Virtual Reality (VR) technology utilises visual and auditory senses to allow users to experience and create immersive and dynamic virtual environments. However this space lacks the sense of touch, isolating the user to a completely computer generated reality. In contrast, although architecture has rarely been dynamic or interactive, buildings use tactile materials to augment the spatial experience within these spaces. 'Tactile VR' is a project that combines these two realities together to explore the concept of tangible data. Through the installation users can engage with a new type of architectural space, where the tactility of physical architecture is merged with dynamic digital spatial configuration.

Left - Right: Yan Li, Xi Shao, Kyung Ho Min

Diagrams Three Circles — Team contribution diagram

Construction4B — Construction at the AR/VR Garage

Physical Construction — Yan Li

My area of investigation is to explore new methods and design principles of physical construction specifically for the tactile VR environment. The physical components for this installation are designed with considerations for its digital extension; the two aspects work together, and the final user experience is completed in VR.

Yan — 3 Components: Entry & Exit, Corridor, Furniture

Digital Expansion - Kyung Ho Min

The project's digital dimension and exploration of the multi-functionality of virtual spaces was the focus for Kyung Ho Min. Imbuing the physical installation with digital properties, the users are able to explore and interact with the manipulative properties of digital information. Serving more than one purpose, the digital environment can react and morph in multiple ways depending on how the user interacts with the physical component.

Kyung Gap — 3 Components: Digital Integration, Visual Manipulation, Spatial Reuse

Intelligent Interaction - Xi Shao

My goal is to investigate the intelligent interaction between architecture and its inhabitants in a tactile VR environment. This is achieved by utilising programming to enable intelligent architectural behaviours, kinetic components to provide essential dynamic tactile interactivity, and hand gesture recognition sensor for displaying intuitive information. All aspects are synchronised in a live feedback system to enhance the interactivity between the space and user.