Pixels to Blueprints: How Our Future Designers Revolutionize Architecture through Video Games

Architecture, but Make it Fun! by Angela Nicole Hernandez

Throughout history, architects and designers have employed various tools to bring their visions to life. From the ancient Greeks and Renaissance architects sketching their ideas on paper to the 20th-century advent of drafting tools, and the more recent introduction of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D modeling software, the world of architecture has continuously evolved. However, in the digital age, a new generation of creative minds, known as Gen Z, has discovered a captivating and enjoyable way to express their architectural ideas—gaming.

In the world of entertainment, video games have always been designed to captivate and engage players. Growing up in the digital era, Gen Z’s immersion in the gaming world has shaped their fresh perspective and creative approach, leading them to embrace video games as an innovative medium for visualization in the architecture industry. The attraction of video games such as Minecraft and Sims lies in their open-ended nature, providing players with a virtual sandbox where they can construct and create entire worlds from the ground up. Alyana Cortez, a first-year Architecture student from the Philippines, explained how video games like The Sims 4 have been instrumental in her design process. “It made it possible for me to experiment with various design ideas without having to worry about the technical aspects of construction,” she stated.

In these virtual worlds, our future designers are not limited by the constraints of the physical world. In Minecraft, they can build intricate structures block by block, experiment with different materials, and test innovative design concepts that may not be feasible in real life. Similarly, Sims allows students to create and manipulate entire environments, studying the interaction between occupants and architectural elements. These games provide a safe and engaging space for students to unleash their creativity and think outside the box. Kristine Cruz, another architecture student from the Philippines, also highlighted the collaborative experience of these games, “Since I'm not very experienced with drafting software like AutoCAD, Minecraft helped me visualize my ideas, especially the facade. Aside from that, I can also build and collaborate with my friends,” she shared.

Jomari Obierna (Minecraft, Bloxburg)

Through these games, I had the freedom to experiment with different styles, colors, patterns, and materials, allowing me to find my creative preferences. I highly recommend using games as a means to express and enhance your creativity, as they offer the freedom to explore and discover your own unique style.

Alyana Coleen Cortez (The Sims 4)

Playing games like The Sims 4 has been a valuable aid to my design process. The user-friendly interface allows me to design and modify 3D models of houses and structures, making it easy to explore different design ideas without worrying about the technical aspects of construction.

Kenneth Cyrill Manreal (The Sims 4)

The Sims 4 has been an invaluable tool in my design process. It has given me a diverse platform on which to visualize and test my design concepts. Based on my great experience, I strongly suggest playing games like Sims 4 to convey creative ideas in architectural design.

Keith Garcia Novicio (Minecraft, The Sims)

I recommend using these because, through games, you can build anything you want without anyone’s judgments, and I can also "go crazy" in building structures. It's an opportunity to express one's creativity.

Kristine Jean Cruz (Minecraft PC)

Since I'm not very experienced with drafting software like AutoCAD, Minecraft helped me visualize my ideas, especially the facade, Aside from that, I can also build and collaborate with my friends. But I still recommend Sketchup and Autocad because they are more technical.

Darrel James Sanchez (Minecraft)

Since I am using Minecraft ever since I was a kid, it’s easy for me to visualize the structure that I want to build there. To some extent, there are a lot of things that games cannot do compared to actual design software, but I think it still depends on their creativity and imagination to visualize their ideas.

Scheizen Fero Ediser Bisquera (Minecraft)

Having played Minecraft for a while, I had a realization: why not use it for my course as well? Minecraft proved to be a valuable tool for visualizing my ideas, thanks to its block-based building system.

While games like Minecraft and The Sims offer a fun and efficient way for design students to express their creativity, it's crucial to acknowledge that they are not a complete substitute for dedicated design software. Architect James Tepace, a professor from De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, highlights this point, stating, "Although they are nice tools, I wouldn't recommend them as a full replacement for design software like AutoCAD, Sketchup, Revit, and others." He explains that video games lack the necessary precision, scalability, and compatibility to serve as working drawings for professional projects. It's important to recognize the limitations of games in terms of real-world application and to supplement them with industry-standard design software to ensure accuracy and compatibility in professional architectural work.

However, despite these limitations, the integration of games like Minecraft and The Sims into architecture visualization has not only expanded horizons but also injected an element of fun into the process. These games offer a dynamic and engaging platform for design exploration, where aspiring architects can unleash their creativity and discover the joy of designing. By immersing themselves in these virtual worlds, students find a sense of excitement and fulfillment in pushing boundaries, collaborating effectively, and bridging the gap between virtual and real-world design. Students are not only acquiring valuable skills but also experiencing firsthand how architecture can be a thrilling and enjoyable endeavor.

As they continue to embrace these digital tools, they are paving the way for a future where architecture becomes synonymous with passion, innovation, and fun. With these games as their tools, the architects of tomorrow are poised to shape the landscape of architectural design in a way that is both impactful and enjoyable. 

By Angela Nicole Hernandez