Design and evaluation of a virtual reality architectural walkthrough system for immersive spatial learning
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Published:
Jun 18, 2026
Keywords:
architectural education, virtual reality, VR, spatial computing, immersive learning, 3D modelling, design pedagogy
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Abstract
This paper aims to design, implement, and empirically evaluate a modular Virtual Reality (VR) architectural walkthrough system that enhances spatial understanding, engagement, and early-stage design confidence among architecture students through immersive spatial computing. Architectural education relies heavily on static 2D drawings and screen-based modelling tools, which impose high cognitive demands on students and limit embodied spatial understanding and experiential design reasoning. A design science research approach was adopted to develop a VR-based architectural walkthrough platform using Unity, Blender, WebXR, and VR head-mounted displays. The system was evaluated through functional testing and user testing with 26 architecture students. The study presents a scalable and extensible spatial computing platform that integrates 2D-to-3D model transformation, immersive walkthroughs, and interactive design manipulation for architectural education. The findings suggest that the system improves students' perceptions of spatial content engagement and reduces apprehensions about the early stages of design, and that most participants preferred the VR workflow to traditional 2D design representations. Architecture educators should integrate immersive VR walkthroughs into early-stage design studios to support experiential learning, spatial reasoning, and iterative design feedback. Future research should investigate collaborative multi-user VR studios, AI-assisted design feedback, and cloud-based rendering to improve accessibility and scalability. The platform supports the growth of a digitally skilled progressive generation of architectural graduates who are strong in spatial reasoning, experiential design abilities in relation to modern built-environment professions. Future developments consist of focusing on the creation of collaborative VR environments and the position in a seamless cloud-based rendering infrastructure on longitudinal studies related to learning outcomes.
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Dube, P., Ndlovu, B., & Maguraushe, K. (2026). Design and evaluation of a virtual reality architectural walkthrough system for immersive spatial learning. JITSI : Jurnal Ilmiah Teknologi Sistem Informasi, 7(2), 112 - 130. https://doi.org/10.62527/jitsi.7.2.558
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References
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[28] A. V. Beetul, Y. . Rajabalee, and M. I. Santally, “Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Realities and their potential in Teaching and Learning: A Systematic Literature Review.,” IST-Africa Conf. Tshwane, South Africa, pp. 1–11, 2023.
[29] S. Dube, B. Mutunhu, and S. P. Dube, “Lecturers’ Experiences in Teaching STEM Courses Online During COVID-19: Case of a Zimbabwean University,” IAFOR Conf. Educ. Res. Innov. 2023 Off. Conf. Proc., no. July, pp. 53–65, 2023, doi: 10.22492/issn.2435-1202.2023.5.
[30] E. Alsadoon, A. Alkhawajah, and A. Bin Suhaim, “Effects of a gamified learning environment on students’ achievement, motivations, and satisfaction,” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 8, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10249.
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[34] U. S. Senarath, “Waterfall Methodology, Prototyping and Agile Development,” 2021. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17918.72001.
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[2] H. Elbadawy and A. and Farouk, “ Implementation of Virtual Reality Technology in Architecture Field, and Education: A Review.,” Arch. Comput. Methods Eng., pp. 1–9, 2025.
[3] K. Mapfumo, L. Masuka, E. R. Ncube, B. Ndlovu, and S. Dube, “Exploring the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Education,” in Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, 2024. doi: 10.46254/eu07.20240166.
[4] L.-C. Bazavan, H. Roibu, F. B. Petcu, S. . Cismaru, and B. N. George, “Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Education,” 30th Annu. Conf. Eur. Assoc. Educ. Electr. Inf. Eng. (EAEEIE), Prague, Czech Republic, pp. 1–4, 2021.
[5] C. R. Guerra-Tamez, “The Impact of Immersion through Virtual Reality in the Learning Experiences of Art and Design Students: The Mediating Effect of the Flow Experience,” Educ. Sci., vol. 13, no. 2, Feb. 2023, doi: 10.3390/educsci13020185.
[6] B. M. Ndlovu, N. Maphosa, and S. Dube, “Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation of Chemistry Lab Using Blender and Unity,” IAFOR Conf. Educ. Res. Innov. 2023 Off. Conf. Proc., no. June, pp. 101–109, 2023, doi: 10.22492/issn.2435-1202.2023.8.
[7] M. Muskhir, A. Luthfi, R. Watrianthos, Usmeldi, A. Fortuna, and A. D. Samala, “Emerging Research on Virtual Reality Applications in Vocational Education: a Bibliometric Analysis,” J. Inf. Technol. Educ. Innov. Pract., vol. 23, pp. 1–26, 2024, doi: 10.28945/5284.
[8] S. Safikhani, “Immersive virtual reality for extending the potential of building information modeling in architecture, engineering, and construction sector: systematic review’,” Int. J. Digit. Earth, 15(1), pp. 503–526, 2022.
[9] K. Maguraushe, F. Masimba, and B. Chimbo, “Advancing Inclusive Educational VR: A Bibliometric Study of Interface Design,” J. Inf. Syst. Informatics, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 2978–3004, 2025, doi: 10.51519/journalisi.v7i3.1271.
[10] I. A. Gamba and A. Hartery, “The Virtual Reality Radiology Workstation: Current Technology and Future Applications. ,” Can. Assoc. Radiol. Journal., 2024.
[11] E. Ncube, B. Ndlovu, and K. Maguraushe, “Spatial Computing : Towards a Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Framework in Healthcare,” in Smart Computing Paradigms: Advanced Data Mining and Analytics. SCI 2025. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026, pp. 310–322. doi: 10.1007/978-3-032-08243-5.
