Studio Spotlight: Interior Architecture students use virtual reality to assess designs

Interior Architecture students in Mohammad Dastmalchi’s third-year studio developed an ambitious project to design a child development center (CDC) catering to toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first- and second-graders.  

Through an in-depth study of early childhood educational methodologies, such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia, our students started their design proposals. Students' works were refined through consultations and collaborations with experts in early childhood education, enhancing their rigor and practicality.

Students engaged in a consistent evaluation of their designs using Virtual Reality (VR) systems. To ensure a thorough analysis, they prepared research instruments such as surveys and questionnaires, allowing for the systematic collection of data. Additionally, they recruited research participants to perform various pre-occupancy tests, focusing on aspects like wayfinding and user satisfaction.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the research involved conducting accessibility, visibility, and safety tests. By positioning the VR user at a toddler’s eye level, students could authentically simulate a child's perspective within the space. This exercise was crucial in assessing the feasibility and safety of their designs for young children. The progress in IA-508 exemplifies our commitment to combining innovative technology with empathetic, user-centered design approaches.