Virtual Reality Use in Architectural Design Studios: A Case of Studying Structure and Construction

Abstract

This research applies micro-simulation function, with XML algorithms made by the researcher, inside a virtual reality environment, the VR Studio programme. The research utilises this function of the VR program in architectural design studios. The main objective is to investigate how and to what extend students would benefit from applying this new potential of the VR function. The hypothesis was that the function potential would assist students to have more understanding of the structural system selected, which would be simultaneously beneficial on the architectural design level. The students used the VR programme during the design process in the stage of proposing and exploring the structural system. The used application focuses on providing the students with an effective tool to select and visualise a structural system and its construction process. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students to record their remarks and opinions of using the VR function. The questionnaire replies indicate and open more areas than the hypothesis. The research methodology is to use mainly qualitative analysis and secondarily quantitative analysis, to have evaluation that indicates the effectiveness of Virtual Reality as an educational tool in the architectural design studio. The research employs the VR Studio programme in order to introduce new visualization potentials other than what are currently used. The research concludes to solid results of the use of VR in the architectural design studio, and proceeds further to open new research venues.