Evaluating a Virtual Wind Power Park in a Churchyard: A Perception Study With Portable VR Devices

Abstract

Portable VR technology enables perception studies to be put into practice in the field. This is a notable advance for several reasons: First, VR studies can be performed in natural environments, second, it is easier to reach relevant informants, and third, informants are more focused on the test. In this study, we focus on the pre-design phase of a wind power park. It is an appropriate target for perception study because it is rather new technology, many people are affected by it and there is a lot of prejudice against it. Due to this, social resistance has become the most remarkable issue for building new wind power in countryside. The research question of this paper is if the use of Virtual prototypes can influence inhabitant’s attitudes in the pre-design phase of a Wind Power Park. We present a perception study that is performed in a village next to which a wind power park is planned. This study was performed with portable VR technology in a churchyard of the village where they could experience the virtual landscape and soundscape caused by a future wind power park. Informant group consisted of 18 people from the village. In this study, we found out that people with strong preconception did not change their opinions. However, people with mild preconception may change their opinion. Actually, 37 % of the informants changed their opinion on wind power after the virtual inspection. It is noteworthy that the change can take place in both directions. Furthermore, portable VR technology consisting of an Oculus Rift and a Laptop computer proved to be feasible in the field study.