Arch 5344-Virtual Reality Software and Technology
Spring 2004
Project Concept
The combination of space and light is the power of architecture that moves people. On
this point, the Japanese architect, Tadao Ando creates the great examples for us.
Although most of his designs only consist of simple platonic form and unfurnished
concrete, the architectural power of space purity always impress us deeply in his
designs. The spirituality in his designs is significant through the humanity of the buildings. Due
to this power in his architectures, Ando becomes one of the most famous Japanese
architects working in the world today and won the Pritzker Prize, the equivalent of the
Nobel Prize in the field of architecture.
Compared with material world, the virtual world is understood by more and more
people with the development of computer technology. In my opinion, the virtual
reality is not only to simulate the material accuracy but the more importance is to
express the spiritual percept in the real world. So in this project, I choose Ando’s
Chapel with the Light to visualize. According to the simulation of the material, form
and light I hope to express the special spiritual power in his architecture.
Church of the Light
This church is located in a quiet residential neighborhood in a suburb of Osaka. It is
an addition to an existing church and pastor’s house.
The building is a cube with a plan of 6.28x18 meters, which a freestanding wall
penetrates at an angle of 15 degrees. This wall divides the space into a vestibule and
a place for worship. The floor of the latter descends in steps towards the altar. A
cross is cut into the wall behind the altar, and the light introduced through the slits
forms a cross. The openings in the space are otherwise restricted, resulting in a dark,
enclosed quality.
Ando created a geometrical and abstract form of cold concrete that contrasts wih the
soft, warm feeling of the furniture and the light, creating a vibrant space in tension
and intensity as well as a space of purity and tranquility. It is through the senses and
an essence of spirituality that the architectural space affects us.
Working Procedure and schedule
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Project proposal. (10 hours)
02/10/04
Create the model according to the requirement of EON Reality. (20 hours)
03/02/04
Add the texture and lights. (20 hours)
03/11/04
Export to EON Reality and add animations and behaviors. (20 hours) 03/23/04
Final Products
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The Real-Time simulation for light and texture effect
Resources
Hardware: A well-equipped computer is necessary for this project. On the other hand,
the computer in computer lab at College of Architecture can help my work.
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Arch 5344-Virtual Reality Software and Technology
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Software: These software will be used in this project.
 AutoCAD 2002
 3D MAX 6
 Adobe Photoshop 7.0
 EON Raptor
 EON Reality
References
1.
“Tadao Ando”, London: Academy Editions; New York: St. Martin's Press,
1990, ISBN: 1854900102.
2.
3.
4.
http://www.andotadao.org/aka2.htm
http://www.figure-ground.com/travel/image.php?church_light
http://architecture.mit.edu/~barandon/4.203/overview_page.htm
The Building’s Drawings and Images:
Floor Plan
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