Real-Time Spatial Auralization for Collaborative Architectural Design in Virtual Reality

Xydis A, Montiani G, Chia-Hsuan C, Scotto F. Real-Time Spatial Auralization for Collaborative Architectural Design in Virtual Reality. In: AVARIG 2026: Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality and Immersive Games. Audio Engineering Society; 2026. Paper 10324. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23286

@inproceedings{Xydis2026_23286,
  author = {Xydis, Achilleas and Montiani, Giacomo and Chia-Hsuan, Chao and Scotto, Fabio},
  title = {{Real-Time Spatial Auralization for Collaborative Architectural Design in Virtual Reality}},
  booktitle = {AVARIG 2026: Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality and Immersive Games},
  note = {Paper 10324},
  year = {2026},
  month = jun,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23286}
}

TY  - CPAPER
TI  - Real-Time Spatial Auralization for Collaborative Architectural Design in Virtual Reality
AU  - Xydis, Achilleas
AU  - Montiani, Giacomo
AU  - Chia-Hsuan, Chao
AU  - Scotto, Fabio
T2  - AVARIG 2026: Audio for Virtual and Augmented Reality and Immersive Games
M1  - Paper 10324
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/06/30
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23286
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - Acoustic performance remains insufficiently addressed in architectural design, where visual and spatial considerations typically guide decision-making. The present research examines the integration of real-time spatial auralization into multi-user virtual reality environments to facilitate collaborative evaluation of architectural acoustic performance during design exploration. A multi-user VR framework has been developed that embeds real-time binaural auralization within a collaborative design evaluation context. The framework supports shared inhabitation of virtual models, auditory exploration of spatialized sound sources, and systematic investigation of how spatial configurations and material properties affect perceived acoustic characteristics. Temporal soundscapes and acoustic implications of alternative materials and spatial arrangements can be evaluated through a gesturedriven interface. Spatialized voice communication further supports co-inhabitation of virtual environments and acoustically informed discussion. By embedding real-time auralization within collaborative virtual environments, the framework repositions acoustic performance as an experiential dimension of architectural design, enabling earlier incorporation of auditory considerations into the design process. An exploratory user study indicates that immersive, real-time auralization can integrate acoustic feedback into collaborative architectural design workflows, supporting multisensory evaluation and reducing dependence on late-stage corrective interventions.
ER  -