004 Discussion: virtual_week two

When first given the strategy ‘virtual’ each member of the group instantly referred to the invisible layer known as the internet. We began developing this idea looking into ways how this layer can influence not only architecture but the whole built environment via an extended knowledge. We asked ourselves the question “what is the definition of virtual?”

• Almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition -the virtual absence of border controls
• Not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so - a virtual computer
• Relating to the points at which rays would meet if produced backward
• Denoting particles or interactions with extremely short lifetimes and (owing to the uncertainty principle) indefinitely great energies, postulated as intermediates in some processes

(Google Dictionary, 2011)

We then asked ourselves “what is architecture?”

• The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings
• The style in which a building is designed or constructed, esp. with regard to a specific period, place, or culture - Victorian architecture
• The complex or carefully designed structure of something - the chemical architecture of the human brain
• The conceptual structure and logical organization of a computer or computer-based system - a client/server architecture

(Google Dictionary, 2011)

A fitting definition for the term virtual architecture:
Architecture that uses the idea of a physical spatial environment within a virtual network to display a change of spatial and visual characteristics

In answer to the question “How does virtual architecture benefit Australia” we came up with the general answer of extended and improved...

• Communication
• Connectivity
• Convenience
• Productivity

Some of the discussion included how through just a simple website and application like facebook a new layer in the virtual realm is created by people “checking in”; this results in a form of virtual city fabric. This idea could be used in such a way to allow for security within the Australian Capital.

Public transport systems within cities could be improved via the inclusion of a real-time network on a city scale. People would be able to see where their bus is at the current time and adjust their daily routines accordingly. This would be seen as another layer within the virtual built environment – this would help improve in productivity and would be highly convenient for its users to navigate the city.

The term augmented realities came up in conversation multiple times. An augmented reality is defined as a term for a line direct or indirect view of a physical, real world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. (Google Dictionary, 2011)

An augmented reality in term of a city could create different opportunities within the public spaces that would allow for flexible ever-changing ideas. Think “Inception” the people within the dream were able to alter their environment as long as it was within a closed loop system.

The augmented reality could be...

• Spaces that are manipulated
• Spaces that have no physical building (accessed via ones home)
• Spaces that have physical boundaries within a closed loop

They would have the potential to activate a city, for example a library could still physically exist but within the building confines it could be virtually simulated and altered allowing a flexible environment. There is a need for physical buildings to still exist because the purpose of architecture is to protect us from the elements, this is able to create constraints for the virtual world to limit and control the possibilities. The augmented realities could be designed for one person or multiple people at a time. One has to ask the question how will the environments alter when different people require different needs? Will they alter together or will each person view the reality differently?

In relation to the Australian Capital there is a need for security. Augmented realities could promote different social behaviour and there is a risk with concealed identities. Are the people within the reality virtual or real? Will authorities need to control the environment at all times – what happens to the space when it is not in use?

Australia would benefit from virtual architecture as it allows everlasting possibilities for how people experience a physical element. Australia would have a new and improved identity and be at the forefront of technology.