Virtual reality for retail

In this paper an experiment of designing an existing retail area though virtual models is presented. The capability of interaction between the designer and the virtual models allows to verify the relationship between the building, the furniture and the products on the shelves, through a realistic perception of the virtualized Point of Sale. For this purpose a specific 3D modeling pipeline has been developed for surveying, 3D modeling, texture mapping, and visualizing large commercial environment (200 to 2000 square meters). This approach allows to compress the timing of design and testing in such kind of projects. The consequently reduced time-to-market involves significant advantages for the whole design process.