Application of Virtual Reality to Assess Visual, Thermal Perception, and Users’ Adaptive Behaviors in Building

Victor Adetunji Arowoiya¹, Robert Christian Moehler², Yihai Fang¹

1. Monash University Clayton
2. University of Melbourne

Published in Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), edited by Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, Farzad Rahimian and Mahesh Babu Purushothaman. Springer Nature, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, volume 591, 2025, pages 289 to 302. DOI 10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_28.

Abstract

VR technology has proven to support research in the AEC sector and can create multisensory 3D environments however its use is still in the infancy stage and limited. This study aims to understand the multisensory integration using VR technology i.e. same-modal and cross-modal effects for sedentary activities. A survey design was adopted to gather information from users in a controlled climate. The Monash Makerspace was created in VR to understand its visual, thermal impact, physiological, and behavioral responses. The study results revealed significant differences in the same modal effects, however, there were no significant differences in cross-modal effects (i.e. visual on thermal sensations, preferences, comfort). Cross-modal effects of thermal conditions on visual perceptions showed significant differences in visual sensation and comfort, except for visual preferences. There were no statistically significant differences in physiological responses for both visual and thermal conditions. The study revealed that warm yellow lights are only suitable for users during cool temperatures. In contrast, cool white light was most preferred and comfortable for users. Few of the participants preferred lighting in between the two visual scenarios considered. The study’s findings can be used to design new buildings and improve existing ones for general user comfort, as most Australian buildings maintain thermal conditions ranging from 18 °C to 30 °C throughout the season. The study has some limitations including participants being exposed to these visual scenarios for a short duration under different thermal conditions which does not represent the long-term effects of participants in VR. Also, the study was carried out using students within the age bracket of 18–40 years which might not be generalizable for older or children’s groups.

Keywords

Session

Presented in Track E, Friday 8 November 2024, 16:30 to 18:30, room WA 224 A, Auckland University of Technology. Session chair Dr Esther Aigwi.

How to Cite

Arowoiya, V. A., Moehler, R. C., & Fang, Y. (2025). Application of Virtual Reality to Assess Visual, Thermal Perception, and Users’ Adaptive Behaviors in Building. In A. GhaffarianHoseini, A. GhaffarianHoseini, F. Rahimian, & M. B. Purushothaman (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024) (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol. 591, pp. 289–302). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_28

About the Conference

Presented at SASBE 2024, the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, held in Auckland from 7 to 9 November 2024 and chaired by Professors Ali and Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, founders of GDI Academy. The version of record is published by Springer Nature; this page is the conference archive record kept by GDI Academy.