The design and development of computer-generated environments and their presentation in virtual and augmented reality is playing an increasingly important role in design and art programs. In the development of virtual realities, the range of possibilities extends from the design of atmospheric worlds and immersive film productions to the planning and simulation of three-dimensional future scenarios.
Therefore, a VR/AR lab has been planned on the university campus of weißensee school of art and design berlin, serving as a central platform and meeting point for working with, and exchanging ideas on VR/AR projects. It will be designed to be accessible and inclusive to all university members. The workshop is understood as an experimental space, in which the possibilities of the emerging technologies can be explored and applied as easily as possible. The goal is to create a place where all university members can get to know VR & AR as tools to support and expand their work processes.
A characteristic feature of the weißensee school of art and design berlin are the 13 workshops, which provide students with direct access to testing and implementing their artistic and creative design. As a separate workshop, the VR/AR lab will tie in with existing structures at weißensee school of art and design berlin, in order to utilize the expertise and establish a link between the workshops in terms of content and, in the best case scenario, also in terms of space.
Another important aspect is the conception, exploration and establishment of new teaching formats for the laboratory. In this context, interdisciplinary formats for research and project-oriented teaching are created, which promote more cooperation between the disciplines, expand interdisciplinary competencies among artists and designers, and increase the dimensions of the possibilities in their projects.
Possible teaching formats range across three sizes - from discipline-specific formats, intra-university interdisciplinary projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations with other universities or with agencies, external artists/designers, and companies.