Virtual Reality in Early Phases of Architectural Studies Experiments with first year students in immersive rear projection based virtual environments

Virtual Reality is quite commonly used in architectural education, however mostly in higher semesters and within elective courses. This paper reports about various teaching scenarios using Virtual Reality in projection based immersive environments at very early phases of architectural studies, within the first two semesters. Various student questionnaires were carried out and clearly show benefits for students to gain spatial awareness in their design projects, and for discussing their design intentions. Experiences with cyber sickness and issues like accessibility to the immersive environments are discussed as well within the given context.