Redefining university spaces by metaverse: Case study of Aalto Univeristy

Abstract

The Metaverse has the potential to revolutionize higher education by integrating digital technologies, such as Extended Realities (XR), into university campuses, thereby enhancing both the environment and the social well-being of academic communities. This thesis examines features of XR technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), to bridge physical and digital realms. These technologies can create hybrid spaces responsive to student's needs.

Aalto University was selected as a case study to explore the untapped potential of XR-integrated spaces to enhance the quality of physical spaces. Through observations and interviews, the study identified a significant gap in student's sense of belonging, attributed to their inability to influence their physical surroundings.

This research aims to develop a conceptual framework for blending digital and physical environments, facilitate student interaction and feedback regarding their physical spaces, and identify critical factors influencing user engagement and experience in XR-enhanced spaces. The proposed framework includes a prototype of a digitally enhanced experience for a physical space within Aalto University, demonstrating the feasibility of AR as a form of Extended Reality in enhancing the physical experience and fostering a stronger connection to the campus-built environment. Despite technical challenges such as system stability and precise marker placement, the AR experience positively impacted student's sense of belonging and engagement.

The study concludes that integrating Metaverse technologies in higher education can significantly improve the design and functionality of physical spaces, promoting more inclusive social and learning environments. Future research should address technical limitations, expand interactive features, and explore broader applications of Metaverse integration in various educational contexts. This research lays the groundwork for future Metaverse applications in higher education typologies.