Enhancing Public Engagement in Architectural Design: A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Virtual Reality Approaches in Building Information Modeling and Gamification Techniques

Purpose: This paper investigates the potential of virtual reality (VR) technologies—specifically, building information modeling (BIM) (“Autodesk Revit”) and game engines (“Unreal Engine”)—to enhance public involvement in design execution architecture urban projects. The main research question focuses on comparing effectiveness these two methods creating an interactive model for participatory spaces. Methods: study employed a VR exploratory experiment with 33 participants, followed by semi-structured interviews to analyze recent developments London: Sky Garden, Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Participants interacted models provided feedback their experiences. Results: findings demonstrate that integrating BIM software using Enscape plugin effectively enhances user involvement, enabling real-time generation testing alternatives. While both were found be beneficial, participants reported preference direct implementation software. Conclusions: highlights engines—as co-design approach social spaces environments. It also identifies limitations future opportunities adopting design.