Simulation in virtual environment and environmental perception: participatory Design of a classroom in middle school

Abstract

Its important to understand the classroom environment as an intellectual learning facilitator with individual values formation using participatory design approach. The user can propose ideas, which can be essential for a more adequate planning. This article proposes a virtual environment simulation as a tool to analyze the perception of a group of children in topics related to the classroom design. Through the use of the Visual Selection technique and the mental map drawings, results were generated for the classroom planning process according what was elucidated by the children. Results showed the proposed techniques viability in the investigation and representation of design solutions by the architect.