Virtualism in Architecture
This subject was suggested as a possible topic from the course outline. As it is an area of much interest and controversy was chosen as the direction of study for the paper. Previous research into Virtual Reality (VR), coupled with a particular interest in its architectural application also proved motivating. However, although the direction of the initial research appeared straightforward, after further investigation it became obvious that there were in fact two distinctly different interpretations that could be drawn from the area of Virtualism in Architecture. This division was between whether VR was used FOR architecture (VR used as a tool to aid in architectural design). Or whether it was used AS architecture (architectural design within the world of VR). Therefore this paper will be divided into two sections, each discussing the two different ideas with the aim of applying a necessary critical perspective.Firstly, what is virtual architecture and how does it fit into the definition of architecture? Dace Campbell, Graduate student of the Human Interface Technology Lab at Washington University Seattle, offers his explanation. It is the ordering and definition of meaningful space as develop
Similarly with the previous discussion we meet again many positive proponents for VR under the guise of Cyberculturalists and Globalists. However one must also ensure that an adequate 'Reality Check' is employed at every instance. As this is a new technology there is much potential for hype to emerge versus actual practical and useful application. Is it merely a new form of communications escapism, or is it a whole set of new problems surrounding by a convincing amount of hype? By assuming that the use of technology is solving problems are we in fact creating a whole set of new problems, as well as managing to avoid sorting out the ones that already exist. Problems such as environmental degradation and a decline in social cohesiveness don't just go away because we are immersed in a virtual environment they are there to greet us when we come out. As with any technological advancement there is a need to balance out what the technology can do versus the inflated hype that invariably will accompany it.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Foundation EFF, Docklands Authority, MOO Presently, Sex Location', Cyberculturalists Globalists, RMIT VR, Neo Marxists, Dace Campbell, University Seattle, HIT Lab, vr architecture, virtual reality, architectural design, virtual worlds, electronics frontier foundation, electronics frontier, architecture vr, 'future world', dace campbell, virtual architecture, frontier foundation,
Approximate Word count = 1760
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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