Immersive environment for improving the understanding of architectural 3D models: Comparing user spatial perception between immersive and traditional virtual reality systems

• Use of spatial perception as a metric to establish the technology effectiveness.
• Comparison of users spatial perception of virtual model using different VR systems.
• Immersive VR provided overall better spatial perception over non-immersive VR.
• Professional experience and age may affect spatial perception with immersive VR.

The use of immersive virtual reality has been considered a beneficial strategy for architectural design. Many studies on this topic, however, avoid discussing the extent to which this technology offers better support to design practices compared to non-immersive virtual reality platforms. Nonetheless, this knowledge is precisely what would justify a wider adoption of immersive systems by the AEC industry. In this context, this study sought to quantitatively verify the ability of a particular immersive system in providing users with a better spatial understanding of the virtual mock-up. The method compares users' spatial perception using a conventional workstation versus an immersive platform. Findings indicate an overall better spatial perception of the virtual model when using the immersive environment. The study concludes that the immersive environment may benefit current design practices by improving professionals' understanding of the spatial arrangement of the virtual model.