Using virtual and augmented reality to study architectural lighting

Abstract

This paper presents industry stakeholder insights from the implementation of a dual modalityintervention using virtual and augmented reality simulation to study complex lighting theory inarchitecture design. Using a design based research method the aim is to evaluate these insights andinform a pilot study to educate first year architectural design students on the complexities of lighting thebuilt environment and methods to improve architectural workflow. The aim is to enable learners toexperience natural and artificial lighting methods comparatively in real-time through multiplecomparative visualisation methods. This is important to make informed evaluations regardingarchitectural designs in terms of spatial quality, character, performance, and user-comfort levels. This inturn allows architects to rapidly modify their designs to accommodate or mitigate the environmentaleffects. Outcomes from the initial usability test highlight the ability to switch back and forth between thevirtual and augmented reality simulation technology, and between lighting visualisation modes as a hugestep forward by the industry stakeholders. Additionally, the idea of representing the physical buildingwhere the simulation took place virtually using a detailed mapping gave a real-world anchor that madethe simulations easy to navigate, leading to improved satisfaction and engagement. However, the studyalso highlighted improvements in the delivery of the simulation is required to improve simulationlearnability and efficiency