Yehuda Kalay (Architecture), Chung On Kim (Architecture Doctoral Candidate, and John Marx (Form-4 Architects, San Francisco)
(Arch 139X/239A, CNM 190/290)

The purpose of the course is to examine both the theoretical and technical aspects of creating virtual worlds. The course combines architectural theory, online games technology, and cultural/social issues associated with the concept of ‘place’ into a comprehensive and innovative whole. It aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn to create web-accessible, immersive, interactive, inhabitable worlds that can afford social, cultural, economic, educational, and entertainment activities heretofore located in physical spaces. Students research and report on a range of topic, including: the nature of ‘place’; concepts in presence and embodiment; authenticity; movement in the world; social and cultural factors of virtual worlds; the construction of value and meaning; character and narrative development; user interface and game play.

Course details