Kim Cabrera, TNLA's Membership & Marketing Manager, recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Monsur, an expert in Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 360-degree experiences, and a pioneer in integrating these technologies into the field of landscape architecture. His innovative work with VR in landscape design is not only transforming how we think about outdoor spaces but also inspiring a new generation of landscape architects. In this feature, Dr. Monsur will also share his insights into his groundbreaking research and how his graduate students are pushing the boundaries of design through technology & again about being at the West Texas Workshop happening in Lubbock, TX on Oct 2-3, 2024.
At Texas Tech University, Dr. Monsur’s XR Lab is a hub for cutting-edge research and education. His team of graduate students is pushing the boundaries of landscape architecture by incorporating immersive technologies into their design processes. From using VR to simulate plant growth in real-time to AR tools that overlay design concepts onto existing spaces, the lab is providing students with hands-on experience in blending technology and nature. These tools are not only enhancing their ability to visualize and test landscapes, but they’re also helping them communicate complex design ideas to clients and stakeholders more effectively.
For educators, XR is proving to be a powerful teaching tool. Instructors are using VR to conduct virtual site tours, allowing students to explore diverse landscapes without ever leaving the classroom. These immersive experiences give students the chance to engage with their designs on a deeper level, fostering creativity and practical understanding. Teachers can also use AR to demonstrate how different plants and materials interact within a landscape, bringing textbooks to life in a dynamic, interactive way.
Despite the advanced nature of the technology, Dr. Monsur emphasizes that XR is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for all ages—including those who may not consider themselves tech-savvy. With easy-to-navigate VR environments and intuitive AR tools, even those new to technology can benefit from this innovative approach to landscape design. This accessibility makes XR a valuable tool not only for today’s professionals but also for mentoring future generations.
Dr. Monsur's vision is clear: by embracing XR, the landscape architecture industry can become more innovative, engaging, and inclusive. With students, teachers, and professionals alike exploring these tools, the green industry is positioned to lead the way into a future where technology enhances sustainable design.
Watch our full 30-minute video on Youtube
More Information:
You can email him at mmonsur@ttu.edu for more information on how to get involved, how to use this new technology and to schedule a meet up at the West Texas Workshop.
To Register for the West Texas Workshop please click HERE
Download his PowerPoint XR Lab Presentation LINK
Read more about Monsur and his team through an article in LAM, click this LINK
To view the San Antonio Will Smith Zoo School Playground click this LINK