Echoes of Tradition: Virtual-Reality Media in Improving Spatial Space Experience 3D Virtual Tour of Kampung Adat Pulo Garut, West Java, Indonesia

In the current digital era, virtual reality (VR) technology is rapidly expanding across various fields, including education and cultural preservation. This technology offers immersive opportunities to explore and experience architectural spaces, promising increased understanding and learning motivation. Despite being relatively new in Indonesia, the application of VR has shown significant potential for education and cultural preservation through the implementation of a 3D virtual tour in Kampung Adat Pulo Garut. Therefore, this research aimed to develop VR media to enhance users' spatial experience and preserve the cultural values of Kampung Adat Pulo Garut through interactive learning. The method used was Research and Development (R&D) through the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) model. The equipment used was LiDAR Scanner FJD Trion P1 Series, DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, and Sony A6000 Camera. The method used included aerial and terrestrial mapping, 3D modeling, and the development of virtual environments through Unreal Engine. The developmental process included various stages, namely concept, design, material collection, compilation, testing, and distribution. The result showed an interactive 3D virtual tour of Kampung Adat Pulo Garut, called “Echoes of Tradition.” Unreal Engine was found to enable detailed visualization of traditional architecture and village environments with high accuracy and interactivity. The final product offered an immersive learning experience, enriching users' experience, and enabling digital preservation of cultural heritage. The next step, to get an overview of the research results, used a questionnaire as an instrument which was distributed to a total of 250 respondents. Furthermore, the potential implication of VR in education and cultural preservation was identified, guiding similar applications in the future. By improving accessibility and engagement in spatial and cultural learning, VR offered new avenues in education and cultural preservation in Indonesia.