Background and objectives

The escape game was developed to convey the distinctive features of studying architecture in an interactive and practice-oriented way. Prospective students gain an authentic insight into typical tasks and everyday student life. The game’s storyline is based on a real design assignment from the first semester of the Bachelor's degree programme and thus reflects both the demands and the broad range of content of the course – from project-based learning and the creative design process to intensive teamwork across different areas of knowledge.

Scenario: Under time pressure to create the first draft

Players accompany first-semester architecture students Selina and Emilie as they work on their first design, which is due the very next day. As a player, you enter the scene and help them complete their task on time. The design assignment is based on a real first-semester project and thus provides an authentic simulation of everyday student life.

Discover the unique features of studying architecture through play

While supporting Selina and Emilie in completing their design, you will gain insights into various aspects of the architecture degree programme.

• Project-based learning: Just like in real studies, the escape game focuses on working on a specific project. Developing a design combines both creative and technical aspects.
• Interdisciplinarity and broad range of topics: Architecture is an interdisciplinary degree programme that brings together design, engineering and humanities subjects. In the escape game, you will also face tasks that reflect this wide spectrum.
• Focus on design: Design is at the heart of the degree – it brings together all elements of the course. This is also made tangible in the game.
• Collaboration in the studios: Social interaction and teamwork are central components of the programme. Working in student studios encourages exchange and collaboration – an atmosphere you will experience first-hand in the game.
• High workload: Studying architecture is very demanding and often shaped by time pressure – this aspect is also noticeable in the escape game.

Conclusion

The serious game “Architecture – Our First Draft” offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore the world of studying architecture at TU Darmstadt in a playful way. It combines realistic insights into everyday student life with the exciting challenge of an escape game, where creativity and teamwork take centre stage. In this way, the architecture degree becomes tangible in an entertaining and interactive manner.

The game “TUDa Campus Quest – Our First Draft” was developed for a minimum screen size of 13" and is best played using the Chrome browser.

#Size --> Spaces
#Tag --> at school / at home
#Technologie --> 360°
#Didactic --> orientation, serious game, explorative
Learn more about the fuels taxonomy

Dipl.-Des. Frank Metzger / Department of Architecture
Felix Hoch, Markus Weber, Franziska Ritter / Centre for Educational Development and Technology (HDA), E-Learning Group