11th EAEA Envisioning Architecture: Design, Evaluation, Communication Conference in 2013

Track 2 | Experiential Simulation | The sensory perception of the built environment

On the design of architectural spatial experiences using immersive simulation

ABSTRACT

The paper describes current research efforts seeking to assess the potential use of immersive simulation through virtual reality (VR) environments as a tool for aiding the design of architectural spatial experiences. The design of spatial experiences demands the use of representations that handle time in addition to the other three dimensions. Tools that help us to represent design through time are the right tools for simulating and testing the satisfaction of architectural spatial experiences. Immersive VR environments are superior tools for the representation of spatial experiences if compared with conventional 3D visualization methods using renderings and/or animations. Immersive VR environments that make use of head mounted displays (HMD’s) and control tools for navigation in the environment reach a higher sense of presence if compared with visualization tools using large screens or even multi-wall caves. By making use of a fully implemented VR HMD-based environment in our College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) at Ball State University, we have conducted a controlled experiment with novice architectural design students who were assigned the task of redesigning the public waiting areas of a local medical clinic. After the evaluation of results of the experiment we have found evidence of the positive impact in aiding the design of architectural spatial experiences and evidence in providing just-in-time feedback to accommodate changes in the conceptual design of the spaces. We hope that this study will promote further investigation in the use of immersive VR tools addressing intermediate levels of visualization for fast exploration of spaces and real time manipulation of objects in the environment.

PDF

AUTHOR

Antonieta Angulo

Architecture Department, College of Architecture and Planning, Ball State University, Muncie – Indiana, United States of America

Antonieta Angulo holds international professional and academic credentials. She is an Associate Professor of Practice at Ball State University. Dr. Angulo holds a professional degree from Ricardo Palma University in Lima and professional license in Peru. She also holds a Doctoral Degree (PhD) from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands, and post graduate studies in the University of Darmstadt, Germany. She has been architect of record, associate architect, and consultant in built work. Past faculty affiliations include Texas A&M University, College Station. Most of her scholarly publications are in the field of design education and digital technology in architecture.

index  |   11th conference website  |  EAEA website