IT IS the 3D virtual reality headset that is revolutionising the world of video games – and now it could be changing the very world around you.

New Winchester design studio Darcstudio is using the cutting edge Oculus Rift headset to design and re-imagine how architecture can come to life.

Troy Hodgson, the creative director behind the studio in Little Minster Street, is using the headset, which is on loan from the Facebook-owned Oculus, to create virtual 360 visions of how planned buildings could look.

The headset makes the wearer feel as if they are actually in the virtual world rather than just looking at a screen.

Now Mr Hodgson has taken the concept to create his own type of headset which allows his clients to watch movies in 360 degrees.

He said: “They have given the headset to select companies and studios to develop games and movies on it, so it can be tested for them and also so they can add features and understand where to improve,” he said.

“We’re coding and developing our own software to make it work for architecture, so that practices can make 3D models in their programs, put on the headset and showcase them to clients.”

He and his team are currently coding the hardware to “bridge the gaming and architecture gap” and hope the new technology will be launched later this year.

Mr Hodgson also thinks that Winchester is well placed to be at the forefront of creative digital design.

He said “These creative hubs mean that small businesses can keep up with the changing times.

“I think that what is really interesting is that with the recent advancement in technology, creatives all over the country and world are connecting and communicating – it’s no longer about being sat in an office together.

“Winchester is like a small London. It’s a short trip to the city and creative people gravitate towards that so we are surrounded by design studios that can operate with small businesses like mine.”