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	ddss2004_ra-247
id	ddss2004_ra-247
authors	Bi, G. and B. Medjdoub
year	2004
title	Hybrid Approach to Solve Space Planning Problems in Building Services
source	Van Leeuwen, J.P. and H.J.P. Timmermans (eds.) Recent Advances in Design & Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning, Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, ISBN: 1-4020-2408-8, p. 247-261
summary	In this paper an object-based CAD programming is used to take advantage of standardization to handle the schematic design, sizing, layout for services in a building ceiling void. From the specification of the building 3D model, our software proceeds through different steps; from the determination of the standard number and size of fan coils to the generation of 3D solutions. In order to deal with more complex geometry and larger problems, we have used a hybrid approach: Case Based Reasoning (CBR) within Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) approaches. In practice, engineers in building services use previous solutions and adapt them to new problems. CBR mirrors this practical approach and does help us to deal with increasingly complex geometry effectively, and meanwhile CSP has been used for layout adaptation. The results have shown that it is possible to define and implement standard solutions to produce designs comparable with current practice. The benchmarking exercise has underlined many advantages and made some suggestions for further development. This project is funded by The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in UK.
keywords	Case-Based Reasoning, Constraint Satisfaction Problem, Ceiling Voids Layout, Complex Geometry, Large Problem
series	DDSS
last changed	2004/07/03 22:13

_id	509caadria2004
id	509caadria2004
authors	Jaewook Lee, Yongwook Jeong, Seung Wook Kim, Yehuda E. Kalay
year	2004
title	Intelligent Behavior Control of 3D Objects in Virtual Environments
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2004.845
source	CAADRIA 2004 [Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 89-7141-648-3] Seoul Korea 28-30 April 2004, pp. 845-856
summary	Cyberspace is more malleable than a physical environment, so it can afford much wider range of responsiveness. By applying the concept of place-making, we are experimenting virtual environments which are responsive to their users’ context-specific needs. Since objects are essential components that anchor the users’ various activities, having interactive objects in a 3D virtual environment is a major design concern for developing a dynamic and experience-rich virtual environment. We propose a layered agent model for intelligent behavior control of 3D objects, based on constraint solving process.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

_id	ascaad2004_paper12
id	ascaad2004_paper12
authors	Al-Qawasmi, Jamal
year	2004
title	Reflections on e-Design: The e-Studio Experience
source	eDesign in Architecture: ASCAAD's First International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design, 7-9 December 2004, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
summary	The influence of digital media and information technology on architectural design education and practice is increasingly evident. The practice and learning of architecture is increasingly aided by and dependant on digital media. Digital technologies not only provide new production methods, but also expand our abilities to create, explore, manipulate and compose space. In contemporary design education, there is a continuous demand to deliver new skills in digital media and to rethink architectural design education in the light of the new developments in digital technology. During the academic years 2001-2003, I had the chance to lead the efforts to promote an effective use of digital media for design education at Department of Architecture, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). Architectural curriculum at JUST dedicated much time for teaching computing skills. However, in this curriculum, digital media was taught in the form of "software use" education. In this context, digital media is perceived and used mainly as a presentation tool. Furthermore, Computer Aided Architectural Design and architectural design are taught in separate courses without interactions between the two.
series	ASCAAD
email
last changed	2007/04/08 19:47

_id	avocaad_2003_17
id	avocaad_2003_17
authors	Anna Maria Chrabin, Jaroslaw Szewczyk and Herman Neuckermans
year	2003
title	A Critical Evaluation of Early Stages Software in its Capacity of Coping with Contextual Issues
source	LOCAL VALUES in a NETWORKED DESIGN WORLD - ADDED VALUE OF COMPUTER AIDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Stellingwerff, Martijn and Verbeke, Johan (Eds.), (2004) DUP Science - Delft University Press, ISBN 90-407-2507-1.
summary	In this paper we analyse critically early design stages software in its capacity of coping with contextual data at large (i.e. representing cultural, aesthetical context, etc.). We identified 5 categories of early stages software: geometry based graphic editors, evaluation architectural software, generative and shape-grammar based systems, evolutionary systems and other systems. Calling the object under creation during of the early stages a CAD conceptual model, we will investigate to what extend this software allows the architect to experience and represent the context in which a design is situated. Especially we will focus on its capacity to allow interaction, playful interaction on our way to the design. Designers, and particularly architects, interact with the local context similarly to interacting in a game: the context influences the users’ decisions, surprises them and causes permanent changes to their ways of thinking. On the other hand, architects permanently shape and reshape the context, and reduce the context to a protean point of reference. Such behaviour characterises creative thinking that is crucial for the early stage of design. The investigation led us to the conclusions that the effective interactivity with the context needs simple rules, a plain interface and data reduced as simple as possible, especially when interaction with the context is performed during the early stages of a design process. The findings can be used in organising computer environments for early-stage design.
keywords	Architecture, Local values, Globalisation, Computer Aided Architectural Design
series	AVOCAAD
email
last changed	2006/01/16 21:38

