The aim of the course is to provide a deeper understanding of design issues related to virtual / synthetic space and to explore tools suitable for the “design” and “habitation” of virtual environments (VEs). During this course, students delve into the notion of cyberspace and become familiar with the concepts surrounding the wider scope of Virtual Reality (VR).

The initial theoretical approach examines and analyses cyberspace, its characteristics, applications and even depiction in art and cinematic visualisations. Following, the focus shifts to VR, its history, characteristics, physiology and perception, classification in terms of technologies implemented, contemporary examples and analysis of current application domains with an emphasis in art, architecture and urban design. Issues related to VE design, codes of practice, tools, ways forward into the future are also discussed with the theoretical part of the course ending with the discussion and presentation of advanced design tools for the design of VEs.

A third into the semester, the VR design studio starts with students working in groups employing the theories, concepts and techniques taught towards the realisation of an interactive VR application. Course website (online teaching material in Greek) and all student projects completed are available at vr.arch.uth.gr/VR-Arch.