SATREPS BHUTAN VR (SVR) Project
This work is a VR experience developed for earthquake disaster mitigation education in Bhutan. Users encounter a massive earthquake inside a rammed earth house built using Bhutanese traditional construction techniques. After the earthquake, tapping exclamation marks generated in the room will play audio of earthquake mitigation insights for each location. After tapping all marks, the room resets to its pre-earthquake state, and a set of disaster reduction tools is generated. Lifting each tool highlights where to place them, and bringing them close triggers a visual effect for automatic placement. After setup, pressing the “OCCUR” button near the tools triggers another massive earthquake with the tools in place.
This work is an updated version of the SVR-1 beta created in 2019, now compatible with Meta Quest 2 and its hand-tracking feature. Using hand tracking allows for a controller-free experience, making it easier to take evacuation actions like “protecting the head with hands” or “hiding under the desk” during a massive earthquake experience.
It was developed as part of the SATREPS project “Project for Evaluation and Mitigation of Seismic Risk for Composite Masonry Buildings in Bhutan” and is currently utilized in disaster education by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) of Bhutan’s Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.
[Related]
・Project for Evaluation and Mitigation of Seismic Risk for Composite Masonry Buildings in Bhutan