_id	acadia04_186
id	acadia04_186
authors	Bell, Bradley
year	2004
title	Digital Tectonics: Structural Patterning of Surface Morphology
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2004.186
source	Fabrication: Examining the Digital Practice of Architecture [Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture and the 2004 Conference of the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community / ISBN 0-9696665-2-7] Cambridge (Ontario) 8-14 November, 2004, 186-201
summary	The computer in architectural design has shifted from its role as a merely representational device to that of a tool for instrumentalized simulation and fabrication. The desire to make buildings look like a rendering, or to produce photo-realistic images and walkthroughs has given way to an opening of the potentials of software to assist the designer with managing complex geometries, parametric organizational diagrams, structural analysis, and integrated building systems. Simulation has become the means by which virtual space becomes more than just a mirror of reality. It becomes the space within which different potential realities can be tested and evaluated before they are materially implemented. In architecture, information derived from material constraints to site conditions can be constantly fed into the computer models to provide an accurate update, which in turn introduces feedback into the overall design, and change can then be registered in the detail.
keywords	surface, patterns, structure, CAD/CAM, fabrication
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:54

_id	ascaad2006_paper29
id	ascaad2006_paper29
authors	Bennadji, A. and A. Bellakha
year	2006
title	Evaluation of a Higher Education Self-learning Interface
source	Computing in Architecture / Re-Thinking the Discourse: The Second International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2006), 25-27 April 2006, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
summary	This paper is a follow-up to a previous paper published in ASCAAD 2004 (A. Bennadji et al 2005). The latter reported on CASD (Computer Aided Sustainable Design) a self-learning educational interface which assists the various building’s actors in their design with a particular attention to the aspect of energy saving. This paper focuses on the importance of software evaluation and how the testing is done to achieve a better human-machine interaction. The paper will go through the summative evaluation of CASD, presents the output of this evaluation and addresses the challenge facing software developers: how to make an interface accessible to all users and specifically students in higher education.
series	ASCAAD
email
last changed	2007/04/08 19:47

_id	ascaad2004_paper9
id	ascaad2004_paper9
authors	Bennadji, A.; H. Ahriz, and P. Alastair
year	2004
title	Computer Aided Sustainable Design
source	eDesign in Architecture: ASCAAD's First International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design, 7-9 December 2004, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
summary	One of the most important aspects architects need to consider fairly early on is that of energy saving, cost, thermal comfort and the effect on the environment in terms of CO2 emissions. At present, during the early design stage of a building, different options are assessed using simple tools (tables, graphs and software) that contain a large number of assumptions the very nature of which can bias choice or possibly lead to an inappropriate solution. It can be argued that the only way to provide a rational assessment of options is to use calculation methods that represent in detail the physical processes involved; this usually involves the use of dynamic thermal models. Furthermore if this tool is also used during detailed design it would introduce a consistency that is normally absent from the analytical design process. Many designers are of the opinion that, because not all details are known, then such tools are not suitable for application at early stages in the design. This view can be challenged because, even at the concept stage, a great deal is known about a building. This paper aims to show that a general description of a building can be used to generate sufficient data to drive a valid analysis using a detailed thermal model at the early sketch stage of the design process. The paper describes the philosophy, methodology and the interface developed to achieve this aim. The interface guides the user through the input process using a series of screens giving options for keywords used to describe the building; comprehensive default data built into the software are then attached to these keywords. The resulting data file is a building description that is the best possible interpretation of the design intent. This can then be used to assess options and guide towards a final design.
series	ASCAAD
email
last changed	2007/04/08 19:47

