This research paper explores the impact of immersive virtual reality (IVR) on the teaching of conceptual design in engineering and architecture fields, focusing on the use of interactive 3D drawing tools in virtual and augmented reality environments. The study analyzes how IVR influences spatial understanding, idea communication, and immersive 3D sketching for industrial and architectural design. Additionally, it examines user perceptions of virtual spaces prior to physical construction and evaluates the effectiveness of these technologies through surveys administered to mechanical engineering students utilizing VR/AR headsets. A structured methodology was developed for students enrolled in an industrial design course, comprising four phases: initial theoretical instruction on ephemeral architecture, immersive 3D sketching sessions using Meta Quest 2 and Microsoft HoloLens 2 VR/AR headsets, detailed CAD modeling based on conceptual sketches, and immersive virtual tours to evaluate user perception and design efficacy. Ad hoc questionnaires specifically designed for this research were employed. The results indicate a positive reception to IVR, emphasizing its ease of use, intuitive learning process, and effectiveness in improving motivation, academic performance, and student engagement during the conceptual design phase in graphic engineering education.

Throughout history, tools for engineering in the building industry have evolved. Due to the arrival of Industry 4.0, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software have replaced the usage of pens, pencils, and paper in the design process. This paper describes the work required to design a large-scale immersive visit of a district under construction in a suburban area of Greater Paris, France. As part of this real estate project, called LaVallée, we have access to its city information model: all the BIMs of the works to be carried out including roads, terrain, street furniture, fountains, and landscaping. This paper describes all the technical operations necessary for the design of an immersive 3D model with a high level of detail of the neighborhood with its surroundings. The objective of this technical report was to provide practitioners with feedback on such an achievement based on industrial-level data. The development of the city model begins with the registration of all the BIMs from different firms in a common Geographic Information System: this gives the opportunity to confront the operational requirement of a construction phase and the actual current practice of architecture firms. A first prototype was developed using the archviz tool TwinMotion. In order to increase the realism of the model, we describe the creation of a pipeline in Unreal Engine with the automated tasks of material and mesh replacement and the lighting and landscape configuration. The main contribution of this work is to give relevant experience on building such a large-scale model, with the Python script when possible, as well as the necessary manual steps. It is a valuable contribution to the making of large-scale immersive visits with a high level of detail and their requirements.

The human factor plays an important role in the successful design of infrastructure to support sustainable mobility. By engaging users early in the design process, information can be obtained before physical environments are built, making designed spaces more attractive and safer for users. This study presents the collected data of a virtual reality (VR) application in which user perception has been evaluated within an urban redevelopment context. The area under consideration is the Canal of the Port of Rimini (Italy), a degraded area not connected to the city center. The redevelopment of degraded urban areas is the first step towards achieving the sustainability aims set out in the Sustainable Development Goals. Prior to this work, evaluation methods were developed in the decision-making process, considering different social, economic, and environmental aspects in order to obtain a priority scale of interventions for urban regeneration. Architectural solutions were proposed to represent targeted and specific interventions that are designed precisely for the context to which they are dedicated in order to make the Canal Port area a continuum with its urban context and to improve its perception by tourists and inhabitants. To assess these proposed infrastructure modifications, two models of VR were created, one relevant to the current condition and one representing the future condition after redevelopment of the area. Virtual visits to the Canal of the Port of Rimini were created under two scenarios, namely, the current situation and the future situation after redevelopment of the infrastructure. Then, human participants were involved through two different questionnaires. The first allowed participants validate the VR model created by comparing it with the real context, while the second served to evaluate the perceptions of users by comparing the two VR models of the canal before and after the intervention. The results of this empirical research highlight the benefits of engaging users early in the design process and improving the user experience before implementing renovation of the infrastructure.

Auditing future public places that have not yet been constructed can be a laborious, time-consuming, and expensive task. However, the human factor plays a crucial role in successful infrastructure design. By involving users early in the design process, valuable insights can be gained prior to the physical construction, resulting in more appealing spaces for users. In this research, we explore the potential of non-immersive virtual reality to perceive atmospheres in architectural projects. We investigate suitable methodologies for studying this subject and examine its educational implications in architecture. The study focuses on a large-scale neighborhood currently undergoing complete reconstruction. We extract and model four environments in 3D, offering a virtual tour of these spaces and their infrastructures to both expert and non-expert participants. Through a questionnaire, we collect their responses to evaluate the architectural atmospheres of these distinct areas. This article analyzes the expressed feelings and provides projections on the anticipated sensations once the real estate project is completed. Additionally, it compares the expectations of professionals with the impressions of the public based on virtual visits. By emphasizing outdoor architecture and employing a larger city 3D model in the experimentation, this study contributes to the existing literature on participatory studies. The empirical research findings underscore the advantages of involving users early in the design process for buildings and streetscapes, leading to an enhanced user experience before implementing infrastructure renovations.