Interactive Design of Urban Spaces Using Virtual Reality: A Framework for Enhancing Environmental Perception; Case Study: Farahzadi Street, Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Design, Faculty of Urban Planning and Architecture, University of Art Iran, Tehran, Iran

2 M.A. Student in Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Interactive urban space is a multidimensional domain that provides a purposeful platform for social interactions, cultural exchanges, and technological linkages. This research aims to design such spaces by employing virtual reality (VR) to enhance users’ environmental perception, selecting Farahzadi Street in Tehran as a case study. The primary challenge in this context is the dominance of on-street parking and motor vehicles, along with the lack of adequate pedestrian space, which constrains the formation of social interactions. Adopting a mixed-methods research methodology—integrating documentary, field, and survey-based studies—the theoretical framework of the research is structured around three main pillars: the conceptualization of interactive urban spaces (encompassing physical, geographical, managerial–governance, and psychological components), the articulation of technology-driven interactive design, and the capacities of virtual reality in simulation and participation facilitation. The findings indicate that the most effective factors in enhancing environmental perception on Farahzadi Street include adherence to human scale, a distinctive spatial identity, a sense of safety, access to a favorable microclimate, and the intelligent integration of natural elements with pleasant visual and auditory landscapes and urban services. Moreover, virtual reality plays a role in five key domains: spatial visualization, interactive navigation, dynamic simulation, qualitative analysis, and the facilitation of citizen participation. These capabilities were materialized through a three-dimensional model developed in Blender software, enabling spatial experience and the collection of user feedback prior to physical implementation. Consequently, integrating user-centered interactive design with virtual reality technology can meaningfully enhance all four dimensions of environmental perception quality—semantic–perceptual, functional–activity-based, aesthetic–formal, and environmental—ultimately contributing to the creation of more sustainable, flexible, and responsive urban spaces.

Highlights

  • Designing interactive urban spaces using virtual reality enables the enhancement of citizens' environmental perception before physical implementation.
  • Adherence to human scale, distinct spatial identity, sense of security, and intelligent integration of natural and service elements are key factors in improving environmental perception quality.
  • The combination of user-centered interactive design and virtual reality technology can create sustainable, flexible, and responsive urban spaces addressing diverse citizen needs.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Urban Design Studies
Volume 2, Issue 2 - Serial Number 4
January 2026
Pages 205-228

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 25 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 11 September 2025
  • First Publish Date: 20 January 2026
  • Publish Date: 20 January 2026

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