[ISEA95] Panel: Debra Gondeck-Becker & Julio Bermudez – Emerging architectures in the virtual scape: Architecture of (im)possibilities

Panel Statement

Panel: Emerging Architectures

Digital space is an electronic medium that serves as an artificial environment for architectural work. At least two different architectural conceptualizations of this electronic world are available:
1, digital space is a studio for the development and testing of architectural products aimed at classical reality. Classical reality is understood as the natural and sociophysical world wherein we carry on our lives. In this interpretation, digital space depends on the rules and laws of the physical world and its value is tied to being a (representational) instrument for worryfree experiments and simulations. Utilizing digital space as a studio continues the historical tradition of using depictions to design, describe, reflect, or document buildings aimed for classical reality.

2. digital space, a reality of representations, is also a virtual place with nature, functions, aesthetics, order, etc., not necessarily following or referring to classical reality. In this immaterial world, people may work, meet other people, seek entertainment, find and generate information, etc. According to this interpretation, architecture should play a major role in the conceptualization, organization, and design of such an alternative reality. In other words, digital space is an environment in its own right that has no other justification than offering alternative experiences, structures and events to those of classical reality.

In this presentation we will investigate the potential of architecture within a digital space understood in the last sense.

  • Dr. Julio Bermudez (USA ) is Assistant Professor at the University of Utah Graduate School of Architecture. He teaches beginning and advanced courses in architectural design, representation and theory. His research interests focus on virtual environments/objects/ experiences and the relationship between electronic media and design process and representation.

  • Debra Gondeck-Becker (USA) works as a designer and multimedia consultant for Jordani Consulting Group ( Minneapolis), specializing in software development for the design and building industry. Her Master’s thesis in architecture, entitled Virtual Dwelling, received an “Outstanding Thesis” award in 1993-94.

Full text p.23-27