In a week here in Italy will start a very interesting VR-related event called Immersive Architecture. The name is self-explanatory, but since I like to write a lot of unnecessary sentences, I’ll tell you that it is an event focused on the applications of AR and VR in architecture, design, rendering and all related sector. It will start on May, 31st and end on June, 2nd 2018 and will feature conferences and workshops.
Architecture and design are sectors where AR and VR arise a lot of interest, because can enable and new and more efficient way of working: that’s why throughout all these years I’ve seen a lot of VR prototypes and products focused on the architecture sector. And I still remember when at the gym I met a guy working in an architecture studio and as soon as he knew that I worked in the VR field, he spent a lot of time telling me how he was super excited about VR after having seen a Youtube video of an architect using VR. He told me how this technology could empower his work and I was really intrigued by the fact that a non-techie could be so hyped about the technology that I love the most.
That’s why Immersive Architecture (also called Im Arch) is so important: because it is a conference with an international focus that wants to spread the knowledge about VR and AR in architecture and wants also to connect some of the brightest minds in the sector. If you see the program of the conferences or workshops, you may see that there are very interesting people there, like some guys from Epic Games, other people by HTC Vive, Keiichi Matsuda from Leap Motion, Alex Coulombe and also the epic Enea Le Fons from #30DaysInVR. