Architectural Abstraction and Representation: The embodied familiarity of digital space

Al-Attili, Aghlab; Androulaki, Maria

Abstract

This paper argues that familiarity is the tool that
enables the understanding of space abstraction and representation. Familiarity in this context is independent from embodied interaction, and is crudely based on the connection between the various similar images of space;
in this particular case, virtual space. Our investigation into the nature of human interaction with space, its abstraction and its representation is based on the critical contrast between the outcomes of interaction with two virtual versions of a physical reality; the first version is a non-linear interactive graphical abstraction of the
space where no assertions or indicators are given as to whether or not there is a relationship between the abstraction and its physical reality, whereas the second is a none-linear interactive 3D virtual environment clearly
representing the physical space in question. The paper utilises qualitative methods of investigation in order to gain an insight into human embodied experience in space, its abstraction and representation.

Citation

Al-Attili, A., & Androulaki, M. (2009). Architectural Abstraction and Representation: The embodied familiarity of digital space. In W. Abdelhameed, N. Hamza, & A. Bennadji (Eds.), Digitizing Architecture: Formalization and Content, 4th International Conference Proceedings of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (305-321). ASCAAD 2009

• Publication Date: May 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Aug 10, 2010
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 305-321
• Book Title: Digitizing Architecture: Formalization and Content, 4th International Conference Proceedings of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design
• ISBN: 9789990106770
• Keywords: Embodiment, Familiarity, Architecture, Abstraction, Representation, Digital Space
• Publisher URL: http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?ascaad2009_a_al_attili
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