_id	acadia04_150
id	acadia04_150
authors	Clarke, Cory
year	2004
title	The Siren's Call
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2004.150
source	Fabrication: Examining the Digital Practice of Architecture [Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture and the 2004 Conference of the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community / ISBN 0-9696665-2-7] Cambridge (Ontario) 8-14 November, 2004, 150-161
summary	This paper presents an account of our research and development of processes providing seamless transition from design to fabrication. The narrative of our design, development, and prototyping experi¬ments spans seven years, including our current project, the Trusset software/structural system. Trusset is a combined building system and agent-based software design tool. The building system is based on a differential space-truss designed for fabrication entirely with computer numerically controlled (CNC) linear cutting devices, such as laser cut¬ters or three-axis mills. The software component is a set of agent-based design tools for developing surfaces and envelopes formally suitable to be built using the space-truss structure. Developed in parallel, the soft¬ware and building components combine within the Trusset system to provide a seamless pipeline from design to fabrication and assembly. The story of the development of software components and structural system, leading to the Trusset, act as a means of discussing the larger issues framing the research: the potential pitfalls and benefits of design and fabrication integration via the computer.
keywords	Fabrication, Space-truss, Structure
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:56

_id	ijac20032206
id	ijac20032206
authors	Cory Clarke; Phillip Anzalone
year	2004
title	Trusset: Parallel Development of Software and Construction Systems for Space-Truss Structures
source	International Journal of Architectural Computing vol. 2 - no. 2
summary	This paper documents our current progress on theparallel development of a building system andcorresponding agent-based software design tools;together the two produce a seamless pipeline fromdesign to fabrication and assembly. The building systemis a clad differential space-truss designed forfabrication entirely with computer numericallycontrolled (CNC) linear cutting devices such as CNClaser cutters or two-axis mills. The softwarecomponent is a set of agent-based design tools fordeveloping surfaces and envelopes formally suitable tobe built using our space-truss system.
series	journal
email
more	http://www.multi-science.co.uk/ijac.htm
last changed	2007/03/04 07:08

_id	acadia04_244
id	acadia04_244
authors	Daubmann, Karl
year	2004
title	Teaching Digital Fabrication through Design
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.acadia.2004.244
source	Fabrication: Examining the Digital Practice of Architecture [Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture and the 2004 Conference of the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community / ISBN 0-9696665-2-7] Cambridge (Ontario) 8-14 November, 2004, 244-255
summary	This paper explains the development of a digital fabrication graduate seminar that has evolved over four semesters. The class attempts to teach at various levels between ‘how to’ considerations of learning hardware and software, while exploring a deeper understanding of the technological implications on design and digital fabrication. At the heart of the course is the belief that the limitations of hardware, software, and materials can be viewed as opportunities during the making of any artifact. A number of teaching models have been employed over the four semesters that include short, abstract, directed mini-projects, which teach one skill to the opposite extreme that develops longer, open-ended research / design projects focused on a technology or technique. The products of the class are used to compare the benefits and deficiencies of various pedagogies. The work is also used to further define the desires of the course related to strategies for materials and making.
keywords	Digital fabrication, design research, craft
series	ACADIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:55

_id	2004_333
id	2004_333
authors	Donath, Dirk and Tonn, Christian
year	2004
title	How to Design Colour Schemes? Conceptual Tools for the Architectural Design
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2004.333
source	Architecture in the Network Society [22nd eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9541183-2-4] Copenhagen (Denmark) 15-18 September 2004, pp. 333-341
summary	The paper describes the concept and development of software to support the architectural design and planning of colour schemes for interiors and buildings. “Coloured Architecture” is a plausibility instrument for the formulation of colour scheme proposals for building interiors and elevations. In practice colours schemes are arrived at through the production of many different colour design studies before a final colour scheme is decided upon. With the help of intuitively usable light simulations, colour, material and spatial concepts can be assessed realistically. The development concept incorporates numerous aspects which must be considered in the selection of a colour scheme: colour schemes for built environments must be realisable . This initial development prototype already demonstrates the added value possible through the consequent use of CAAD: function, construction and not least design aspects have equal status and can be worked upon in direct relation with one another.
keywords	CAAD, Colour Schemes, Architecture, Planning Process, Plausibility, Added Value, On Site Support
series	eCAADe
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:55

