Available Projects
Multisensory virtual reality for human assessment of built environments
Humans are highly sensitive yet imprecise in perceiving environmental stimuli. Every built environment presents a unique combination of sensory cues, resulting in complex human responses. This project aims to develop multisensory virtual reality simulations that integrate visual, auditory, and vibration stimuli, enabling people to evaluate built environments in a digital setting. Ultimately, the tools developed will help design environments that help people to thrive.
Primary supervisor: Dr Bintian Lin - Email: Bintian.Lin@warwick.ac.uk
Co-supervisor: Professor Stana Zivanovic
Project detail:
In this project, multisensory virtual reality (VR) will be developed to enable humans to evaluate built environments within a digital setting. A sensory database will be created, capturing visual, auditory, and vibration cues using panoramic cameras, ambisonic microphones, and accelerometers. These data will be integrated into game engines such as Unity or Unreal to produce realistic VR simulations. In particular, 3D reconstruction techniques, including photogrammetry and Gaussian splatting, will be employed to generate photorealistic visual scenes, complemented by synthesised computer graphics. Binaural and ambisonic recording and playback technologies will reproduce spatial sound environments, while a full-scale footbridge will serve as the testbed for generating realistic vibration stimuli.
Wearable sensors, including insole pressure sensors, inertial measurement units, motion trackers, and eye-tracking devices, will be used to collect physiological data. Subjective responses will also be gathered through questionnaires to provide comprehensive assessments of human perception and comfort. Within this controlled digital framework, the project aims to reveal how humans interact with built environments and how different sensory modalities interplay with each other.
It is anticipated that this PhD project will deliver a step change from conventional code-compliant design approaches toward a human-centred paradigm, ultimately informing the creation of environments that enable people to thrive.
How to apply for admission: www.warwick.ac.uk/pgrengineering
How to apply for a scholarship: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/postgraduate/funding/
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.