Cumincad : CUMINCAD Papers : Search Results

CumInCAD is a Cumulative Index about publications in Computer Aided Architectural Design
supported by the sibling associations ACADIA, CAADRIA, eCAADe, SIGraDi, ASCAAD and CAAD futures

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_id	06e8
authors	Knight, Michael W. and Brown, Andre G.P.
year	2000
title	Interfaces for Virtual Environments; A Review Recent Developments and Potential Ways forward
source	Promise and Reality: State of the Art versus State of Practice in Computing for the Design and Planning Process [18th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-6-5] Weimar (Germany) 22-24 June 2000, pp. 215-219
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2000.215
summary	The physical and visual nature of the interface devices and media that enable the human agent to interact with a virtual world have evolved over the past few years. In this paper we consider the different lines of development that have taken place in the refinement of these interfaces and summarise what has been learned about the appropriate nature of the interface for such interaction. In terms of the physical aspects we report on the kind of devices that have been used to enable the human agent to operate within the computer generated environment. We point out the successes and failures in the systems that have been tried out in recent years. Likewise we consider the kinds of software generated interface that have been used to represent virtual worlds. Again, we review the efficacy of the environments that have been devised; the quality of the Cyberplace. Our aim is to be able to comment on the effectiveness of the systems that have been devised from a number of points of view. We consider the physical and software-based aids for navigation; the nature of the representation of architectural worlds; strengthening “groundedness”; the inclusion of “otherness”; and reinforcement of the idea of “presence”
keywords	Virtual Environments, Games Engines, Collaborative Design, Navigation Metaphors
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.uni-weimar.de/ecaade/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:51

_id	aa7f
authors	Bollinger, Elizabeth and Hill, Pamela
year	1993
title	Virtual Reality: Technology of the Future or Playground of the Cyberpunk?
source	Education and Practice: The Critical Interface [ACADIA Conference Proceedings / ISBN 1-880250-02-0] Texas (Texas / USA) 1993, pp. 121-129
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.1993.121
summary	Jaron Lanier is a major spokesperson of our society's hottest new technology: VR or virtual reality. He expressed his faith in the VR movement in this quote which appears in The User's Guide to the New Edge published by Mondo 2000. In its most technical sense, VR has attracted the attention of politicians in Washington who wonder if yet another technology developed in the United States will find its application across the globe in Asia. In its most human element, an entire "cyberpunk movement" has appealed to young minds everywhere as a seemingly safe form of hallucination. As architecture students, educators, and practitioners around the world are becoming attracted to the possibilities of VR technology as an extension of 3D modeling, visualization, and animation, it is appropriate to consider an overview of virtual reality. In virtual reality a user encounters a computersimulated environment through the use of a physical interface. The user can interact with the environment to the point of becoming a part of the experience, and the experience becomes reality. Natural and instinctive body movements are translated by the interface into computer commands. The quest for perfection in this human-computer relationship seems to be the essence of virtual reality technology. To begin to capture the essence of virtual reality without first-hand experience, it is helpful to understand two important terms: presence and immersion. The sense of presence can be defined as the degree to which the user feels a part of the actual environment. The more reality the experience provides, the more presence it has. Immersion can be defined as the degree of other simulation a virtual reality interface provides for the viewer. A highly immersive system might provide more than just visual stimuli; for example, it may additionally provide simulated sound and motion, and simultaneously prevent distractions from being present.
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

_id	70c4
authors	Gross, M.D., Do, E.Y.-L. and Johnson, B.R.
year	2000
title	Beyond the low-hanging fruit: Information technology in architectural design past, present and future
source	W. Mitchell and J. Fernandez (eds), ACSA Technology Conference, MIT Press, Cambridge MA
summary	Today's commercial CAD software is the product of years of research that began in the 1960's and 1970's. These applications have found widespread use in the architectural marketplace; nevertheless they represent only the first fruits of research in computer aided design. New developments based on research in human-computer interaction (HCI), computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW), and virtual reality (VR) will result in a next generation of tools for architectural design. Although preliminary applications to design have been demonstrated in each of these areas, excellent opportunities remain to exploit new technologies and insights in service of better design software. In this paper we briefly examine each of these areas using examples from our own work to discuss the prospects for future research. We envision that future design technologies will develop from current and traditional conventions of practice combined with forward looking application of emerging technologies. In HCI, pen based interaction will allow architects to use the pencil again, without sacrificing the added power of computer aided design tools, and speech recognition will begin to play a role in capturing and retrieving design critique and discussion. In CSCW, a new generation of applications will address the needs of designers more closely than current general purpose meeting tools. In VR, applications are possible that use the technology not simply to provide a sense of three-dimensional presence, but that organize design information spatially, integrating it into the representation of artifacts and places.
series	other
email
last changed	2003/04/23 15:50

