation covered the challenges of operating autonomously in construction, the importance of digital twins, and the renewed need for remote site access in a post-covid world.
Closing the Loop: Discussing Automation and Realtime Supersensing with Brian Ringley
In the run-up to WDBE 2021, we sat down with Brian Ringley, Boston Dynamics’ Construction Technology Manager. Our discussion covered the technical challenges involved in implementing robots on construction sites, the obstacles standing in the way of autonomy, and the renewed value of data capture.