The initiative “Artificial Realities: Virtual as an aesthetic medium in architectural ideation”, organized by ISTAR (Information Sciences, Technology and Architecture Research Center) was an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between ISTAR and the Virtual Reality Lab (NMBU- Norwegian University of Life Sciences).
In this project the two universities work together and share cutting-edge experience and knowledge in the field of Virtual Reality. NMBU is a partner of excellence to build a strong partnership with ISTAR through researchers’ mobility, shared labs and equipment and joint research tasks.
In October 2019 the public event associated with this project took place. In the scope of Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2019 was held in Lisbon, at ISCTE-Lisbon University Institute (ISCTE-IUL), the Triennale's associated project “Artificial Realities: Virtual as an aesthetic medium in architectural ideation”.
“Artificial Realities” is framed by the confrontation between rationality and efficiency related to virtual technologies applied to the architectural design process. The experience of architectural space and the state of contemplation and delight of the architectonic exercise had a digital materialization. The project explores how mixed realities can enable architects to create immersive experiences.
The international event coupled a one-day symposium (14th of October) and an exhibition during the week 14th to 18th October 2019 in ISCTE-IUL Exhibition Room.
The symposium was held on the 14th October, followed by the opening of the exhibition, which was attended by several personalities related to the fields of architecture and technology.
Participants from 12 countries from Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania (Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Singapore, Australia, United States of America and Canada) brought to Lisbon their experiments in these topics.
The exhibition presented projects by international researchers and professionals with a solid work on various issues related to architectural design processes using VR and AR technologies.
The aim was to explore the potential of the aesthetic dimension of the environment and to establish its own language as an expressive way in the architectural project.
During the week, the exhibition was attended by circa 300 visitors, among architects and other artists, attracted by the Triennale's dissemination, architecture and computer sciences’ students, as well as Secondary Schools classes.
More photos here.
(Photos by Mariana Veríssimo)