How do virtual reality technologies change spatial experience and self-perception, and what impact do they have on design and architectural practices?

To date, true-to-life rendering has been considered the hallmark of successful virtual reality environments. But which real-virtual realities are we talking about here, and how do they differ from conventional perspective image spaces? An essential characteristic of computer-generated worlds is the possibility to actively influence the virtual space. Based on this, an expanded concept of space is required, according to which the physical interactions of the users in and with the space constitute it in the first place. The project takes these considerations as an opportunity to pose the question of design anew. In collaboration with scientists and designers from different disciplines, the project will open up new approaches to a still young field of research, adding important facets to the discussion.

Professors
Prof. Dr. Carolin Höfler

Other Involved Scientists
Dr. Philipp Reinfeld, TU Braunschweig, Prof. Matthias Karch, TU Braunschweig and Dr. Kassandra Nakas (LMU München)

Project Partners
TU Braunschweig, Department Architecture, Institute of Media and Design 

Funded by
Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the German State of North RhineWestphalia, TH Köln, TU Braunschweig

Duration
27.03.2017 – 30.04.2023 (completed)

Activities
KISDconference, Project and Exhibition, Köln International School of Design, TH Köln, 31.05. – 02.06.2017

Publication
published in September 2022: Höfler, Carolin/Reinfeld, Philipp (Hg.) (2022): Mit weit geschlossenen Augen. Virtuelle Realitäten entwerfen. Paderborn: Fink | Brill.

Book Launch Event
On the occasion of the publication of the book, an event with a guest lecture by Dr. Johan Bettum and a panel discussion with the authors took place at the Deutschen Architektur Zentrum Berlin on April 28, 2023.

Image: »Point Cloud Ebertplatz« by Tamara Bertran, Marco Bodenstein, Claus Daniel Herrmann