2. Execute – The Role of Augmented Reality in Exploring Biobased Building Materials

2.2 Real studies and practical exercises

Meaningful integration of AR in hands-on learning is already happening globally, particularly in fields like environmental and urban education. These examples demonstrate how AR can move students beyond passive observation and into active, creative problem-solving inspired by nature.

The study investigated the effectiveness of an augmented reality (AR) simulation game called "ecoCampus" in teaching sustainable design principles to students in building design and construction disciplines. The core of the research involved a building redesign activity where students were tasked with designing, visualizing, and assessing different exterior wall designs to improve the sustainable performance of an existing facility. The "ecoCampus" AR application allowed students to overlay virtual design changes onto real-world images or models of a building. Crucially, it provided immediate feedback on the sustainable performance metrics of their chosen materials and designs.

The study aimed to understand if using an AR simulation game could enhance student engagement and learning outcomes compared to traditional methods. The findings indicated that students who utilized the "ecoCampus" AR game demonstrated higher levels of enjoyment and an increased interest in both building design and, significantly, sustainability. Furthermore, the AR tool facilitated a more robust design process, as students using the application performed more design iterations and considered a wider range of materials, leading to more optimized sustainable solutions. In essence, the study highlighted that AR technology, particularly within a gamified context, can effectively bridge the gap between abstract sustainable design concepts and their concrete application, making the learning process more engaging, interactive, and impactful for students (O’Nascimento, 2025).