A Digital Twin Journey from Scan to Reality
- Brenden Wright
- Nov 3
- 2 min read
When we talk about immersive design, Tavares Elementary is a perfect example of what’s possible when technology and collaboration come together. Working alongside NuFood Consultants, Visual Conquest helped reimagine the school’s cafeteria and kitchen — transforming an existing space into a vibrant, efficient environment through a complete digital design pipeline.
From Reality Capture to BIM
The process began on-site with a LiDAR scan, capturing every detail of the existing cafeteria and kitchen. Using this scan, we generated a high-precision point cloud, which became the foundation for a BIM (Building Information Model).
That BIM model was then refined by the interior design team, who developed the updated finishes and layout, while NuFood Consultants redesigned the kitchen flow to improve efficiency and service operations. The result was a coordinated digital model that served as the blueprint for what would become the new space.
Before & After in Real Time
To visualize the transformation, we brought the entire project into Unreal Engine — creating an immersive, real-time simulation that allowed the design team and school representatives to experience the “before” and “after” environments seamlessly.
One of the most powerful moments in the simulation is watching the space transition in real time from the raw LiDAR point cloud to the finished 3D environment — a striking demonstration of accuracy and alignment between design intent and the real-world result.
From Virtual to Physical — The Final Build
Now that construction is complete, seeing the actual photos side by side with our real-time renderings is incredibly rewarding. The final result mirrors what was envisioned in the immersive walkthrough — from materials and finishes to equipment placement and lighting tone.
Real-Time Renderings - Snapshots taken from within the game engine
Final Buildout - Actual photos of cafeteria after full renovation
Why It Matters
Projects like Tavares Elementary showcase how immersive design pipelines are reshaping the way schools, consultants, and designers approach renovation.
By combining LiDAR scanning, BIM modeling, and Unreal Engine visualization, stakeholders can now:
Validate design decisions before construction
Align every discipline with precision
Reduce change orders and costly revisions
Experience spaces before they’re built
This isn’t just visualization — it’s evidence-based design brought to life.
Explore More Immersive Projects
👉 Follow us on LinkedIn for upcoming immersive transformations
Comments