_id	96d0
authors	Knight, Mike W. and Brown, André
year	2000
title	Towards Naturalistic Navigation Metaphors for large scale Virtual Environments
source	SIGraDi’2000 - Construindo (n)o espacio digital (constructing the digital Space) [4th SIGRADI Conference Proceedings / ISBN 85-88027-02-X] Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 25-28 september 2000, pp. 247-250
summary	This paper looks at the background to the development of alternative interfaces to Virtual Environments and suggests a reappraisal of some of the early work which allowed a sense of presence in the ‚real’ world. Initial work, the virtual exercise bike, is appraised, and new work is described which further develops the development of a low-cost interface system. Work in progress is described which is a combination of hard- and software. The solution described is a ‚hands free’ interface enabling the user to experience a VE in a similar manner to a physical environment, using movements of the head and feet for navigation. Whilst this is possible using expensive, proprietary equipment, the presented solution concentrates on a low cost approach. In line with this, the system uses a low cost gaming environment which is described and evaluated.
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:54

_id	c2e3
authors	Wong, Wai Sang
year	2000
title	A Virtual Reality Modeling Tool for Students of Architecture
source	University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
summary	During a collaborative design session with other universities, several shortcomings, namely long communication response time, lack of common data format for design and ineffective discussion using static image of design, were observed. A solution was proposed by providing a design interface, a. viewing area of the design and a database to store designs and discussion dialogs. This thesis described a VR (virtual reality) modeling tool, the "VR Composer". With the "VR Composer", models are created directly in 3D. This is the design interface of the solution. The "VR Composer" is based on a commercially available VR software. With a head-mounted display, the "VR Composer" immerses the user into a VR environment. This provides a feeling of presence inside the VR environment. New functionality was added to allow user to create and modify objects in VR. There is no common definition for VR.. I have defined VR as Virtual reality is a human-computer interfiwe which allows a user to visualize and interact with the computer-generated three-dimensional environment intuitively.The students of Department of Architecture are requested to test the VR Composer. Although the VR Composer provided basic functionality as a modeling tool, it has to be improvement in many aspects to become an effective tool for modeling.
series	thesis:MSc
last changed	2003/02/12 22:37

