INTERVENTION 1

Urban Design Ideation Project: Harnessing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

In the realm of design, the ideation process is pivotal, serving as the cradle for innovation and creativity. This project explores the multifaceted approach to ideation, emphasizing the integration of traditional methods with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.


Urban design ideation is an intricate dance of imagination and reality, where designers sculpt the future of urban landscapes. Traditionally reliant on sketching and physical models, this project introduces a transformative approach by incorporating VR and AR. Specifically, it focuses on using Gravity Sketch, a tool that redefines spatial understanding, allowing designers to navigate and create in a three-dimensional virtual environment. This project aims to establish a harmonious blend of physical sketching, digital visualization, and immersive experiences to enhance the designer's creative workflow.


1. Ideation through Sketching and Visualization: Initially, designers engage in traditional sketching to outline basic concepts. This phase is crucial for rapid idea generation and preliminary visual representation.

2. Material Testing: Understanding materials and their interaction is vital. Designers experiment with various textures and compositions, integrating these insights into their virtual models.

3. Gravity Sketch Integration: Designers transition to Gravity Sketch, where they can spatially manipulate their ideas in a 3D virtual environment. This tool is user-friendly, requiring minimal time to acclimate, making it ideal for first-time users. It facilitates a deeper exploration of spatial relationships and design potential.

4. Virtual Space Utilization: The virtual realm offers limitless possibilities. Designers use VR to construct and iterate designs, while AR assists in overlaying virtual elements onto the physical world, enabling a comprehensive view of how designs interact with existing spaces.

Application and Future Directions

1. Mixed Journal Approach: A new strategy integrates physical sketching, iPad sketching, AR ideation, and virtual visualization. This mixed journal serves as a comprehensive repository of ideas, sketches, and models, offering a dynamic platform for creativity.

2. Virtual and AR Tools: Utilizing virtual spaces, designers can collaboratively ideate and modify designs in real-time, transcending geographical limitations. AR technology provides a tangible connection to the physical world, enhancing the designer's ability to envision and refine their creations within actual urban contexts.

3. Future Ideation Processes: The project aims to set a precedent for future urban design processes, advocating for a synergy between traditional techniques and advanced technologies, fostering a new era of innovation in urban planning and design.


This intervention project explores a new paradigm in design ideation, merging conventional methodologies with the limitless potential of VR and AR. By embracing this integrated approach, designers can unlock unprecedented levels of creativity and precision, shaping the future of urban landscapes with visionary designs and innovative solutions.