1. Intro & Technical Training

During the first two days of the course, we focused on the technical foundations of creating VR environments. 

We learned 3D modeling and asset creation in Blender, including how to design, texture, and optimize objects through different exercises. At the same time, we explored Unity to bring our environments to life, mastering workflows like scene setup, lighting, and interactions. 

This hands-on introduction built our confidence and laid the groundwork for developing immersive VR experiences.

2. Concept Development

As the course progressed, I explored ideas for my VR environment, starting with a concept focused on architecture restoration and heritage preservation through immersive storytelling. 

At the same time, I was drawn to a second, more playful idea involving scale manipulation and a miniature user perspective. 

Despite the challenge of developing two distinct concepts in a short time, I embraced the chance to experiment, balancing serious themes with imaginative, interactive play.

3. Project Realization

3a. First Project: Architectural Restoration of The Great Omari Mosque in the city of Gaza.

For my first project, I digitally reconstructed a 7th-century landmark in Gaza that was recently destroyed in the bombing, creating a gallery within the restored structure to share real photographs and historical context. 

Modeling and sourcing materials in such a short time was challenging, but with help from my architect friend Juan Pablo Caso from Argentina, I completed it. 

The project became both a tribute and an act of preservation, using VR to honor lost heritage and keep its story alive.

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3b. Second Project: Playful experiment with scale in a miniature Fridge scene.

For my second project, I was inspired by the Disney classic „Honey, I Shrunk the Kids“ to explore how scale can transform everyday spaces. 

I designed a miniature, ant-sized perspective of a kitchen fridge, influenced by the Big Fun Museum in Barcelona, where oversized food and unexpected objects -like a shoe on a fridge shelf- added a playful twist.

4. Experiencing The Spaces

In this stage of the course, we put on the VR headsets and stepped inside the very environments we had spent days designing and building. 

Walking through the spaces we created was an incredibly elevating experience. It was the first time our concepts truly came to life, not just on a screen but around us, full scale and immersive.

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4a. The Great Omari Mosque

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4b. Within The Fridge

5. Conclusion

This course was a great opportunity to explore virtual reality, blending creativity with technical skills to bring ideas to life. 

From restoring a lost cultural landmark to building a playful, oversized kitchen scene, I explored both emotional and imaginative storytelling in VR. 

Along the way, I gained hands-on experience with Blender and Unity, and developed a solid understanding of the 3D workflow needed to realize VR concepts. Grateful to our instructor, Mathias Jüsche, for his guidance throughout this challenging but rewarding journey.