An exhibition showcasing how Texas Tech Department of Landscape Architecture students are using gamification and augmented, virtual and mixed reality tools and technology for teaching innovations and research is set from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday (Apr. 15) on the ground floor of the Texas Tech Dairy Barn. There is no set agenda and participants can come and go as needed.

“I believe these advanced and latest tools will shape the way we teach higher education courses in the future,” said Muntazar Monsur, an assistant professor within Department of Landscape Architecture. “This exhibition creates an opportunity to show the Texas Tech community a glimpse of that future.”

There will be 10 display posters showing 10 different types of XR projects - some involving VR headsets, some on-screen, and some AR on cell phones, he added. The display posters explain the projects and headsets and phone devices will be used for the immersive experience. There will also be hands-on activities so audience can compare a VR experience with a real-life experience. 

“The Extended Reality Expo will showcase research and innovative applications that Dr. Monsur is using in the classroom,” added Leehu Loon, chair and professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture. “This highlights the cutting-edge of how we are preparing the next generation of landscape architects to solve the world’s biggest challenges. The Expo is also a great opportunity for collaborators across campus to see how their work can connect to what Dr. Monsur is doing in the DoLA XR Lab.” 

Tech's Department of Landscape Architecture features several forward-thinking initiatives. Among them are its DoLA XR lab for exploring effective applications of Extended Reality (XR) technologies – including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) for advancing landscape architecture education and research. The lab currently leads several multidisciplinary and collaborative research projects focused on using immersive technologies to promote health, well-being, and learning. The lab has the latest VR headsets (14), 3D and 360 cameras, high-performance laptops and PCs, and laser scanners.

CONTACT: Muntazar Monsur, Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Texas Tech University at (806) 834- 2994 or mmonsur@ttu.edu

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