_id	ascaad2004_paper19
id	ascaad2004_paper19
authors	Donath, Dirk; Christian Tonn
year	2004
title	Plausibility in Architectural Design: Software Support for the Architect-Oriented Design of Colour Schemes for Interiors and Buildings
source	eDesign in Architecture: ASCAAD's First International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design, 7-9 December 2004, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
summary	The approach discussed here is part of research into an overall concept for digital instruments which support the entire planning process and help in enabling planning decisions to be based upon clear reasoning and plausible arguments. The paper describes a plausibility instrument for the formulation of colour scheme proposals for building interiors and elevations. With the help of intuitively usable light simulations, colour, material and spatial concepts can be assessed realistically. The software prototype “Coloured Architecture” is conceived as a professional extension to conventional design tools for the modelling of buildings. As such it can be used by the architect in the earliest design phases of the planning process as well as for colour implementation on location.
series	ASCAAD
email
last changed	2007/04/08 19:47

_id	fa6e
id	fa6e
authors	Escayola, Rosa María; Bauleo, Silvina A.; Diez, Leonardo Pablo
year	2004
title	DISTANCE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS FOR STUDENTS OF ARCHITECTURE: IS IT POSSIBLE?
source	Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference of Mathematics & Design, Special Edition of the Journal of Mathematics & Design, Volume 4, No.1, pp. 105-109.
summary	On the basis of our experience as teachers of Mathematics in the School of Architecture of the University of Buenos Aires and with the support of an expert designer of image and sound, we undertook the task of distance teaching the subject Mathematics II for students of Architecture. The academic guidance of Ms Spinadel, PhD, the university’s authorization and the support of a computer platform provided by Nueva Internet S.A. have enabled the completion of this project. We were encouraged to set up the distance teaching of the subject by the many advantages the system offers, namely, the chance for students to work at home with a computer-based platform containing all of the subject’s contents and to integrate and apply all the knowledge acquired in architectural contexts; and the chance for teachers to offer on-line guidance and tutorials. Distance teaching is not to be understood or configured as an accumulation of calculus procedures. Rather, it should be thought of as having the major aim of promoting the full development of the students’ imagination for the solution of architectural design problems. For that purpose, students must become familiar with the interface to be used as the virtual classroom, read the theoretical introduction to every one of the units, solve application problems (the students are provided with all the material, which they can visualize on line or print), and send their tutor all the queries they may have so that the process of teaching and learning is facilitated and enriched. The solution to exercises is presented in a didactic manner and students can resort to additional bibliography, image and formula galleries and a technical help forum provided by the software firm. A virtual classroom has been set up where students and teachers interact all the time. Students must also submit integrative assignments, which are corrected by the tutor and will form part of the subject’s final assessment, together with an in-person exam at the end of the semester. Excellent results have been obtained so far, being that this is the first time a subject of the Architecture course is taught this way. This paper is intended to share this experience and show how, in spite of the modality of the subject, the interaction achieved between students and teachers has proved to be very enriching.
series	other
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2005/04/07 12:50

_id	sigradi2004_021
id	sigradi2004_021
authors	Frank Petzold; Dirk Donath; Christian Bürgy
year	2004
title	Computer-supported Building Surveying - The Basis for Planning in Existing Built Contexts
source	SIGraDi 2004 - [Proceedings of the 8th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] Porte Alegre - Brasil 10-12 november 2004
summary	In view of declining populations and adequate housing provision in the western world, building in existing built contexts is becoming increasingly relevant. The conservation and use of existing buildings stock is not only ecologically sound but also an economic imperative. A prerequisite for computer-aided planning for existing buildings is both the use of on-site computer-aided surveying and the integration of all participants and disciplines in the planning process using integrated information and communication systems. The aim of this research project is twofold: to design a practice-relevant software concept for the support of the entire building surveying process embedded in the planning process, and to develop a practice-oriented mobile, digitally supported equipment and system environment for the digital architectural surveying of buildings. This paper will discuss the IT concept of a building surveying system, the software and hardware prototypes developed as well as usability aspects of wearable computers.
series	SIGRADI
email
last changed	2016/03/10 09:52

