Using Multi-Sensory and Multi-Dimensional Immersive Virtual Reality in Participatory Planning

Abstract

In the last two decades, urban planners have embraced digital technologies to complement traditional public participation processes; research on the impact of smarter digital instruments, such as immersive virtual reality (IVR), however, is scant. We recruited 40 focus group participants to explore various formats of spatial planning scenario simulations in Glassboro, NJ, USA. Our study finds that the level of participation, memory recalls of scenarios, and emotional responses to design proposals are higher with multi-sensory and multi-dimensional IVR simulations than with standard presentations such as 2D videos of 3D model simulations, coupled with verbal presentations. We also discuss the limitations of IVR technology to assist urban planning practitioners in evaluating its potential in their own participatory planning efforts.

Virtual reality and traditional design methods in Egyptian context

“…The VR method improves memory recall as it helps the participants to remember more elements of the proposed design than people who viewed the design on computer screens [22], [27], [29]. Moreover, memory recall increased by 50% from 2D video to 3D IVR [22]. However, immersion was not effective regarding the recall accuracy, as there was no difference in the recall accuracy between the two devices [27].…”

“…Integrating VR into the planning process has many benefits. It increases the overall quantity quality and allows the diversity of participation, as it attracts the younger generations to participate in the planning projects [5], [22]. VR has been verified as an appropriate technical means to improve public motivation and satisfaction in urban decision-making [23]- [25].…”

“…VR offers participants a high level of involvement, translocation, concentration and presence than laptops [27], as the participants no longer look via a screen but become part of the virtual world [28], as they are surrounded by data in 3-dimensional (3D) models [8], [27]. Therefore, it allows partakers to see in an immersive way the changes and actions that occur in the environment [4] and enable them to give comments and ideas for modifications [22], [27].…”

“…The VR method improves memory recall as it helps the participants to remember more elements of the proposed design than people who viewed the design on computer screens [22], [27], [29]. Moreover, memory recall increased by 50% from 2D video to 3D IVR [22].…”

A ladder-truss of citizen participation: re-imagining Arnstein's ladder to bridge between the community and sustainable urban design outcomes

“…Using IVE's provides a way to generate informed participants and informed participation in an immersive and empathetic way (Figures 3-5) and might overcome some of the fears associated with increasing density or impact on neighbourhood character in established suburbs. IVEs have ability to convey scale and facilitate navigability more readily than 2D imagery (Meenar and Kitson, 2020). IVE's can also overcome many of the confounding factors associated with 2D photo-based visual stimuli, local place-based emotive associations can be removed, individual variables can be controlled for, backgrounds can be standardised, and light conditions can be equalised across multiple scenarios.…”