Cultural Windows: Towards a Workflow for Immersive Journeys into Global Living Spaces

TL;DR

The paper addresses how to expand cross-cultural understanding by creating privacy-preserving, immersive XR representations of global living spaces. It proposes an end-to-end workflow that combines 3D scanning, hybrid non-photorealistic base models with owner-provided elements, texture-rich reconstructions, and VR/AR deployments to explore interior design across cultures. A preliminary informal study with interior-design professionals indicates educational and professional value, while underscoring the need for expert validation and broader cultural coverage. Overall, Cultural Windows offers a privacy-aware, scalable framework for architectural and design education that leverages XR to bridge biases and reveal authentic domestic aesthetics.

Abstract

"Cultural Windows" is a research initiative designed to enrich cross-cultural understanding through immersive extended reality (XR) experiences. This project proposes a workflow for deploying AR and VR platforms, allowing users to explore living spaces from diverse cultures and socio-economic statuses. The process involves 3D scanning of culturally significant objects, creating accurate models of living spaces, and integrating them into immersive systems to facilitate engagement with global living designs. Targeted at individuals curious about how people live in different parts of the world, the project aims to expand cross-cultural understanding and design perspectives, providing insights into the effectiveness of immersive technologies in cultural education. By detailing its conceptual framework, "Cultural Windows" aims to enhance comprehension and appreciation of global domestic aesthetics by comparing participants' perceptions with immersive, realistic representations of living spaces from different cultures. This can help bridge the gap between preconceived notions and the actual appearance and feel of these spaces.

Figures (8)

• Figure 1: "Cultural Windows" workflow for immersive visualizations of global interiors: (a) 3D scanning and processing of unique design elements, (b) Ensuring privacy with generic objects and non-photorealistic models, (c) Incorporating 3D models with original textures and materials, and (d) Preparing the final scene for VR exploration.
• Figure 2: Methodology diagram of "Cultural Windows," detailing the steps taken from data collection and mesh generation to the final user interactions with AR and VR visualizations of living room spaces.
• Figure 3: Plan of the three selected living rooms: (a) A living room in Tehran with a mix of modern and classical elements, (b) A living room in Tabriz with classical furniture and rugs, and (c) A cozy, modern living room in Tehran.
• Figure 4: Reconstruction of entire interior spaces often reveals photogrammetry limitations: (a) A mesh generated from 150 photos using Autodesk ReCap Photo, (b) A rendered view of the same space.
• Figure 5: Final reconstructed 3D models of the living spaces, ready for VR integration: (a) Living room No. 1 in Tehran, (b) Living room No. 2 in Tabriz, (c) and (d) Living room No. 3 in Tehran.