VR-Based Interactive Learning in Architectural Education: A Case on Safranbolu Historical Bathhouse

Abstract

Purpose Historical buildings provide important information about the social life and architectural style of the era in which they were built. Perception of the effect of space by walkthrough is very important to perceive design philosophy of the structure for architecture students. However, for some reason, it may not be possible to see these structures in situ. VR technology has the potential to provide efficient solution to this problem. The study aims to provide an environment where students can learn architectural details and experience spatial effects of the historical buildings with the help of the VR technology as if they were in place. Design/Methodology/Approach In the scope of the study, an interactive VR program (IHVR) related with a historical Greek bathhouse has been developed and the effectiveness of it has been tested with a scientific experiment. A group of 45 volunteers from the architectural students were included in the study. The students were divided into three groups of 15 each called VR, field, and classroom. The students in the VR group experienced the IHVR program with virtual reality glasses while the students in the field group experienced the building on site and the classroom group students are told by the traditional method. Findings According to the test results, the students using the IHVR had a significant success compared to the other groups. It was observed that the interactive structure of the software helped the students to learn the historical building more effectively. As a result of the study, it was seen that IHVR was an efficient hypermedia tool in learning the architectural details and functions of the building. Practical Implications Experiencing historical structures in virtual environment as in real helps students to learn the architectural details more efficiently and experience spatial effects of the structure in a realistic way. Social Implications The widespread use of virtual reality will facilitate architectural education to keep up with technology and accelerate its adaptation to innovative approaches. The use of these technologies in architectural education will help to attract the interests of students to the subject that is intended to be explained more easily. Originality/Value The study leads to the development of VR-based hypermedia tools in applied architectural education.