_id	113caadria2004
id	113caadria2004
authors	Hong-Sheng Chen
year	2004
title	Case-Based Simulation As a Technique for Assisting Architectural Design
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2004.189
source	CAADRIA 2004 [Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 89-7141-648-3] Seoul Korea 28-30 April 2004, pp. 189-198
summary	In this research, I propose a case-based simulation method for experimenting with a set of models aimed at analyzing the behavior of a dynamic system. Owing to the assistance of CBRWorks4 software, this idea is successfully tested and implemented on the Internet. A set of evacuation simulations, which model complex human behavior in a building in certain emergency situations, leads to some discoveries and conclusions.
series	CAADRIA
email
last changed	2022/06/07 07:50

_id	4b2a
id	4b2a
authors	Jabi, Wassim
year	2004
title	A FRAMEWORK FOR COMPUTER-SUPPORTED COLLABORATION IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
source	University of Michigan
summary	The development of appropriate research frameworks and guidelines for the construction of software aids in the area of architectural design can lead to a better understanding of designing and computer support for designing (Gero and Maher 1997). The field of research and development in computer-supported collaborative architectural design reflects that of the early period in the development of the field of computersupported cooperative work (CSCW). In the early 1990s, the field of CSCW relied on unsystematic attempts to generate software that increases the productivity of people working together (Robinson 1992). Furthermore, a shift is taking place by which researchers in the field of architecture are increasingly becoming consumers of rather than innovators of technology (Gero and Maher . In particular, the field of architecture is rapidly becoming dependent on commercial software implementations that are slow to respond to new research or to user demands. Additionally, these commercial systems force a particular view of the domain they serve and as such might hinder rather than help its development. The aim of this dissertation is to provide information to architects and others to help them build their own tools or, at a minimum, be critical of commercial solutions.
series	thesis:PhD
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2004/10/24 22:35

_id	2004_435
id	2004_435
authors	Jemtrud, Michael
year	2004
title	Between Mediation and Making CIMSp: A Technoètic Modus Operandi
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2004.435
source	Architecture in the Network Society [22nd eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9541183-2-4] Copenhagen (Denmark) 15-18 September 2004, pp. 435-442
summary	The following paper describes an ongoing research project whose goal is to define a scalable, hybrid production and deployment protocol (CIMSp) for the creation of virtual environments (VE). Ultimately, the aim is to establish a creative workflow and infrastructure that embodies architectural and urban design activity as practiced by the research unit. The objective of the present paper is to schematically outline the current state of the research and its practical and theoretical context for further development. A theoretical position will be stated which assumes that the content, tool, epistemological, and speculative realms are consubstantial (technoèsis). The practical endeavour is to create the informational and embodied temporal--spatial condition of possibility for the imaginative production of cultural artifacts. It must accommodate varying individual and collaborative forms and styles of making and no presumption of a self-enclosed and referential system is made. A critical position is particularly compelling when this production is immersed in technological modalities of making where information and embodiment are inextricably intertwined. CIMSp is based on the workflow from acquisition and creation to output and storage. The work environment is comprised of a select set of software applications and visualization technologies. Secondly, an XML-based content and information management system is under construction to ensure project quality control, rigorous documentation practices, and bi-directional knowledge feedback procedures to enable an effective and resource-full workflow. Lastly, scalability of output modalities for use in the design process and for final presentation from WWW deployment to a high-resolution collaborative work environment (CWE) is being developed. The protocol is a multiuser mode of creation and production that aims to transform the technologies and their interrelation, thus dramatically impacting the creative process and intended content. It is a digital production workflow that embodies intensive visualization criteria demanded by the end users. The theoretical and practical intention of CIMSp is to provisionally structure the collaborative creative process and enable a choreographed movement between the realms of the technologically mediated and made in the pursuit of significant digital content creation.
series	eCAADe
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

_id	eaea2003_24-ws-joklova-kosco
id	eaea2003_24-ws-joklova-kosco
authors	Joklova, V., Kosco, I.
year	2004
title	Virtual Communication and IT in Architectural Education and Practice
source	Spatial Simulation and Evaluation - New Tools in Architectural and Urban Design [Proceedings of the 6th European Architectural Endoscopy Association Conference / ISBN 80-227-2088-7], pp. 116-121
summary	Research and innovation in the field of IT and communication facilities and technologies represents a new dimension, characteristic for the end of 20th and beginning of 21st century. Information technologies provide great opportunities in the process of architectural and urban design creation and spatial evaluation. They are very powerful tools for the architect, either in practice or still student, to express his thoughts, work, design. Information technologies also present strong means for communication in the process of generation of architectural and urban design. Main target in the educational activity of the Department of Computer Aided Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture is to train students in making the most efficient choices for software methods and technologies, which they use in their studio project works in architecture, landscape design, interior or industrial design. The aspects of teaching, research activity and own architectural practice creativity is in many way stressed.
series	EAEA
more	http://info.tuwien.ac.at/eaea
last changed	2005/09/09 10:43

