Our esteemed colleague, Ken Mikulski, informs us of Ted’s Mikulski’s work with Second Life. Ted’s Master’s thesis provides a glimpse into interesting applications of virtual worlds for studio design and architectural presentation and development:
‘The Tracer,’ also known as Ted Mikulski in real life, presented his Thesis Presentation for his Architectural Master’s Degree at Norwich University in Vermont this morning. A pre-recorded version of his thesis presentation was played in-world, mirroring his live presentation to the real-life jury. Bravo
I think this presentation marks the continuation of a new generation of architectural presentation. In the future, I think we will see the architectural education begin to embrace and integrate virtual worlds into everyday studio life. Early adopters like Ted and Tab Scott are ahead of their time and leading the way to more widespread academic adoption.
Instead of pinning pieces of paper onto a wall in front of a jury, and trying to explain a design concept, why not invite them into an immersive environment where they can actually experience it? Jurors and students alike could take the virtual model and help it evolve through real-time suggestions made by actually transforming the design and really helping the student learn about architecture through immersive experience.
Moreover, the entire studio could take place in Second Life, with study models evolving throughout the semester, within virtual representation of the site’s actual real life context. Members of the community might actually stop by to provide feedback. But the best part is, advisers and faculty are no longer limited to those located near the physical university. Any professor or architect from anywhere in the world could now gain direct access to the students and their design concepts for real-time critique.
This is wonderful. Congratulations, Ted.
Here’s a link to The Second Life School of Architecture.