A Virtual Immersion in Urban Sustainability: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

Immersive virtual reality and 360° video can be used for academic purposes with success. This article summarizes the design, implementation, and evaluation of the use of these two tools at Tecnológico de Monterrey. The objective of using immersive learning was to give university students a comprehensive view of urban sustainability in ancient times and make a comparison with the current civilizations, and the projections for the future. For the virtual travels of the past and present, the tool used was 360° video while for the future it was virtual reality. Two 360° videos were designed of Sumerian and Roman civilizations, in specific of the cities of Ur (Mesopotamia) and Pompeii. These two urban designs were contrasted with today’s design of the cities of Buenos Aires, São Pablo, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. For the future, Google Earth allowed a tour at street-level of the European Green Capitals. At the end of the course the students answered a survey that showed a 91% of satisfactory opinions due to immersive learning.