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PhD Studentship, Robert Gordon University
Jun 23 04
Source: BCS-HCI
Applying Interactive Visualisation Technologies within the Built Environment Design Process The Scott Sutherland School, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
Applications are invited for a 3-year fully funded studentship at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, starting in October 2004.
Despite rapid growth and proliferation of the Internet and its associated applications over the past decade, most public participation activities undertaken in the UK still make little more than a superficial use of the internet, let alone more advanced interactive technologies. With respect to the built environment, where attempts are made to gauge and understand people's impression of future scenarios information delivery tends to be restricted to fairly basic representations of building elevations and possibly 3D sketches.
The validity of using 3D interactive virtual models within preference and choice studies has been demonstrated (by previous research at RGU), as has the value of using computer based visual media to track or simulate navigation through a space (Börner et al. 2002; Tan et al. 2000). This studentship will test the potential for such models to facilitate a better understanding of proposed built environments by end users within public participation studies, and the manner in which results can be employed by the design team.
The project methodology will be implemented across two major interrelated
stages:
1. Research phase 1 will comprise a study into the extent to which the ability to navigate a virtual environment significantly affects the evaluation and understanding of information.
2. Research phase 2 will comprise a study comparing the influence of environmental factors as conveyed within virtual environments on the awareness, perception and understanding of key physical attributes.
The successful candidate will hold a good first degree in a relevant discipline (preferably architecture, engineering or surveying), with a portfolio demonstrating evidence of an ability in 3D computer modelling.
An ability to demonstrate familiarity with a statistical analysis package would be preferable.
For further details please contact Dr Richard Laing, Scott Sutherland School, at r.laing@rgu.ac.uk
Closing date: Friday 9 July 2004
The Research Student Application Form can be downloaded from:
http://www.rgu.ac.uk/research/degrees/page.cfm?pge=954