Shahin Sateei, Construction Management

Design decisions in healthcare and educational facilities have long-term consequences for everyday work. During design review, end-users are typically expected to evaluate architectural proposals using conventional formats such as 2D drawings, which require mental reconstruction of three-dimensional space and may constrain the use of their operational knowledge. Immersive virtual reality has therefore gained attention as an alternative format enabling full-scale exploration of proposed designs. However, studies in real-world projects remain limited, and it is unclear how immersive formats influence cognitive load, identification of design issues, and end-users' ability to communicate their operational knowledge. This matters because facilities that fail to reflect end-user work practice can compromise operational efficiency, safety, and well-being for years after construction.

To address this need, this thesis investigates how immersive virtual environments can support end-user involvement, including Co-Design, during building design review. The research draws on four empirical studies in ongoing healthcare and educational building projects involving end-user groups such as building occupants, facility planners, and client representatives. It combines qualitative analyses of design review sessions with quantitative measures of cognitive load and issue identification, and draws on Cognitive Fit Theory, Collaborative Virtual Environment research, and participatory design theory.

The findings show that immersive virtual environments enable end-users to explore proposed designs at full scale and assess spatial layouts in relation to operational work practices. Immersive review supported identification of workflow- and layout-related design issues across design phases and was most effective when combined with conventional 2D drawings and overview-based formats. Interactive features such as multi-user interaction, object interaction, and multi-scale views further supported communication of operational knowledge within representations of the facilities in focus.

The thesis makes three contributions. First, it provides empirical evidence that immersive virtual environments can support higher levels of end-user involvement, including Co-Design, when interactive features such as multi-user collaboration and object interaction are available. Second, it extends Cognitive Fit Theory into collaborative design review, arguing that individual cognitive fit is a necessary precondition for higher collaborative involvement. Third, it offers practical implications for combining immersive and conventional formats to support end-user involvement during design review, helping ensure that facilities support the daily work of building occupants.