Immersive learning technologies in architecture and urbanism: a four-dimensional critical review

uma revisão crítica em quatro dimensões

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-57652026v31id291184

Keywords:

immersive learning technology, theory and history of architecture and urbanism, evaluation

Abstract

The use of Immersive Learning Technologies (ILT) has become popular in recent years. The aim of this article is to discuss the use of ILT in teaching the theory and history of architecture and urbanism. Starting from a broad bibliographical review on the topic, the aim is to add to the discussion a critical analysis of its implementation and results through the outlining of its own analysis methodology on four scales: sensorial, cognitive, emotional and social. Through a systematic search on digital platforms for scientific articles, three case studies were chosen: immersive virtual reality (immersive virtual reality - IVR), augmented reality (augmented reality - AR) and virtual learning on a gaming platform. The results found demonstrate that the sensorial and emotional dimensions are privileged, especially with the use of digital reconstruction of buildings, an advanced field in architecture, which promotes immersion. Cognitive issues are highlighted in experiences that use gamification, in which the narrative, characters and challenges stimulate learning. However, little is explored about the social issues of learning, with little or no collaborative or interdisciplinary activity. This study, despite its limitations in scope and approach, opens the discussion for the implementation and critical analysis of ILT in the teaching of theory and history of architecture and urban planning and in related areas.

Author Biographies

  • Ana Paula Campos Gurgel, FAU UNB

    Postgraduate in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (2008.2) and master's degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (2012) where she is linked to the research group MUsA - Morfologia e Usos da Arquitetura, on prof orientation Dr. Edja Trigueiro. Completed the PhD in the Post-Graduation Program of the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the Universidade de Brasília (2016), where, since then, it is linked to the Research Group Morfological Dimensões do Processo de Urbanização - DIMPU, under the cooperation of prof. Dr. Frederico da Holland. Currently she is an adjunct professor at the Department of Theory and History of the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of Brasília - FAU/UnB. It has experience in the area of ​​Urban and Regional Planning, with an emphasis on configuration studies, dealing mainly with two following topics: spatial syntax, metropolization, dynamics of centralities, built heritage.

  • Gilberto Lacerda Santos, FE UnB

    Full Professor of the Faculty of Education of the University of Brasília, where he works in extension, graduation and post-graduation in the field of pedagogical applications of information, communication and expressive technologies (TICE) and in scientific and technological dissemination. He is a Professor of Sociology of Scientific and Technological Knowledge at the University of Brasília (2001); Ph.D. in Education by Universidade Laval (Canada, 1995), with a focus on applications of technologies in education; Master in Educational Technologies, with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, from Laval University (Canada, 1991). He carried out post-doctoral studies in education and technologies in Spain, in 1998, in Canada, in 2003 and again in 2014. He is the leader of the Ábaco Research Group for Interdisciplinary Research on Technologies and Education since its foundation, in 2005. He is a consultant in educational innovations in public and private organizations. Coordinates the Virtual Museum of Science and Technology of the University of Brasília, one of the two main scientific dissemination devices of the institution since its inception, in 2007.

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Published

2026-06-10

Issue

Vol. 31 (2026)

Section

Artigo

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Paula Gurgel, Gilberto Lacerda Santos

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How to Cite

Immersive learning technologies in architecture and urbanism: a four-dimensional critical review: uma revisão crítica em quatro dimensões. Avaliação: Revista da Avaliação da Educação Superior, Campinas; Sorocaba, SP, v. 31, p. e026002, 2026. DOI: 10.1590/1982-57652026v31id291184. Disponível em: https://submission.scielo.br/index.php/aval/article/view/291184. Acesso em: 6 nov. 2026.