_id	9e09
id	9e09
authors	June-Hao Hou
year	2004
title	SURF_TM: A SURFACE SYNTHESIZER FOR ARCHITECTURAL FORMS
source	Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference of Mathematics & Design, Special Edition of the Journal of Mathematics & Design, Volume 4, No.1, pp. 359-369.
summary	Parametric equation is one of the possible ways to generate free-form architecture in modern age. When working with mathematical software, designers need a way to bring surface mesh to CAD for further design. Surf_TM is an supplemental tool for AutoCAD to import and manipulate surface mesh data from Mathcad. Accompanying with a course taught in Harvard Design School, students gain knowledge in mathematics and use parametric equation as a design tool. This paper elaborates details of the course, the tool, how they work together, and example applications.
series	other
type	normal paper
email
last changed	2005/04/07 15:49

_id	caadria2004_k-1
id	caadria2004_k-1
authors	Kalay, Yehuda E.
year	2004
title	CONTEXTUALIZATION AND EMBODIMENT IN CYBERSPACE
doi	https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2004.005
source	CAADRIA 2004 [Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia / ISBN 89-7141-648-3] Seoul Korea 28-30 April 2004, pp. 5-14
summary	The introduction of VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language) in 1994, and other similar web-enabled dynamic modeling software (such as SGI’s Open Inventor and WebSpace), have created a rush to develop on-line 3D virtual environments, with purposes ranging from art, to entertainment, to shopping, to culture and education. Some developers took their cues from the science fiction literature of Gibson (1984), Stephenson (1992), and others. Many were web-extensions to single-player video games. But most were created as a direct extension to our new-found ability to digitally model 3D spaces and to endow them with interactive control and pseudo-inhabitation. Surprisingly, this technologically-driven stampede paid little attention to the core principles of place-making and presence, derived from architecture and cognitive science, respectively: two principles that could and should inform the essence of the virtual place experience and help steer its development. Why are the principles of place-making and presence important for the development of virtual environments? Why not simply be content with our ability to create realistically-looking 3D worlds that we can visit remotely? What could we possibly learn about making these worlds better, had we understood the essence of place and presence? To answer these questions we cannot look at place-making (both physical and virtual) from a 3D space-making point of view alone, because places are not an end unto themselves. Rather, places must be considered a locus of contextualization and embodiment that ground human activities and give them meaning. In doing so, places acquire a meaning of their own, which facilitates, improves, and enriches many aspects of our lives. They provide us with a means to interpret the activities of others and to direct our own actions. Such meaning is comprised of the social and cultural conceptions and behaviors imprinted on the environment by the presence and activities of its inhabitants, who in turn, ‘read’ by them through their own corporeal embodiment of the same environment. This transactional relationship between the physical aspects of an environment, its social/cultural context, and our own embodiment of it, combine to create what is known as a sense of place: the psychological, physical, social, and cultural framework that helps us interpret the world around us, and directs our own behavior in it. In turn, it is our own (as well as others’) presence in that environment that gives it meaning, and shapes its social/cultural character. By understanding the essence of place-ness in general, and in cyberspace in particular, we can create virtual places that can better support Internet-based activities, and make them equal to, in some cases even better than their physical counterparts. One of the activities that stands to benefit most from understanding the concept of cyber-places is learning—an interpersonal activity that requires the co-presence of others (a teacher and/or fellow learners), who can point out the difference between what matters and what does not, and produce an emotional involvement that helps students learn. Thus, while many administrators and educators rush to develop webbased remote learning sites, to leverage the economic advantages of one-tomany learning modalities, these sites deprive learners of the contextualization and embodiment inherent in brick-and-mortar learning institutions, and which are needed to support the activity of learning. Can these qualities be achieved in virtual learning environments? If so, how? These are some of the questions this talk will try to answer by presenting a virtual place-making methodology and its experimental implementation, intended to create a sense of place through contextualization and embodiment in virtual learning environments.
series	CAADRIA
type	normal paper
last changed	2022/06/07 07:52

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