Virtual Reality Architecture

The purpose of this experiment was to research using Virtual Reality (VR) as a way for a home builder to experience their unbuilt home, similarly to home shoppers experiencing built homes through open houses and tours. It discusses the ideas and technologies involved, the process for developing a home in VR, and the observations found from demoing it to people. The research was started based on the "presence" effect in VR. Presence describes the feeling when the user is convinced that they are truly in the virtual world. The research conducted found that the main immersion creator and breaker is the interactivity capable in the virtual home. Through demoing a virtual home, it was discovered that the user was less sensitive to the visual quality of the house, and more sensitive to any inconsistent interactions with the house. If the user could physically open a door, but then not a drawer, they were shaken out of their presence. The research conducted also found that VR can provide enough immersion to make the home owner feel "present" in their new home if the application is built with a focus on consistent interactions throughout the environment. This application is capable of severely disrupting the current market climate and reshaping the way home builders decide what house they want to build.