_id	01c0
authors	Af Klercker, Jonas
year	2000
title	Modelling for Virtual Reality in Architecture
source	Promise and Reality: State of the Art versus State of Practice in Computing for the Design and Planning Process [18th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-6-5] Weimar (Germany) 22-24 June 2000, pp. 209-213
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2000.209
summary	CAAD systems are using object modelling methods for building databases to make information available. Object data must then be made useful for many different purposes in the design process. Even if the capacity of the computer will allow an almost unlimited amount of information to be transformed, the eye does not make the transformations in the same “simple” mathematical way. Trained architects have to involve in an inventive process of finding ways to “harmonize” this new medium with the human eye and the architect’s professional experience. This paper will be an interimistic report from a surveying course. During the spring semester 2000 the CAAD division of TU-Lund is giving a course “Modelling for VR in Architecture”. The students are practising architects with experience from using object modelling CAAD. The aims are to survey different ways to use available hard- and software to create VR-models of pieces of architecture and evaluate them in desktop and CAVE environments. The architect is to do as much preparation work as possible with his CAAD program and only the final adjustments with the special VR tool.
keywords	CAAD, VR, Modelling, Spatial Experience
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.uni-weimar.de/ecaade/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	9b44
authors	Ahmad Rafi, M.E. and Karboulonis, P.
year	2000
title	The Importance of Virtual Environments in the Design of Electronic Games and Their Relevance to Architecture
source	Promise and Reality: State of the Art versus State of Practice in Computing for the Design and Planning Process [18th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-6-5] Weimar (Germany) 22-24 June 2000, pp. 181-185
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2000.181
summary	Ever increasing complexity in architectural design and the need to deliver a cost effective solution requires the employment and adoption of innovative design methods. Although technological changes have entered the field of architecture at a slower pace, the recent adoption of 3D modelling, Virtual Environment and multimedia represent significant changes in architectural design, visualisation and presentation. These now include tools for conceptualisation, design synthesis, design presentation, desktop publishing, animation, Internet and hypermedia authoring. Uddin argues that the major activities involved in the creative and dynamic process of architectural design deal with conceptualisation, visualisation and expression of alternative ideas through two-dimensional and three-dimensional model. This paper highlights the need for the employment of emerging computer based real-time interactive technologies that are expected to enhance the design process through better decision-making, higher quality communication and collaboration, error reduction, spatial awareness, interactive design and real-time visualisation.
keywords	CAD, Game Design, Virtual Reality, Virtual Environments, Virtual Prototyping, Internet Technologies, Architecture
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.uni-weimar.de/ecaade/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	b0e7
authors	Ahmad Rafi, M.E. and Karboulonis, P.
year	2000
title	The Re-Convergence of Art and Science: A Vehicle for Creativity
source	CAADRIA 2000 [Proceedings of the Fifth Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 981-04-2491-4] Singapore 18-19 May 2000, pp. 491-500
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2000.491
summary	Ever-increasing complexity in product design and the need to deliver a cost-effective solution that benefits from a dynamic approach requires the employment and adoption of innovative design methods which ensure that products are of the highest quality and meet or exceed customers' expectations. According to Bronowski (1976) science and art were originally two faces of the same human creativity. However, as civilisation advances and works became specialised, the dichotomy of science and art gradually became apparent. Hence scientists and artists were born, and began to develop work that was polar opposite. The sense of beauty itself became separated from science and was confined within the field of art. This dichotomy existed through mankind's efforts in advancing civilisation to its present state. This paper briefly examines the relationship between art and science through the ages and discusses their relatively recent re-convergence. Based on this hypothesis, this paper studies the current state of the convergence between arts and sciences and examines the current relationship between the two by considering real world applications and products. The study of such products and their successes and impact they had in the marketplace due to their designs and aesthetics rather than their advanced technology that had partially failed them appears to support this argument. This text further argues that a re-convergence between art and science is currently occurring and highlights the need for accelerating this process. It is suggested that re-convergence is a result of new technologies which are adopted by practitioners that include effective visualisation and communication of ideas and concepts. Such elements are widely found today in multimedia and Virtual Environments (VEs) where such tools offer increased power and new abilities to both scientists and designers as both venture in each other's domains. This paper highlights the need for the employment of emerging computer based real-time interactive technologies that are expected to enhance the design process through real-time prototyping and visualisation, better decision-making, higher quality communication and collaboration, lessor error and reduced design cycles. Effective employment and adoption of innovative design methods that ensure products are delivered on time, and within budget, are of the highest quality and meet customer expectations are becoming of ever increasing importance. Such tools and concepts are outlined and their roles in the industries they currently serve are identified. Case studies from differing fields are also studied. It is also suggested that Virtual Reality interfaces should be used and given access to Computer Aided Design (CAD) model information and data so that users may interrogate virtual models for additional information and functionality. Adoption and appliance of such integrated technologies over the Internet and their relevance to electronic commerce is also discussed. Finally, emerging software and hardware technologies are outlined and case studies from the architecture, electronic games, and retail industries among others are discussed, the benefits are subsequently put forward to support the argument. The requirements for adopting such technologies in financial, skills required and process management terms are also considered and outlined.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	456a
authors	Alvarado, R.G., Parra, J.C., Vergara, R.L. and Chateau, H.B.
year	2000
title	Architectural References to Virtual Environments Design
source	Promise and Reality: State of the Art versus State of Practice in Computing for the Design and Planning Process [18th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-6-5] Weimar (Germany) 22-24 June 2000, pp. 151-155
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2000.151
summary	Based on a comparison between the perception of digital and real construction, the development of virtual systems and the review of additional sources, this paper states some differences between the design of virtual environments and architectural spaces. Virtual-reality technologies provide advanced capabilities to simulate real situations, and also to create digital worlds not referred to physical places, such as imaginary landscapes or environments devoted to electronic activities, like entertainment, learning or commerce. Some on-line services already use 3D-stages, resembling building halls and domestic objects, and several authors have mentioned virtual modeling as a job opportunity to architects. But it will argue in this paper that the design of those environments should consider their own digital characteristics. Besides, the use of virtual installations on networks impells a convergence with global media, like Internet or TV. Virtual environments can be a 3Devolution of communicational technologies, which have an increasing participation in culture, reaching a closer relationship to contemporary architecture.
keywords	Virtual Environments, Spatial Perception, Design Methodology
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.uni-weimar.de/ecaade/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	fbcb
authors	Anders, Peter
year	2000
title	Places of Mind: Implications of Narrative Space for the Architecture of Information Environments
source	Eternity, Infinity and Virtuality in Architecture [Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture / 1-880250-09-8] Washington D.C. 19-22 October 2000, pp. 85-89
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2000.085
summary	Virtual reality and cyberspace are extended spaces of the mind different from, yet related to, the spaces of fiction and ancient myth. These earlier spaces reveal how electronic media, too, may come to define our selves and our culture. Indeed, a better understanding of how we use space to think can lead to the design of better information environments. This paper will describe a range of traditional narrative spaces, revealing their varied relationships with the physical world. It will demonstrate the purposes of such spaces and how their function changes with their level of abstraction. A concluding review of current technologies will show how electronic environments carry on the traditions of these spaces in serving our cultural and psychological needs.
keywords	Cyberspace, Narrative, Space, Anthropic Cyberspace, Cybrids
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	b4bb
authors	Bonet, Adrian
year	2000
title	Arquitectura Virtual y Ciberarquitectura (Virtual Architecture and Cyber Architecture)
source	SIGraDi’2000 - Construindo (n)o espacio digital (constructing the digital Space) [4th SIGRADI Conference Proceedings / ISBN 85-88027-02-X] Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 25-28 september 2000, pp. 113-114
summary	Activities which involve mainly the transfer of information, such as listening to music or attending a class, will eventually be better accomplished through non-material media. Telecommunication media such as the Internet or cyberspace, as they develop and become more useful, will tend to improve their interfaces, making them more natural and easy to use, and lead to the conclusion that in a near future virtual environments and buildings will be constructed in cyberspace. These will be of two kinds those that imitate reality, and those that take advantage of the intrinsic qualities of cyberspace.
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:47

