Workflow and Best Practices of Planting Design in Virtual Reality

Author

Becca L. Springer, Utah State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Committee Chair(s)

Benjamin George

Committee

Benjamin George

Committee

David Evans

Committee

Lance Stott

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a technical workflow and deliver an instructional module for teaching planting design in Virtual Reality (VR). The developed workflow and instructional model will be presented to students enrolled at Utah State University in the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning (LAEP) Department. The first objective of this thesis project is to explore and create a successful workflow of basic planting design principles and apply them in virtual reality with the use of new technology. The virtual reality and planting design software that were explored were Twinmotion, VR Sketch, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Land FX, Gravity Sketch, and Unreal Engine 5. After exploration and testing, Unreal Engine 5 and Gravity Sketch were not used, due to the programs either being too complicated to learn in a short amount of time, or because the program was to be used for a portion of the design process not included in this workflow. The creation of a workflow will introduce the application of virtual reality technology into the landscape architecture industry by preparing students with the requisite knowledge to successfully design in virtual reality prior to their entry into the workforce. The second objective is to introduce students to the application of virtual reality in relation to planting design. Students will be introduced to the basics of virtual reality through a walkthrough video and an in-class lecture on the developed workflow, followed by a vignette and a final design assignment. The vignette and the final design will allow students to apply what they have learned via the workflow. These objectives will be achieved using the LAEP 3500 Planting Design course taught during the fall semester to MLA graduate students and matriculated juniors in the LAEP department. Expected results of this thesis include landscape architecture students developing skills to create unique planting designs, within the constraint of given assignments, while using virtual reality technology, which by allows students to view their design ‘in person.’

Recommended Citation

Springer, Becca L., "Workflow and Best Practices of Planting Design in Virtual Reality" (2024). All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present. 40.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports2023/40