Architectural Design V-IX: Immersive Studio - Letten Transformer (F.Gramazio/M.Kohler)

Abstract

In the Immersive Studio we design in virtual space and assess the current project status regularly from a first-person perspective. We work with the CAD software Rhinoceros and create our designs directly in 3D. Consistent work on the model ensures that the immersive experience of the project using virtual reality glasses is possible at any time and without additional effort.

Objective

We will not create orthogonal representations of the project. We generate plans and sections using horizontal and vertical sectional planes directly on the 3D model. This allows us to efficiently and interactively present the abstractions necessary for understanding the spatial relationships. - We learn to develop and discover our designs with the help of virtual reality - We learn to design with the parametric design tool Grasshopper in Rhino - We learn what influence our design decisions (geometry, materialization) have on the room acoustics - We present our designs in an interactive way

Content

Immersion: We are used to designing architecture from a supposedly objective perspective. With immersive technologies, we overcome this distance, expand our perception and immerse ourselves directly in the space to be designed. In doing so, we develop a different understanding of space by designing architecture and its construction digitally and moving around in it at the same time. In the Immersive Studio, we will get to know contemporary digital design methods and use them in a creative, sensitive and meaningful way. We will critically reflect on the potential of these technologies beyond pure efficiency thinking and develop an independent and emancipated attitude towards them. We will achieve this by consistently developing our designs using digital 3D models. We will generate and edit these models both manually and algorithmically and parametrically. We will regularly walk through the designs in virtual space, evaluate them spatially and discuss them. Aspects of materialization, fabrication and sustainability will have a decisive influence on the discussion of the architectural design. Program: This semester, we are designing a multi-purpose space that allows for a variety of usage scenarios through targeted spatial transformations. The chosen site is located on Letten, opposite the EWZ and close to various cultural institutions. The space to be designed should be able to accommodate various cultural uses, such as workshops, concerts, readings, exhibitions or others. In addition to the use of VR/AR to visually check the spatial impact of our design decisions, we will simulate the acoustic effect of the different spatial conditions in real time to obtain an audiovisual impression of the space.

Resources