Bridging The Gap: Exploring Serious Games In Architectural Education For Spatial Thinking

The study aims to conceptualize and design a serious game to support first-year architecture students in their foundational visual communication course by enhancing mental imaging processes. Using Unreal Engine 5, a setting was created where students provided clues about different elevations of 3D objects based on their shadows. The game allows students to use shadow surfaces to infer 3D information and plans from various directions. The setting was tested in a two-stage case study with 15 participants, incorporating a sketch map task and a questionnaire for game evaluation. Participants who performed well in technical drawing at one level tended to do well in subsequent levels, reflecting consistency within participants rather than demonstrating the game's effectiveness in developing new skills. Overall, the study shows that participants enjoyed the hybrid educational environment and the game, increased their motivation, and were more likely to play again.