The project is located in the rear hall of the Main Building at Tsinghua University. Constructed between 1956 and 1964, the Main Building is one of the University's most significant architectural landmarks. Between 1999 and 2000, the building underwent a second phase of seismic retrofitting and partial vertical extension, increasing its overall height to 51.82 meters.

The renovation encompasses approximately 2,266 square meters of interior space and 989 square meters of outdoor areas. The intervention focuses on the ground floor of the building's northern section, which previously accommodated computer classrooms. The renovated space is reconfigured to accommodate a one-stop service hall, self-service facilities, and administrative offices, establishing an integrated service environment for the university community.

To facilitate the comparative evaluation of multiple design alternatives during the conceptual design phase, we developed a high-fidelity mobile immersive simulation environment using the Godot Engine. The platform enables real-time transitions between alternative spatial configurations within the same environment, supports self-directed user exploration, and facilitates the collection of user comments and experiential feedback.

Furthermore, to support the detailed refinement of the wayfinding and signage system, the simulation environment incorporates high-fidelity representations of signage elements and their design details. This enables the evaluation and optimization of signage design prior to construction, ensuring visual simplicity, legibility, and usability in the completed built environment.□

Author: Zhang Li

Affiliation: School of Architecture, Tsinghua University; Teamminus, THADI; Urban Ergonomics Lab, SATU

Project Team:

Architectural Design: Wang Chong, Chen Boxu, Deng Huishu

Interior Design: Cui Zongyang, Li Songhang

Landscape Design: Yan Wei, An Shuhui, Zhang Huibo

Signage Design: Mei Xiaohan, Xie Qixu

User Interface Design: Zhang Li, Xie Qixu, Cong Hengyi

Modelling: Pan Xiaojian, Gao Yaocong, Guo Xinyuan, Yang Ke, Ma Xiang, Xu Ding, Lu Yunyi