Seite: 1 / 10 datei: G:\joseph\veroeffentlichungen\avoocad99-paper.doc Using Immersive Virtual Reality Systems for Spatial Design in architecture. Dirk Donath & Holger Regenbrecht Bauhaus University Weimar / Germany donath@archit.uni-weimar.de Abstract In the very young discipline of Virtual Reality Applications only a few reports are available about using this technology for periods longer than in experimental setups. This paper describes experiences made during four years of usage of Virtual Reality (VR) in educational training for architects. About 100 different people were working with our systems during this period. Two programs were developed at Bauhaus University with the aim of teaching students in architecture in three-dimensional sketching. An other program for free and own interfaces and environments is currently under construction and will be presented at the international computer fair „CeBit“ in 1999. The first program called voxDesign is based on the metaphor of voxels. The second program, planeDesign, uses rectangualar planes to describe room-like situations. All programs force the users to design in a 1:1 scale, which means that the design and the feedback actions are coupled in an embodied way. A real walking metaphor is used for navigation. The experiences made by the students are explained too. Keywords: Virtual Reality, Architecture, Design, Design Support Systems, Interaction, Research, Education, Usability, Human Computer Interfaces 1 Position Statement Virtual Reality in Architecture. This paper does not consider the different kinds of digital architecture, many articles were published in the past and only few results were shown. Most of the discussions try to give new impulses using terms like trans- or avatararchitecture (Novak, 1991, 1996) or Peter Eisenmann with his attempt of a virtual house (Eisenmann, 1997). We want to focus on what is possible with computers in a more qualitive than quantitive meaning. We want to show that at least two things happen in the area of Computer Aided (Architectural) Design (CAD): a) there are new methods of interaction with digital architecture and b) digital and solid architecture will change itself by using these new methods. Our attempt is to provide first approaches towards a Virtual Reality Aided Design (VRAD). 2 Computers in the architectural design process 19 years ago Hoskins (1979) published a work about simple design techniques using computer technology. The users (architects) were given small bricks as a design tool. The surfaces of the bricks were electronically recognizable by a computer. The computer generated a three-dimensional model according to the position of the bricks. This approach is very different to ways of interaction in todays CAD systems: no knowledge of the program was necessary ! On the other hand the possibilities of expression were very limited due to the limitations of the bricks itself and were not limited to the