5 Best Virtual Field Trips for Students of Architecture

Why should young architects be limited to classroom learning even with the rise in the use of virtual reality (VR) in teaching? It is time to plan lessons accordingly so that students can avail themselves of much-needed visits to different architectural marvels in the world just from the comfort of the classroom. 

Below, you will learn about the benefits of virtual field trips for students in architecture schools in Kerala.  You will also learn about the virtual tour programs to 5 interesting sites for their architectural aspects. 

What are virtual field trips for architecture students?

Virtual field trips for architecture students are online learning experiences of real places. These trips help architecture students to explore areas such as historical sites and museums in an immersive experience. Virtual field trips are usually designed as a holistic virtual experience using 360 images to create a group of linked scenes from different locations at a site. 

Virtual field trips usually happen in 3 different settings, such as augmented reality, mixed reality, and virtual reality, with varying virtuality. Augmented reality with low virtuality allows limited interaction between objects in the virtual and physical world. 

Mixed reality with a medium level of virtuality permits a better and more vivid interaction between objects in the physical and virtual worlds. With a fully computer-generated world for the users, virtual reality holds the highest level of virtuality among the three. 

Benefits of virtual field trips for architecture students:  

  • Virtual field trips can help architecture students understand the various architectural concepts thoroughly, creating an improved learning experience.
  • Many architectural students find these trips more engaging than conventional learning methods.
  • Through virtual field trips, students get to experience many architectural marvels remotely.
  • With virtual field trips, architecture students can collaborate with people from other parts of the world and learn from them.
  • Virtual field trips could also be excellent learning experiences for scholars to acquire social and emotional skills.

Top 5 Virtual Field Trips for Architecture Students:

  1. Louvre Museum by 360 Stories

The virtual field trips by 360 Stories at the Louvre Museum in Paris are an attraction for architecture students, mainly for the iconic glass pyramid. I.M. Pei designed the modest and straightforward form of the glass pyramid, taking his inspiration from the geometric shapes of squares and triangles. 

  1. Palace of Versailles

Google’s virtual tour of the Palace of Versailles is another significant experience for architecture students among the various virtual field trips available. The palace, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its Baroque  and Rococo architecture.

  1. The Great Wall of China (Google Arts & Culture)

Google’s virtual field trips also include the renowned Great Wall of China. The wall, originally built to protect China from foreign invaders, covers thousands of miles with its interconnected walls, fortifications, and watchtowers. 

  1. El Tajin in Mexico (Google Arts & Culture)

El Tajin in Mexico is another important site in the virtual field trips for architecture students by Google. The location includes the Pyramid of the Niches, a union of old American and Mexican architecture. 

  1. Taj Mahal (Google Arts & Culture)

The Taj Mahal is one of the must-visit places for students of architecture in India. The virtual field trips to the attractions at the Taj Mahal arranged by Google offer an opportunity to study a rare combination of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. 

Conclusion: 

Virtual field trips for architecture students are a great way to get students excited about their learning experience. Virtual trips to sites that align well with the lessons included in the curriculum can maximize the impact of learning for architecture students. Further, these trips could be included in the lesson plans either in the beginning as a medium to introduce new architectural styles or as a refreshing wrap-up activity towards the end. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

  1. How can I make virtual field trips for architecture students? 

You need the following two components to make a virtual trip of your own: 

  • A standard 360-degree-camera
  • A virtual tour software such as Kuula or Avatour

Once made, communicate the link with your audience to commence the trip. 

  1. What are the things to consider while planning virtual field trips for architecture students? 

These are the things to consider while planning virtual field trips for students of architecture: 

  • Determine how the trips could be coordinated with the curriculum
  • Make sure you have access to the link of the trip
  • Decide how you will share the links with students learning remotely 
  • Create and share the itinerary with students
  • Including engaging tasks such as scavenger hunts and quizzes for each destination
  • Review the students’ understanding using the KWL (Know, Want-to-know, and Learned) strategy
  • Conclude the trip using a fitting picture or quotation
  1. Can virtual reality (VR) be used in architecture? If yes, then how is it used?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) can be used in architecture. Virtual reality’s impact on architectural experience improves coordination between the team and stakeholders. This is because with VR it is possible to review a building’s model with a realistic simulation even during the early stages of design and construction. 

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