Surprise: challenging design perceptions in immersive virtual reality environments? The case of designing a hospital project using a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment)

Maftei, L. and Harty, C. (2021) Surprise: challenging design perceptions in immersive virtual reality environments? The case of designing a hospital project using a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 15 (3). pp. 887-904. ISSN 2631-6862 doi: 10.1108/ARCH-03-2021-0067

Abstract/Summary

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine how the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) impacts on the surprise aspects of designing. Methodology - The empirical case is a new hospital in the UK wherein a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) type of IVR was used performing six design review sessions during bid preparation stage. Drawing from a former video-based study, we conducted follow-up discussions with the participants to access their perspectives on design surprises emerging from their engagement with the IVR. The study developed a reflective methodology, interviewing participants about their experiences of doing design in the immersive environment. Retrospective discussions were conducted in a data review format, through playing back video-clips of the IVR design sessions and asking the participants to reflect on their IVR design experience and on design surprises emerging from their engagement with the IVR. Findings - The findings indicate that IVRs such as the CAVE are not only enhancing existing understandings of design, but also challenging the participants’ understanding of the design as they experience the immersive version of it, provoking ruptures in current procedures and driving unanticipated changes to the design. Originality/ Value - This qualitative study of surprise in design work using IVRs (for a real-life design project) brings new insights into emerging practices of designing using immersive technology such as the CAVE.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/100074
Identification Number/DOI	10.1108/ARCH-03-2021-0067
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of the Built Environment > Urban Living group Science > School of the Built Environment > Organisation, People and Technology group
Publisher	Emerald Publishing Limited
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