Immersive 3D architectural worlds: How to get in and out again

In this paper, we examine the perception and understanding of spatial volumes within immersive, non-immersive virtual environments and physical models and their translation to a tangible representation in a series of design-representation experiments. Students experienced, assessed, and analysed spatial relationships of volumes and spaces and subsequently constructed models of these spaces. The goal of our study is to identify how designers perceive space in Virtual Environments (VE). We explore issues of quality, accuracy and understanding of rebuilding architectural experienced. By comparison of the same task within a screen-based or real 2D realm, we are able to draw some conclusions about aspects particular to immersive VE activity.