Towards Human-Centred Architecture: The Application of Immersive Technologies in AEC Sector
Towards Human-Centred Architecture: The Application of Immersive Technologies in AEC Sector
Speaker:
Shiva Ghaznavi
Summary:
Immersive technologies are reshaping architectural practice by enabling designers to evaluate human experience, spatial quality, and user behaviour before construction begins. This presentation explores how Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) can support more human-centred design processes within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Drawing on published research, case studies, and a VR-based coworking space evaluation, the lecture demonstrates how immersive environments can enhance stakeholder participation, improve spatial understanding, and generate measurable behavioural and experiential data during the early stages of design. The presentation also examines the evolution, current adoption, benefits, and limitations of XR technologies across architectural practice and the wider AEC industry.
This talk was delivered online on 02 June 2026. Talk duration is 60 minutes.
Speaker Bio:
My name is Shiva. I hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in architectural technology, where my project focused on user-driven frameworks using virtual reality for spatial prototyping and behavioural analysis. Currently, I am a PhD researcher at Swinburne University of Technology and the Arch_Manu Centre, where my research focuses on developing a design support system that responds to users’ diverse needs and experiences by integrating human-centred design, evidence-based design, and immersive technologies.
CPD Details:
This talk is offered as a formal CPD activity for architects, mapped to performance criteria PC18 and PC39 in the Australian 2021 National Standard of Competencies for Architects.
A copy of the CPD questions can be accessed here. If you take notes in digital format during the video, you will be able to copy/paste your answers into the questionnaire at the end.
Upon completion of the video, a link to the CPD questionnaire will be unlocked. Submit your answers via that link to earn 1 formal CPD point and receive your certificate for record-keeping purposes. Note: The questionnaire link will only load if the video is viewed from this webpage. If you navigate to YouTube to view the video, you will not be able to access it.