_id	7674
authors	Bourdakis, Vassilis and Charitos, Dimitrios
year	1999
title	Virtual Environment Design - Defining a New Direction for Architectural Education
source	Architectural Computing from Turing to 2000 [eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-5-7] Liverpool (UK) 15-17 September 1999, pp. 403-409
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.1999.403
summary	This paper considers the design and development of virtual environments (VEs) and the way that it relates to traditional architectural education and practice. The need for practitioners who will contribute to the design of 3D content for multimedia and virtual reality applications is identified. The design of space in a VE is seen as being partly an architectural problem. Therefore, architectural design should play an important role in educating VE designers. Other disciplines, intrinsically related to the issue of VE design, are also identified. Finally, this paper aims at pointing out the need for a new direction within architectural education, which will lead towards a generation of VE architects.
keywords	Virtual Environments, Architectural Design, Architectural Education
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	e023
authors	Charitos, Dimitrios and Bourdakis, Vassilis
year	2000
title	Designing for the Spatial Context of 3D Online Communities
source	Promise and Reality: State of the Art versus State of Practice in Computing for the Design and Planning Process [18th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-6-5] Weimar (Germany) 22-24 June 2000, pp. 165-169
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2000.165
summary	This paper considers the issue of designing the spatial context within which 3D online communities can function and evolve. Firstly, the current state of 3D on-line communities is taken into account, particularly focusing on the way space is conceptualised, organised and depicted in them. A series of such communities is studied and analysed and an attempt to identify possible spatial design criteria is made. On the basis of this analysis and relevant work on designing space in Virtual Environments (V_s), a series of suggestions on the way that the spatial context of 3D online communities can be designed and developed are made.
keywords	3D City modeling
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.uni-weimar.de/ecaade/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:55

_id	93ff
authors	Chateau, H.B., Alvarado, R.G., Vergara, R.L. Parra Márquez, J.C.
year	2000
title	Un Modelo Experimental em el Espacio-Tiempo de la Realidad Virtual (An Experimental Model in the Space-Time of Virtual Reality)
source	SIGraDi’2000 - Construindo (n)o espacio digital (constructing the digital Space) [4th SIGRADI Conference Proceedings / ISBN 85-88027-02-X] Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 25-28 september 2000, pp. 251-253
summary	Virtual environments are a convergence between communicational media and computational capacities, that progressively integrate in interactive and global systems. This technological evolution has been progressively creating artificial contexts that find their latest and most integral expression in virtual environments. The influence of virtual worlds in our culture questions architecture, and arises the challenge of understanding the approach that should exist from architecture into virtual reality. This paper consists on an experimental exercise in virtual time-space oriented to the news information (News Information Centre), recognising that a relevant architectural event of our time is that virtual worlds represent a meeting between communicational technologies and the interest of contemporary society on being always informed (on line). This project is basically an exploration of virtual design that widens the professional field of architectural study, into the new technological and cultural challenges, that will probably influence significantly on the relations between architecture and urban culture.
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:48

