The emerging render alternatives: A case study comparing the utility and aesthetics of the printed and the 360 in head-mounted display formats for architects and non-architects

Copyright © 2017 ASME. Environmental simulations are fundamental part of the architecture and design language. Different systems have been incorporated as technology has progressed. Renders, widely used in Architecture, also presents this development. Although the traditional printed presentation has not changed in recent years, new methods such as the 360-Render displayed on Head-Mounted Displays (HMD) have recently emerged. However, currently there are few systematic comparisons between them. Hence, the objective of this preliminary work was to quantitatively compare these systems support for design: printed Render, and 360-Render in HMD. Bipolar subjective scales were used as measurement method. Concepts were involved in utility, credibility, understanding of the space and dimensions, and basic aesthetics-emotional aspects. Survey was directed to two profiles: architects and non-architects. The analysis reveals significant results regarding these concepts, formats, and profiles. Results allow reflection on the new means of representation, both in professional and pedagogical scopes.