Virtual Society
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[WHAT] This proposal is intended to explore the possibility of mixed reality in solving architectural issues existing in current society, by substituting certain elements in the real world with virtual reality. Through designing a human-scale, transformable modular device/ space with the aid of augmented reality devices, it is intended to provoke “escapism” and affect the living style of human beings. [WHY] First of all, it should be noted that virtual reality is able to produce an atmosphere that almost perfectly resembles what we perceive in reality. In the past, digital media was criticized for its incompatibility of 1:1 scale and visual perception differentiated from the real perception. In contrast to conventional media displaying mechanism, virtual reality technology is bringing the screen directly in front of our eyes, which has the capability to deceive us from the real environment. This condition implies that at least some of the real elements can be fully replaced by virtual technology, as long as the resolution is high enough for human perception. Some problems in our real world cannot be solved without the use of virtual tools. Up till now, there have been different applications developed in augmented reality or virtual reality to solve real-life problems, for instances flight simulation and military training. There are also some applications related to architecture, ranging from virtual tours to previewing the placement of virtual furnitures in real place. Most of them focused on the functional aspects and a new way of living styles, but most issues in the scope of architecture are undermined. If we think more thoroughly, virtual environment has many hidden potentials to solve problems existing in the real world. In a city lacking in space, can extension of virtual space solve land issues? In remote areas facing the problem of accessibility, can different spatial experiences be compacted to address at the problem of transportation? In a construction full of visual elements, can the same effect be achieved by plain surfaces getting rid of construction time and material costs? Aside from the architectural issues being undermined in the development timeline of virtual reality, there is also a lack of considerations in the real environment needed to achieve the virtual environment. Taking “Birdly” as an example, this bird-flying simulation needs a set of hardwares for human interactions as well as a fan to produce the effect of wind movement. Though the scene of virtual reality is different from the existing environment, real space is still needed to lead us to the virtual world. The setting of equipments as well as the occupancy of real space are also important architectural dimensions to be considered. Besides, there is a need for virtual technology. If we think of casinos and theme parks, people are indeed seeking a way to get rid of their dissatisfaction towards the real world and fulfill their satisfaction through the virtual world. Even for the online payment gateway, it is using virtual system to exchange for real goods. With the unavoidable trend of virutal technological devlopment, we should find a way in which it can help in architecture. [HOW] In the first research phase, technological possibilities in virtual reality and augmented reality would be studied, including the achievable sensational qualities and limitations. Then, through comparison in different virtual methodologies, a set of softwares and hardwares would be used to suggest a mixed reality design suitable for solving architectural issues. By means of suitable equipments, it is intended to produce a 1:1 scale space for users to experience the virtual space in reality. The virtual environment perceived will act as a tool for further design evaluation both in the virtual and real space. Supporting Visual Materials/Artifact -Birdly -Magic Leap -IKEA augmented reality catalogue Annotated Bibliography/ Precedents Mixed reality brings real benefits to enterprises: https://www.accenture.com/t20160526T011326__w__/us-en/_acnmedia/Accenture/Conversion-Assets/DotCom/Documents/Global/PDF/Industries_19/Accenture-Mixed-Reality-POV-Final.pdf What is the Definition & Meaning of Mixed Reality or MR?: http://allvirtualreality.com/tutorials/what-is-definition-meaning-mixed-reality-mr.html Virtual Reality: A Quick Introduction: https://www.udemy.com/virtual-reality-a-quick-introduction/
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