Teaching and Experimenting with Architectural Design

354 EAAE no 35 Teaching and Experimenting with Architectural Design: Advances in Technology and Changes in Pedagogy

International groups of architecture students took part in two experiments organ-
ised to explore VR environments. We proposed themes coming from the field of
information space receipted only with use of computer in both cases.

fig. 1

Students’ presentation “Florence sense of perspective” - urban perspective

First exercise, located in Florence, was based on the Internet. A group of students,
in 5 days visited the city, its monuments, museums, contemporary architecture. They
listened to several lectures, communicated with Italian students and accidentally met
inhabitants. All experiences were recorded digitally mostly as pictures and sounds.
We assumed that the designed virtual enclosure would allow to present partici-
pants’ observations and feelings. In the same time it would create a symbolic meeting
place to gather, chat, get information.
The experiment was based on Adobe Atmosphere (beta version). The software
incorporates features of WWW functionality and virtual interface. Distant user navi-
gates avatar getting information and interacting with people logged on the server
with Atmosphere files. Java scripting brings more efficiency in programming inter-
activity. Rendering options and texture downloading mechanism are unexpectedly
efficient and give very good results even with mediocre Internet transfer.
The information space designed by the team was based on the idea of Florence
spirit enclosure with functionality of internet chat-room. “Universal palace” interior
court, the central element of the scheme, works as framework for communication and
entrance space for several information levels (perspectives). The user of the space,
visualised as avatar, can physically communicate with other visitors or explore the
virtual exhibition left by workshop team as their impression record.