Title: Interactive design and architecture by using virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D printing

Authors: Nora Argelia Aguilera Gonzalez; Fernando Suarez-Warden; Hector Nahun Quintero Milian; Samira Hosseini

Addresses: School of Architecture, Art and Design, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico ' School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico ' Innovation and Educational Technology CEDDIE North Region, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico ' Writing Lab, TecLabs, Vice-rectory for Research and Technology Transfer, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico; School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

Abstract: New methods of teaching architectural design consider the elements of religion, spirituality, modernism, history and other cultural factors to address the physical, spatial and emotional needs of society. This article presents an educational training that emphasises on these critical elements. This paper describes a basic design course taught to second-semester students in the design and architecture course using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 3D printing to incorporate inner sensations and feelings of a human being in the designs. Applied techniques have transformed the classrooms into interactive spaces where the professors use strategies requiring the participants to work together to achieve the objectives of the course. Acquiring skills to create two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) representations facilitated the final products that meet the needs of the users in multitude of manners. The results of this project demonstrated an increase in spatial visualisation, analysis, and critical thinking among the students. Additionally, 100% of the students showed high level of satisfaction with the course and the experience of using these technological tools in the design and architecture course.

Keywords: educational innovation; spatial visualisation; virtual reality; augmented reality; 3D printing; design process; cultural elements in architectural design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2020.112468

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2020 Vol.15 No.6, pp.535 - 545

Received: 27 Mar 2019
Accepted: 26 Sep 2019
Published online: 19 Jan 2021 *

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