Designing Virtual Architecture for Collaboration Mary Lou Maher

Designing Virtual Architecture for Collaboration Mary Lou Maher March 2002

Principles of Architecture in Designing Cyberspace z. Spatial Enclosure z. Spatial Function z. Spatial Layout

Spatial Enclosure z The sense of spatial boundaries that contain people and things can create a more coherent sense of place. These spaces do not necessarily have physical boundaries. The purpose of the enclosure is to indicate the contents of the space, that is, what is in the space and what is outside the space.

Spatial Enclosure z. Form creating z. Boundaries z. Place z. Awareness of others z. Determine basic level concepts and associated semantic frame

Spatial Function z Architects create different kinds of spaces for different functions. In cyberspace this may be a simple as labelling a room by its function, or more complex in defining a variety of activities and purposes for a room. In designing cyberspace, we have started with the easily identified functions of architecture, but we can go beyond this.

Spatial Function z. Beyond form z. No function in form? z. New functions? z. Metaphorical reference to function

Spatial Layout z Architecture is non-linear. Using architectural principles in designing cyberspace has an associated non-linear topology, where navigation can follow the principles of spatial layout, or the principles of the function of the rooms. People can easily navigate among rooms and buildings without a mental map, and therefore can navigation around cyberspace without a consistent mapping to physical space.

Spatial Layout z. Topology z. Dimensions: y 3 D: N, S, E, W, Up, Down y 1 D: In, Out y. ND: Functions z. Time and motion

Issues in designing VA · Understanding of VA as a set of objects that have both a 3 D model, behaviour, and purpose · Visualization of place by establishing boundaries · Visualization function and purpose of place · The development of a set of interactive objects that fulfill the needs in virtual architecture that are not possible in physical architecture. · Consideration of the implementation of efficient virtual architecture.