Enhancing Virtual Reality Experiences in Architectural Visualization of an Academic Environment

Virtual Reality (VR) technology possesses the capability to transport users into immersive, alternative environments, providing them with a convincing sense of presence within a simulated world. This project leverages VR to develop an interactive, educational system centered around the De Montfort University (DMU) Queens Building, simulating key facilities and infrastructure through the integration of 360-degree imagery and Adobe Captivate software. Designed in response to contemporary challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the need for flexible and innovative learning methodologies, the VR system offers an immersive educational platform enriched with essential information to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. A comprehensive literature review explored the expanding applications of VR across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, robotics, and manufacturing. The findings of this review underscored VR's transformative potential in enhancing educational engagement and facilitating a deeper understanding of complex concepts. The project methodology involved meticulously mapping the physical layout of the Queens Building, capturing targeted 360-degree scenarios using a Ricoh Theta V camera, and subsequently transforming these into immersive VR scenarios enriched with interactive hotspots, meticulously synchronized with the building's design layout. The VR system successfully achieved the project's objectives by simulating key educational and informational use cases. It provides students with an alternative learning medium, offering interactive insights into the functionalities of equipment and facilities within the building. Furthermore, the system enables a virtual tour of the DMU campus, facilitating familiarization with the university environment. Findings from the VR application highlight its potential as a dynamic educational tool, positioning it as a valuable complement to traditional learning methods. This innovative approach demonstrates the capacity of VR to enhance student understanding, support academic and research pursuits, and ultimately enrich the overall student experience.