Physical vs virtual: A multi-layered perception experience on memory through historic buildings

This study investigates the layered relationship between memory and perception through the experience of historic buildings in both physical and virtual environments. Drawing upon theoretical foundations in memory studies and architectural history, the paper aims to explore how architectural elements, spatial perception, and sensory engagement contribute to individual and collective memory formation. The selected case study, Bostancı Primary School building in Istanbul, designed by Mimar (Architect) Kemalettin in the early 20th century, provides a historical context with its architectural and socio-cultural significance. The building has maintained its structural integrity and unique architectural characteristics for years and continues to be used as an educational building today, albeit with a different function. Therefore, it has a strong place in urban memory and provides a strong foundation for exploring the relationship between memory and space through in-situ observations and experiences as a part of daily urban life. The methodology involves a three-phase experiential framework incorporating physical experience (PE), virtual reality experience (VRE), and memory representation through photographs, screenshots, and sketches. Twenty senior architecture students participated in structured experiences within the real and virtual building environments. Data were collected through their drawing of route mapping, image capture, written expressions, and memory sketches. Then they were analysed using a dual thematic framework of Architectural References (AR) and Sensory References (SR), interpreted through episodic and semantic memory models. Findings show that while architectural references were more frequently recalled in both physical and virtual reality environments, VRE yielded higher rates of episodic memory activation due to its ability to eliminate physical barriers and enhance spatial comprehension. Conversely, PE experiences more strongly activated semantic memory, as the embodied tactile nature of physical space provided deeper sensory engagement. Additionally, sketch analyses revealed that participants predominantly recalled historical architectural features, with minimal reference to recent alterations, underscoring the dominance of collective memory imagery over present-day functions. This research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on memory and perception by proposing a comprehensive model that evaluates how historic buildings are perceived and remembered differently depending on the mode of experience. It also highlights the potential of virtual technologies in architecture by facilitating complex, layered memory engagements beyond physical constraints.