_id	3fd1
authors	Cybis Pereira, A.T., Tissiani, G. and Bocianoski, I.
year	2000
title	Design de Interfaces para Ambientes Virtuais: como Obter Usabilidade em 3D (Interface Design for Virtual Environments: How to obtain use of 3-D space.)
source	SIGraDi’2000 - Construindo (n)o espacio digital (constructing the digital Space) [4th SIGRADI Conference Proceedings / ISBN 85-88027-02-X] Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 25-28 september 2000, pp. 313-315
summary	The paper presents part of a research developed close to LRV, Laboratory of Virtual Reality of the program of Post-Graduation of the Engineering of production of UFSC. The research aims to answer the approaches for the design of Human-Computer Interfaces, called HCI, for virtual media. Being considered VR the more advanced computer interface technology, at least by the point of view of the interactivity, how come guarantee its usability and at the same time draw graphic interfaces that possess aesthetic and functional value? Besides, in virtual space with or without immersion, how can the design of the interface contribute to stimulate the user’s interactivity with the system in VR? These and other subjects are essential for those who work with interface design for computer systems, and that comes across the need of presenting medias that use virtual reality technology. Through this article a study is presented on the design techniques, the used tools, the recommendations and the necessary requirements of visual communication for HCI for virtual spaces.
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:49

_id	600e
authors	Gavin, Lesley
year	1999
title	Architecture of the Virtual Place
source	Architectural Computing from Turing to 2000 [eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-5-7] Liverpool (UK) 15-17 September 1999, pp. 418-423
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.1999.418
summary	The Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, University College London (UCL), set up the first MSc in Virtual Environments in the UK in 1995. The course aims to synthesise and build on research work undertaken in the arts, architecture, computing and biological sciences in exploring the realms of the creation of digital and virtual immersive spaces. The MSc is concerned primarily with equipping students from design backgrounds with the skills, techniques and theories necessary in the production of virtual environments. The course examines both virtual worlds as prototypes for real urban or built form and, over the last few years, has also developed an increasing interest in the the practice of architecture in purely virtual contexts. The MSc course is embedded in the UK government sponsored Virtual Reality Centre for the Built Environment which is hosted by the Bartlett School of Architecture. This centre involves the UCL departments of architecture, computer science and geography and includes industrial partners from a number of areas concerned with the built environment including architectural practice, surveying and estate management as well as some software companies and the telecoms industry. The first cohort of students graduated in 1997 and predominantly found work in companies working in the new market area of digital media. This paper aims to outline the nature of the course as it stands, examines the new and ever increasing market for designers within digital media and proposes possible future directions for the course.
keywords	Virtual Reality, Immersive Spaces, Digital Media, Education
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/ve/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:51

_id	4c4b
authors	Gavin, Lesley
year	2000
title	3D Online Learning in Multi-User Environments
source	Promise and Reality: State of the Art versus State of Practice in Computing for the Design and Planning Process [18th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-6-5] Weimar (Germany) 22-24 June 2000, pp. 187-191
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2000.187
summary	Over the last 2 years the MSc Virtual Environments course in the Bartlett School of Graduate Studies has used a 3-dimensional on-line multi-user environment to explore the possibilities for the architectural design of virtual environments. The "Bartlett" virtual world is established as the environment where students undertake group design projects. After an initial computer based face-toface workshop, students work from terminals at home and around the university. Using avatar representations of themselves, tutors and students meet in the on-line environment. The environment is used for student group discussions and demonstrations, tutorials and as the virtual "siteÕ for their design projects. The "Bartlett" world is currently open to every internet user and so often has "visitors". These visitors often engage in discussions with the students resulting in interesting dynamics in the teaching pattern. This project has been very successful and is particularly popular with the students. Observations made over the 2 years the project has been running have resulted in interesting reflections on both the role of architectural design in virtual environments and the use of such environments to extend the pedagogical structure used in traditional studio teaching. This paper will review the educational experience gained by the project and propose the ideal software environment for further development. We are now examining similar types of environments currently on the market with a view to adapting them for use as a distance learning medium.
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.uni-weimar.de/ecaade/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:51

