The ARCH


Gallery of Reflexive Architecture

Visit the new site: The ARCH Network, to stay informed of the latest in virtual worlds and architecture!

To expand on the idea of ‘Reflexive Architecture‘ in virtual environments, I’ve been experimenting with several installations that explore it’s potential. This video is a composite of several machinima pieces each describing a different installation in the gallery, such as Rippling Prims, Prim Decay, Sudden Space, Restless Spheres, Carvable Prims, Visible Traces, Moving Tiles, Interactive Glass, and The Cacoon. Some include sound as an integral part of the experience, which is best experienced first-hand (SLurl … subject to change).

In physical reality, architecture is a static and relatively motionless artifact. The occupant plays a passive role, observing but rarely impacting its composition. Winston Churchill’s statement, ‘We shape our buildings and afterwards, our buildings shape us,’ illustrates this point well.

In a virtual environment, the architecture is capable of transcending the limitations of static buildings, and become as fluid and dynamic as the communities of people they hope to serve.

The concept of Reflexive Architecture is only one of many branches of opportunity for a new language of virtual architecture to emerge, free from the habit of pure physical replication.

Many of these installations are the result of conversations, brainstorming sessions with Theory Shaw, Far Link’s post on ‘Swarm Architecture,’ Dancoyote Antonelli’s work, posts by Kliger on Metaverse Territories, and intense scripting collaboration with Fumon Kubo. Thanks!!!

These installations will be on display in the new Gallery of Reflexive Architecture on the new Architecture sim (SLurl …subject to change), and will be exhibited on Info Island by the artslib group in the Library Gallery, opening later this month (more details on this will be posted soon).


13 Comments so far
Leave a comment

Very interesting and beautiful . I’ll try to go there one day.
Myster Welles

http://www.maviedavatar.com

Comment by myster Welles

I am fascinated. An interesting project.

Comment by gurdonark

very moving…very cool!

Comment by Linty

[…] here, in order to inspire others to continue developing this.   More about reflexive architecture HERE and HERE, machinima here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, […]

Pingback by Open Source Scripts: Reflexive Virtual Architecture « The ARCH

[…] here, in order to inspire others to continue developing this. More about reflexive architecture HERE and HERE, machinima here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, […]

Pingback by Open Source Scripts: Reflexive Virtual Architecture « The ARCH

That’s really nice, but do you have any problems with system overload? I mean, sensor functions and detect/chat prims can be pretty intensive on the large scale you’re using there.

Comment by Relee Baysklef

@ Relee: You never know where the boundary is until you cross it. 😉

Nevertheless, system overload hasn’t been a problem. Even under very high occupancy, visitors are able to have a good experience. The rippling prims installation slows down a bit when 15+ avatars are near it, but it still works.

Predictably, the particle trail system does get a little ridiculous when dozens of people have been in the gallery within a few hours of each other. I’ve had to disable it under one rare circumstance – not because of lag, but because of the number of prims required to make the system work well.

Besides, practical installations for the rest of the scripts probably wouldn’t need to be this comprehensive. They’re all together in one place for demonstration purposes in this gallery, but running just a few for a specific purpose will probably be more common, and definitely won’t be prohibitively lag-inducing under normal circumstances

Comment by keystonesl

[…] can read more on the SL architecture blog here, here, and here. A direct SLURL teleport to the installation is at this link. (While we’re at it, […]

Pingback by Networked_Performance — Reflexive Architecture, Second Life Machinima

DITULIO!! I’m at work- looking up information on scripting and architecture. Finally trying to get back into my thesis- but alas work is overwhelming. foudn this site! i didn’t know you did this! awesomeness. How you been?

Comment by Emma

Love the blog, if i may ask, what software are you using? how much does it cost? where do you get it? If it’s not a secret email me some details wouldya?

thanks in advance!

Comment by CalArch

@CalArch – It’s an online virtual reality platform called ‘Second Life’ which is free to download, free to use. You can find it at http://www.secondlife.com Once you’re in, be sure to look up Architecture Islands, and send me an IM (Keystone Bouchard) – I’d be happy to show you around!

Comment by keystonesl

[…] Bouchard, Reflexive Architecture « […]

Pingback by Virtual Architecture « ubiwar . conflict in n dimensions

[…] https://archsl.wordpress.com/2007/08/15/gallery-of-reflexive-architecture/ Bookmark It Hide Sites $$(‘div.d525’).each( function(e) { e.visualEffect(‘slide_up’,{duration:0.5}) }); (No Ratings Yet)  Loading … […]

Pingback by The ARCH Network » Blog Archive » COMMISSION #3: Opening and free workshop today! 1 December 2008




Leave a comment