Multisensory virtual reality environments in architecture: The impact of smell on presence, engagement, and user experience

Exploring how immersive technologies can simulate and assess user experiences in designed environments is an important topic in architectural research. In this study, a multisensory virtual reality (VR) system developed to support the study of human-built environment interactions under multimodal conditions (visual, olfactory, and auditory) was evaluated. The effectiveness of the system was tested by conducting in-depth user studies using a mixed-method approach to provide quantitative and qualitative evidence. The results of the case study were discussed, key features of the proposed prototype were assessed, and limitations and opportunities for future studies were identified. Findings showed that multisensory elements can deepen participants’ sense of presence, increase engagement levels, and enrich overall user experience in immersive environments. Integrating olfactory stimuli into virtual representations of architectural spaces revealed how multisensory feedback informs spatial perception and supports the development of more responsive and human-centered design strategies. This study contributes to the emerging field of sensory architecture, aiming to move beyond visual simulation toward a richer embodied understanding of space. The proposed approach provides valuable insights into the development of multisensory VR environments in architecture, enabling future research and immersive research methodologies in wider fields.