_id	b5f3
authors	Johnson, Brian R.
year	2000
title	Sustaining Studio Culture: How Well Do Internet Tools Meet the Needs of Virtual Design Studios?
source	Promise and Reality: State of the Art versus State of Practice in Computing for the Design and Planning Process [18th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-6-5] Weimar (Germany) 22-24 June 2000, pp. 15-22
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2000.015
summary	The Internet beckons seductively to students. The prospect of nearly instantaneous communication with acquaintances spread across the face of the earth is alluring. The ease with which rich graphical content can be made available to the world is stunning. The possibility of a design being seen by friends, family, and famous architects is tantalizing. Faculty are drawn by the potent synergy and learning that can be found in the opposition and cooperation of different cultural roots. It is probable that entire design studio sequences will be offered through distance-learning programs in the near future. Is that a good idea? Much has been written about "virtual design studios" in architecture schools and "virtual offices" in practice. Most offices have largely or totally abandoned drafting boards in favor of digital tools of production. Yet, regarding design, Ken Sanders, author of The Digital Architect, and Manager of Information Services at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership (ZGF), of Portland, Oregon, has written "we still make an effort to locate project teams together and always will". Production CAD work requires different kinds of interaction than design and design instruction. The experiments have been invaluable in developing strategies for use of the Internet as a component of a design studio series, but rarely depend entirely on use of the Internet for all course communications. In fact, most describe fairly isolated efforts to augment some aspect of traditional design environments using Internet tools (ftp, email, web). A few have implemented new pedagogic or collaboration paradigms (e.g., ETH’s phase(x)). This paper considers the traditional design studio in terms of formal and informal activities, characterizes the major Internet technologies with regard to the resulting interaction issues. In particular, it describes an area of informal work group communications that appears to be ill-supported with existing tools. The paper goes on to describe a web-based collaboration tool which was developed to address the need for less formal communication. The context for this development is the concept of a fully distributed collaboration environment with particular attention to questions of informal communication. Finally, it describes how the tool was deployed in an experimental "web studio" setting and student responses to use of the tool.
keywords	Virtual Design Studio, Collaboration, Online Communities, Web Tools
series	eCAADe
email
more	http://www.uni-weimar.de/ecaade/
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

_id	d5b3
authors	Knight, Michael and Brown, Andre
year	1999
title	Working in Virtual Environments through appropriate Physical Interfaces
source	Architectural Computing from Turing to 2000 [eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-5-7] Liverpool (UK) 15-17 September 1999, pp. 431-436
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.1999.431
summary	The work described here is aimed at contributing towards the debate and development relating to the construction of interfaces to explore buildings and their environs through virtual worlds. We describe a particular hardware and software configuration which is derived by the use of low cost games software to create the Virtual Environment. The Physical Interface responds to the work of other researchers, in this area, in particular Shaw (1994) and Vasquez de Velasco & Trigo (1997). Virtual Evironments might have the potential to be "a magical window into other worlds, from molecules to minds" (Rheingold, 1992), but what is the nature of that window? Currently it is often a translucent opening which gives a hazy and distorted (disembodied) view. And many versions of such openings are relatively expensive. We consider ways towards clearing the haze without too much expense, adapting techniques proposed by developers of low cost virtual reality systems (Hollands, 1995) for use in an architectural setting.
keywords	Virtual Environments, Games Software
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:51

_id	97fc
authors	Lonsway, Brian
year	2000
title	Testing the Space of the Virtual
source	Eternity, Infinity and Virtuality in Architecture [Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture / 1-880250-09-8] Washington D.C. 19-22 October 2000, pp. 51-61
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2000.051
summary	Various modes of electronically mediated communication, perception, and immersive bodily engagement, generally categorized as “virtual experiences,” have offered the designer of space a new array of spatial conditions to address. Each of these modes of virtual experience, from text-based discussion forums to immersive virtual reality environments, presents challenges to traditional assumptions about space and its inhabitation. These challenges require design theorization which extends beyond the notions of design within the electronic space (the textual description of the chat forum, the appearance of the computer generated imagery, etc.), and require a reconsideration of the entire electronic and physical apparatus of the mediating devices (the physical spaces which facilitate the interaction, the manner of their connection to the virtual spaces, etc.). In light of the lack of spatial theorization in this area, this paper presents both an experimental framework for understanding this complete space of the virtual and outlines a current research project addressing these theoretical challenges through the spatial implementation of a synthetic environment.
series	ACADIA
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

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