*Anne Chua Ann Yii, Chai Changsaar, Jiao Yang, Lee Chia Kuang, Nur IzieAdiana Abidin and Goh Kai Chen

Abstract: Architectural design visualisation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) education requires integrated digital workflows supporting immersive spatial experience. These workflows enable dynamic environmental simulation and seamless software interoperability. Existing approaches face challenges including fragmented multi-software pipelines and limited animation integration within BIM-VR environments. Loss of parametric metadata during file conversion further constrains current workflows. This study develops and evaluates a dual-pathway animation-BIM-VR integration workflow for architectural design visualisation. The workflow links Autodesk Revit with 3ds Max, Unreal Engine 5, and Twinmotion. Animated architectural visualisations are delivered through immersive VR across both pathways. A Design Science Research (DSR) methodology grounded in Situated Learning Theory (SLT) guided the framework development. The framework was iteratively refined through workflow development and proof-of-concept demonstration. Learner experience evaluation involved 12 final-year architecture students at a Malaysian university. FBX-based BIM data transfer preserves model integrity across software environments. Realtime rendering with VR export supports immersive spatial learning. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed three sub-themes: operational ease, spatial immersion, and learning outcomes. The Twinmotion pathway offered faster production with fewer intermediate processing steps while the 3ds Max-UE5 pathway provided greater creative control over animation and rendering outputs. Participants described renewed design motivation and experiential learning through active spatial exploration. They also reported improved comprehension of environmental conditions including dynamic lighting behaviour. This study presents a theoretically grounded, dual-pathway framework integrating animation, BIM and VR. It also establishes animation as a distinct variable enhancing spatial comprehension within architectural design education.

Keywords: Animation, BIM-VR, architectural design, visualization, AEC education