Virtual Reality (VR): A Tool for Evaluating Spatial Height by Children Aged 6 to 8 in Participatory Design

This study investigates how children aged 6 to 8 perceive ceiling height through immersive Virtual Reality (VR) simulations. Five residential space types were modeled in Unity 3D, each presented with four ceiling height variations, and sixty children explored them using Oculus Quest 2. Both verbal and behavioral feedback were collected to capture perceptual responses. Results indicate that ceiling heights between 2.60 and 2.99 meters are most positively experienced, generating feelings of freedom, comfort, and spatial clarity. By contrast, heights below 1.83 meters were consistently judged restrictive and uncomfortable. Drawing on environmental psychology, the study highlights how vertical dimensions shape children’s spatial experience and well-being. VR demonstrated strong potential as a participatory design tool, enabling direct involvement of young users in evaluating architectural features. The findings contribute to child-centered architectural practice by offering evidence-based guidelines for residential and educational environments that better align with children’s perceptual and psychological needs.