May 2, 2016

The VR Era is Here



by Vito Ferrero, Architect-Designer/vr-immersive.com


The use of Computer Generated content in every industry  indicates we are in a digital age revolution. We see it in every field and more and more the boundaries between disciplines are dissolving into a single vital organism through the internet. In a sense we already have been working in a virtual reality since computers came to our homes and offices. We tap into virtual objects that appear to be buttons, we see through virtual windows and watch virtual faces telling stories through YouTube.  

 

Could it get more virtual?


The touch technologydeepens our illusion that those moving and dancing 2D objects are there but people don't usually talk about how virtual it is already. The fact that all abstraction, -including reading an old fashioned book- is virtual reality can be a very philosophical matter. The mere character appearing in screen pixels, is virtual appearance. The letter is not there: It appears to be there. But even when you have ink on paper, the sound represented is not there, it is in your head. So in the screen we got what they call:Virtual ink. Nevertheless the advent of bigger and faster hardware lead us to the viability of more immersive and intensive technology. The term Virtual Realitywhich is the immersion through interactive audio and visual technology, is then a consequence. The representation of objects and environments in a way so exact, so vivid, that resembles reality to an extent that almost completely tricks the senses.


In our busy lives, we do not often take the time to deeply think about implications and consequences of technology use. The fact that tech it is progressively easier and easier to use, seamless and accessible -as it should- put us as a global culture in front of ourselves. Our power of representation has increased, so our responsibility and maturity as a species is currently under a naturally accelerated curve of development, beyond this kind of cultural adolescence.  

But hey, since Guttemberg, is that so new?

I personally see technology as liberating, fascinating and as a profound game changer. Instead of being fearful that big brother or a dreadful all seeing eyewill enslave humankind in a dreamlike world, I prefer to envision a world were incredible power is given to us, to free ourselves from meaningless efforts and concentrate on what really matters. Things like beauty, sharing, living fully can be the result of the good use of technology. Making a better world -In the realm of architecture and design as in any other- starts with a plan, and what better than testing the result first in Virtual Reality to see if it works? 



What do YOU think? 

VF.

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3 comments:

  1. I think you are spot on. Virtual reality is unfolding in ways that will appear unimaginable a few decades ago. Its akin to the dawn of the internet as someone once wrote, and will come with new ways of thinking, acting, participation and doing.

    Henry

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely Henry and thanks for your comment. Keep in mind that interaction in the 3D environment is compleltely different to sitting infront of a monitor and using a mouse. There is more space, interaction is more natural if it combines speech recognition and gestures. In principle, websites as we know them today will have to be redesigned and, yes, this is like at the dawning of the Internet age. Many people don't realize this yet.

      Delete
  2. Good post... Virtual reality technology has a great potential which leads to meet develop your business and gain a customers.
    Virtual Reality Shopping
    VR real estate
    VR architecture

    ReplyDelete