The reflexive campus: a study of dynamic architecture in a virtual world

Abstract

This paper describes the creative as well as computational processes involved in the creation of a generative, emergent architectural construct destined to become the virtual campus of a real life university on a dedicated island in Second Lifereg. Designed around a core spiral structure the virtual building re-configures itself based upon user demand, adding classrooms, exhibition and meeting areas as well as conference halls and auditoriums, as and when required. Thus, a user-centric, emergent, dynamic construct has been implemented for the creation of a virtual campus, which evolves and changes over time and based upon usage. The ensuing design system also attempts to configure itself based upon the nature of activity undertaken within it: Thus spaces required for survey based learning spread themselves out over the ldquoshallowrdquo horizontal axis, whereas areas of research and deeper levels of inquiry utilize the ldquodeeperrdquo vertical axis in a visual representation of different strategies of learning and levels of epistemological inquiry.