Virtual Reality in Architecture

What does virtual reality actually mean?

Virtual Reality can be broadly said to be synthetic stimulation. Contrary to the popular belief propagated by most media VR extends far beyond the bounds of 3D computer generated environments. The concept is much wider, stretching from it's most primitive form, the radio or television to the realm of bio-mechanics which involves artificial sensations of touch, smell and taste. The computer is but a tool, even if a very important one, in this field.

Virtual Reality as a concept focuses on creation of environments and immersing subjects into them. The type and complexity of the environments depend on the equipment and of course the purpose. The Virtual-Environment (VE) may be incomplete, for example in a cinema hall where a user only uses his eyes and ears and no other senses. So far a VE complete in all respects has not been developed but for the 'Star Trek - The Next Generation' enthusiasts an excellent example is the 'holodeck', a room in...