Augmented and Virtual Reality in Architecture

We live in a world where we want to simulate everything. We are currently going through big changes to how we relate to each other and our environment. Augmented and Virtual Reality present us with a concept which further distances us from material reality. Nevertheless, do these new tools bring about new understandings of our urban context, or do they feed our hunger for awe and effect? There is undeniable potential in using AR and VR for experiencing space and space making, however, can it be used to subvert or strengthen current practice?

Manuel Collado Arpia is co-founder of the Madrid-based office Mi5 Architects and its digital counterpart Made in Space VR, which is aimed to design virtual architectures. Since 2003 both he and his partner, Nacho Martín Asunción have taught at various institutions such as UAH Madrid, UA Alicante and UCJC Madrid. They regularly participate in juries, travel as guest lecturers and participate in exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale, RIBA London, IVAM Valencia and GD-NYU. Manuel obtained his PhD from ETSAM Madrid in 2013.

Lara Lesmes and Fredrik Hellberg are AA graduates and the founders of SpacePopular.com. They both spent the past five years in Bangkok as adjunct professors and coordinators at INDA (cuinda.com) while setting up their practice through speculative research and built projects ranging from furniture pieces and immersive interiors to medium-scale buildings and large structures.

Oliviu Lugojan-Ghenciu is Senior Interaction Designer and Art Director at Neutral Digital, a leading UK agency that specialises in VR and other immersive interactive solutions. As a leading expert in Time-based Media & Digital Storytelling and following GravityONE, his critically acclaimed Choreography for Militarised Airspace, his work has been exhibited in the UK, USA, Australia, Japan and Europe. Trained as an architect, Oliviu runs the Architectural Association’s Media Studies Lab. in London, previously teaching at the Princeton University School of Architecture, the Bartlett, UCL and Architectural Association’s First Year Studio, Diploma 6 and DRL.

Sergio Irigoyen teaches Digital Studies at IE University and develops real-time architectural visualization projects for the company Neutral Digital, who he has worked with since 2011. He has specialized in computer design techniques, since 1998, while he was still a student. He works as computer graphics artist for the company Neutral, working on the 3D animation and architectural visualization team and participating in projects for Zaha Hadid, Herzog & De Meuron, David Chipperfield, OMA and others.

Chaired by Max Celar, AA 3rd Year and Intermediate 1 student. 

Image: taken by Samel Zeller CC0