Beta-Testing Architecture
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Date
2021-01-29
Authors
Yew, Winston
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
In the field of architecture, designers traditionally show their building concepts for design analysis mainly through static renderings. The problem with static renderings is that they don’t show us how and if buildings work for the end-user. Designers are currently working towards more immersive methods of representation in architecture through means of digital walkthroughs, virtual reality simulations, and augmented reality experiences, but it is still unclear how to use these methods to best allow a user to evaluate and give feedback on a building concept to improve the design. This thesis looks at how we can develop a framework for beta-testing architecture; the best ways we can represent architecture to an end-user that allows them to experience the usage of space as a method of evaluation to provide feedback. I designed a series of digital experiences that attempted to allow the immersive experience of a hypothetical building by end-users, and ultimately explored this with my peers to get their feedback on a space I designed. I anticipate that this new method of evaluating architecture through beta-testing will allow us to implement end-user feedback as an integral part of the design process and shift away from static renderings as our main method of representation.