XVIII. MİMARLIKTA SAYISAL TASARIM ULUSAL SEMPOZYUMU
Enhancing Spatial Awareness: Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality in Interior Architecture Education
Yayıncı:
Balıkesir Üniversitesi Yayınları
Engagement is critical in enhancing motivation and well-being, particularly in educational contexts such as interior architecture. This study explores the impact of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) technology on spatial awareness and decision-making processes among undergraduate interior architecture students. By leveraging IVR, which allows for direct interaction and manipulation of three-dimensional environments, the study investigates how this technology influences students' understanding and engagement with design tasks. The study addresses a gap in integrating VR technology into interior architecture education. Through a controlled design protocol utilizing IVR, the study examines the following aspects: the effect on spatial awareness and interior design decisionmaking. Nineteen interior design undergraduate students (68% women, 32% men) volunteered to be participants in the study, all aged between 18 and 25, with little or minimal VR experience. Participants utilized Oculus Rift HMD and Arkio software to complete a single-story residential building design task. Their design sessions were evaluated based on criteria developed by design studio experts, focusing on spatial awareness and interior design decisions. Results indicate that participants generally demonstrate a grasp of site orientation. However, there were areas for improvement, notably in modifying interior floor levels effectively. Regarding interior design decisions, IVR facilitated compliance with project briefs but showed limited color and material alternatives exploration. Participants tended to use existing furnishings in the software rather than developing custom designs, highlighting opportunities for creative expansion within IVR environments. Participants' familiarity with VR did not significantly impact their performance, suggesting that IVR can be effectively integrated into design education regardless of prior experience. Insights gained from this study could inform innovative approaches to curriculum development, integrating IVR as a studio course tool to enhance spatial understanding and design decision-making. By transforming study outputs into educational materials, the study seeks to advance interior architecture education through immersive technologies, promoting an innovative and engaging curriculum for future interior architecture students.
