Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Recent developments and trends in visualization technology highlight the growing use of virtual reality (VR) applications. In architectural design, VR enhances realism, making it easier and more engaging to present ideas to users and discuss concepts using the project's digital twin. VR implementation allows viewers to experience the space, human dimensions, and interior atmosphere. It facilitates decision-making and enables viewers to perceive every detail of the architect's or designer's proposal. This study focuses on integrating VR technologies into the development and visualization of architectural and interior design projects. Its objectives are to construct a 3D model of a small-scale building, to visualize it using VR technology, to present it to the test group, and to evaluate the immersive experience. The first step of this research is creating a VR application featuring a test project of an architectural scene that showcases VR capabilities, including interactive navigation within the virtual building, control of lights, changing finishing materials, and opening doors, windows, and drawers. To satisfy technical requirements, optimize performance, and ensure smooth rendering, the app has undergone multiple adjustments, including selection of the level of detail, appropriate texture resolution, and specific interactive features. Furthermore, the VR scene is presented to a group of architecture students who have almost completed the first year of study and are familiar with the basics of architectural design. These students have not yet used any software for architectural visualization and therefore have not formed any preferences regarding digital presentation media. Their reactions were assessed using two questionnaires, one before and one after the VR experience. The results of the VR experiment indicate that students believe this technology can surpass traditional project representation methods, such as rendering, enhance communication among architects, designers, and clients, and clearly demonstrate project specifics. Presentation using VR tools has great potential; however, its application is currently limited because it requires software expertise to prepare the project and specialized equipment to experience it. VR technology has substantial potential to become a common presentation medium alongside architectural renders and walkthrough videos as equipment becomes more advanced and affordable, and educational institutions and construction companies adopt VR tools more widely.
Authors: Anna Yunitsyna, Gjergji Llushkaj
Institutions: Universiteti Metropolitan Tirana, Epoka University
Language: English
Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7202075451