Based on the TRANS-URBAN‘s findings, where land use and transport scenarios were created and used through descriptions, narratives, simulations, and 2D maps, VIR2ALL proposes that new thinking is required to engage decision-makers, planners, businesses, and the public in formulating practical and implementable policy options under collaborative frameworks. In particular, the VIR2ALL’s approach is based on incorporating and testing VR to simulate collaborative future scenarios.
Objective 1. To identify design criteria for modelling 3D immersive scenes representing
LUTI strategic scenarios.
This objective aims to identify design criteria for modeling 3D immersive scenes representing specific LUTI strategic scenarios in the Henares corridor. The criteria will address various aesthetic, visual, and experiential aspects of urban activities, public spaces, and mobility flows.
Drawing on previous LUTI scenarios from the TRANS-URBAN project , we will first identify key locations suitable for these scenarios. A multidisciplinary expert panel will then establish design criteria linking each location to the scenarios. Finally, graphic representations will be created to serve as the foundation for 3D modeling.
Objective 2. To identify design criteria for modelling 3D immersive scenes representing
LUTI strategic scenarios.
This objective focuses on modeling 3D immersive scenes for each location and LUTI strategic scenario, building on the outcomes of O1. The modeling will explore levels of detail, realism, and user Interaction, reflecting specific LUTI situations: crossing streets with different traffic levels or visualizing intermodal station surroundings.
The 3D scenes will become immersive virtual environments for experiential VR visualization. The modeling process will utilize software such as City Engine, Blender and Unity to transform GIS information into a 3D land use database. The 3D land use database and the workflow will serve as significant contributions to this objective.
Objective 3. To analyse the representation of LUTI strategic futures through VR as an instrument for participation, social learning and innovation.
This objective examines VR’s ability to enhance social learning and innovation compared to traditional LUTI scenario methods (e.g., 2D maps, narratives). It will assess VR’s capacity to improve public understanding of future scenarios and boost citizen engagement in participatory processes.
With an experimental approach, effectivness of traditional techniques will be compared againts VR’s among various population groups. The results will offer methodological guidelines for using VR in scenario building to promote participation, social learning, and innovation.
Objective 4. To design, implement, and assess a collaborative planning framework for using LUTI strategic scenarios through VR techniques
This objective focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of a collaborative planning framework that utilizes VR to represent LUTI strategic scenarios. The framework aims to foster knowledge co-creation for LUTI policymaking, engaging both the public and policymakers.
An experiment will be carried out to compare two mixed groups—one using traditional techniques (control) and the other using the VR-based collaborative framework (experimental). Both groups will address realistic planning challenges and their ability to co-design solutions, innovate, and reach consensus will be measured.