[12] Joy E.R and A.Raja C., “Digital 3D modeling for preconstruction real-time visualization of home interior design through virtual reality ,” Constr. Innov., 2024.
[13] A. Hajirasouli and S. Banihashemi, “Augmented reality in architecture and construction education: state of the field and opportunities’,” Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ. 19(1), 2022.
[14] C. Byukusenge, F. Nsanganwimana, and A. P. Tarmo, “Effectiveness of Virtual Laboratories in Teaching and Learning Biology: A Review of Literature,” Jun. 2022, Society for Research and Knowledge Management. doi: 10.26803/ijlter.21.6.1.
[15] L. Gonzalez and E. Redondo, ““Usability Analysis of VR Tools in AEC Presentations,” J. Arch. Tech., vol. 48, pp. 78–90, 2024.
[16] P. Figueroa-Garrido et al., “Method for the Visualization of Architectural Structures by Means of Virtual Reality Techniques,” in 5th International Conference on Electronics and Sustainable Communication Systems, ICESC 2024 - Proceedings, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2024, pp. 1724–1727. doi: 10.1109/ICESC60852.2024.10689862.
[17] Y. Zheng, L. Chen, X. Meng, T. T. Lo, and S. Jiaotong, “Exploring Virtual Reality’s Role in Assessing Public Spaces for Children: An embodied design approach,” in Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, 2024, pp. 149–158.
[18] A. Prabhakaran, A. M. Mahamadu, and L. Mahdjoubi, “Understanding the challenges of immersive technology use in the architecture and construction industry: A systematic review,” May 2022, Elsevier B.V. doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104228.
[19] J. Y. Wong, C. C. Yip, A. Chan, S. . Kok, T. L. Lau, and S. . Yong, “ BIM-VR framework for building information modelling in engineering education. ,” Int. J. Interact. Mob. Technol. 14(6), 2020.
[20] A. Hajirasouli, S. Banihashemi, P. Sanders, and F. Rahimian, “BIM-enabled virtual reality (VR)-based pedagogical framework in architectural design studios,” Smart Sustain. Built Environ., vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 1490–1510, 2024, doi: 10.1108/SASBE-07-2022-0149.
[21] T. F. Ji, B. R. . Cochran, and Y. Zhao, “Demonstration of VRBubble: enhancing peripheral avatar awareness for people with visual impairments in social virtual reality in CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Extended Abstract,” pp. 1–6, 2022.
[22] X. Zicheng and L. Ao, “Virtual Collaborative Assembly System Based on Unity,” in Proceedings of the Workshop on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises, WETICE, IEEE Computer Society, 2023. doi: 10.1109/WETICE57085.2023.10477786.
[23] S. J. Chen, C. Q. Chen, and X. F. Shan, “The Effects of an Immersive Virtual-Reality-Based 3D Modeling Approach on the Creativity and Problem-Solving Tendency of Elementary School Students,” Sustain. , vol. 16, no. 10, May 2024, doi: 10.3390/su16104092.
[24] T. Le Tan, “Researching influences of learner experience on AR/VR adoption - The case of Vietnamese universities.,” J. Inf. Technol. Educ. Res., vol. 23, 2024.
[25] H. Elbadawy, “VR and Architecture Design Visualization.,” Unpubl. Manuscr., 2025.
[26] A. Das, C. Brunsgaard, and C. B. Madsen, “Understanding the AR-VR Based Architectural Design Workflow among Selected Danish Architecture Practices,” in Proceedings of the International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, 2022, pp. 381–388. doi: 10.52842/conf.ecaade.2022.1.381.
[27] B. Chimbo, K. Maguraushe, and B. M. Ndlovu, “Immersive equity : virtual reality and agentic artificial intelligence as catalysts for equity in education,” Front. Educ., vol. 11, p. 1761456, 2026, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2026.1761456.
[28] A. V. Beetul, Y. . Rajabalee, and M. I. Santally, “Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Realities and their potential in Teaching and Learning: A Systematic Literature Review.,” IST-Africa Conf. Tshwane, South Africa, pp. 1–11, 2023.
[29] S. Dube, B. Mutunhu, and S. P. Dube, “Lecturers’ Experiences in Teaching STEM Courses Online During COVID-19: Case of a Zimbabwean University,” IAFOR Conf. Educ. Res. Innov. 2023 Off. Conf. Proc., no. July, pp. 53–65, 2023, doi: 10.22492/issn.2435-1202.2023.5.
[30] E. Alsadoon, A. Alkhawajah, and A. Bin Suhaim, “Effects of a gamified learning environment on students’ achievement, motivations, and satisfaction,” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 8, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10249.
[31] W. Zhang and Z. Wang, “Theory and practice of vr/ar in k-12 science education—a systematic review,” Nov. 2021, MDPI. doi: 10.3390/su132212646.
[32] E. R. A. Joy and C. Raja, “Digital 3D modeling for preconstruction real-time visualization of home interior design through virtual reality.,” Constr. Innov., 2024.
[33] R. Lamb, “Virtual reality and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education,” in International Encyclopedia of Education(Fourth Edition), Elsevier, 2023, pp. 189–197. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-818630-5.13075-1.
[34] U. S. Senarath, “Waterfall Methodology, Prototyping and Agile Development,” 2021. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17918.72001.
[35] F. Wen, H. Wang, and L. Bao, “Virtual reality learning resources and application system architecture design,” in ICETA 2021 - 19th IEEE International Conference on Emerging eLearning Technologies and Applications, Proceedings, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2021, pp. 426–431. doi: 10.1109/ICETA54173.2021.9726555.