The purpose of this study is to determine the significance of incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology as an additional learning aid in the delivery of architectural theory modules. The aim is to expand students’ horizons by utilizing VR as an immersive blended learning resource, particularly after the COVID-19 epidemic pandemic and the emergent need for new ways of delivering higher education. Empirical samples were drawn from a group of participating students in the History of Architecture module. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach comprising a quantitative inquiry (n = 60), which was complemented by a qualitative focus group discussion (n = 15). For the quantitative inquiry, three activities created virtual environments for three instances of Christian churches and cathedrals from the History of Christian Architecture: Hagia Sofia Cathedral, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. This was conducted during a 13-week teaching semester, with two groups of students voluntarily taking part in each activity: a VR group and a non-VR group. Following each activity, both groups responded to the same set of questions in order to assess the impact of using VR technologies on students’ cognitive and analytical understanding of the related building. A focus group was formed with the participating students to enhance their understanding of the results of the quantitative inquiry. The findings of the research show an increase in student learning experience and knowledge recollection when using VR in comparison to conventional teaching methods. The findings emphasize the role of digital technologies in enhancing students’ learning experiences, in particular, as a tool for sustainable approaches to teaching. This research expands knowledge and understanding about the use of VR in the History of Architecture pedagogy by examining its effectiveness as a medium of instruction. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations for adopting and incorporating new technologies in higher education for a better learning environment.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of personalisation in the relationship between the architectural design of homes and inhabitants’ psychological well-being. This interdisciplinary mixed-method study first investigates the existence of a link between personalisation and users’ association with home through a quantitative study (n = 101) and then explores the nature of this relationship through qualitative interviews (n = 13) in a sequential explanatory approach. The main findings of the study highlight the significance of personalisation in relation to the way people perceive home. A direct link was established between participants’ involvement in the transformation of the home and their satisfaction with the residence, as well as satisfaction with life in general. Further thematic analysis of the qualitative study revealed further conceptualisations of personalisation, which together form an umbrella concept called transformability. The findings underscore the need for embedding flexibility as an architectural concept in the design of residential buildings for improving the well-being of occupants. The design of homes has a great impact on inhabitants’ psychological well-being. This is becoming of greater importance in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic that has led to an increase in the amount of time spent in homes. This research contributes to this debate by proposing concepts for a deeper understanding of architectural influences on the psychology of the home.

Environmental management systems (EMS) enable organisations to manage their environmental impacts. Globalisation has resulted in more organisations needing to engage in environmental sustainability. In developed nations, ISO 14001 provides the key guidance, but in developing nations, sustainability remains a new concept. This study investigates EMS implementation within the Ghanaian construction sector which has low EMS adoption. A critical literature review identified 11 benefits, 11 barriers and 10 strategies for implementing EMS in the construction sector. The views of construction professionals in Ghana were sought regarding the benefits, barriers and strategies. Of 150 questionnaires distributed, 60 were returned and 52 were deemed usable. Data was analysed using the voting analytic hierarchy process (Manu et al., 2019). The results showed that “cost savings due to the reduction of fines associated with convictions” was the main perceived benefit of implementing EMS, while the major barrier was “a lack of government legal enforcement”. The most significant implementation strategy was suggested to be “the implementation of a legal requirement for environmental protection for EMS”. It is concluded that lack of legal requirements may impede ISO 14001 engagement. The recommendation is that environmental regulations and policies are created to encourage the adoption of EMS.