Immersive Virtual Simulation of Spaces

Immersive Virtual Simulation of Spaces

We describe a scalable multi layered projection room for immersive experiences of virtual architecture that combines visual, acoustic, olfactoric, climatic and haptic effects in a comprehensive test environment. The paper starts by summarizing main historic installations, which aimed to improve sensual experiences in addition to exclusively visual presentations. It continues with introducing practical tests and evaluations to identify possible ways to integrate other human senses into virtual spaces. The project group therefor set up a flexible test room in the scale of 1:5 in which physical effects like heat, odour, acoustic,air movement correspond to a visual representation of an architectural example. The article reports then tests about settings and first evaluation of this ongoing project and closes with a listing of further steps concerning a possible enlargement of the installation into 1:1 scale.