Developing architecture of a house using Virtual Reality
Note: This is a VR-based experiment; in the simulation, you can learn from scratch how to download the APK and use VR, while the Procedure section explains the actual lab experiment steps as performed in the Virtual Reality (VR) Lab.
Actual vs Virtual Reality Lab Procedure
1. Layout Planning :
Actual (Traditional Architecture/Design)
Draft the initial 2D floor plan and elevation blueprints to scale on paper or in a CAD program. Calculate room areas and clearances (e.g., minimum door widths).
Virtual Reality (VR) Lab Procedure
The user enters the virtual environment where foundational walls, doors, and windows are already modeled (as shown in the video).
2. Scale Visualization :
Actual (Traditional Architecture/Design)
Build a physical scale model (e.g., 1:50 or 1:100) to visualize the space, or present the design via 2D plans and rendered images to the client/jury.
Virtual Reality (VR) Lab Procedure
The user moves through the virtual house in 1:1 scale using VR locomotion or teleporting (indicated by pink lines), immediately experiencing room dimensions, ceiling height, and natural light penetration.
3. Functional Placement (Furniture) :
Actual (Traditional Architecture/Design)
Use paper cutouts or CAD blocks representing furniture (sofa, table, bed) and fit them onto the 2D plan, relying on imagination for 3D visualization.
Virtual Reality (VR) Lab Procedure
The user virtually grabs and drags furniture items (bed, sofa, or table cards) and places them in the space, directly checking clearances, walk paths, and sightlines.
4. Design Modification / Testing :
Actual (Traditional Architecture/Design)
After physical model inspection, the architect must re-draft plans or rebuild the physical scale model to move walls or doorways (time-consuming).
Virtual Reality (VR) Lab Procedure
The user teleports to a configuration menu (like the table with Japanese text) to instantly resize walls, change materials, or modify doors and see updates immediately.
5. Specialized System Check :
Actual (Traditional Architecture/Design)
Use separate methods to calculate plumbing flow (toilet/tub) or lighting efficiency across different zones.
Virtual Reality (VR) Lab Procedure
The user triggers interactive systems (like the “PUSH ME” button on the virtual toilet or faucet) to visualize functionality or view embedded data (e.g., water flow simulation).
6. Final Review & Documentation :
Actual (Traditional Architecture/Design)
Generate final blueprints. The client/jury must infer the final aesthetic and spatial feel from flat paper drawings.
Virtual Reality (VR) Lab Procedure
The user generates a virtual walkthrough or video recording and exits the lab with an immediate, immersive understanding of the final design.