rwzobel@eos.ncsu.edu (RICHARD W ZOBEL) (04/10/91)
I am a graduate student in Architecture at the North Carolina State University School of Design. My thesis project is an attempt to look at how a virtual reality could be used to aid the Design process. At this point, my thesis is purely theoretical, but I hope to use this as a step toward a Doctorate to further study and hopefully impliment a virtual design environment for Architects. Architecture is by nature spatial, and typically involves scales larger than that which are realistically able to be tested full size during the initial phases of the design process. I believe that VR can change this, and that this change represents a fundamental shift in the way that designers may be able to design in the future. My thesis concentrates on what these changes may be, and what the tool (virtual design environment) should look like. My reasons for posting this are to see if there is any literature on this or any related topics, and also to establish contacts with anyone doing research in or near to this area. I am looking for any research, information or opinions on the use of VR for interactive modeling of space and the issues that surround such a process. I am also looking for Universities or Research Centers which may have projects along these lines. So far, my contacts have been at UNC and Stanford, both of which have been tremendously helpful. I am in the proposal stage right now and I know very little other than my own opinions. ANY information (or opinions) that you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance... Richard Zobel rwzobel@eos.ncsu.edu North Carolina State University School of Design Raleigh, North Carolina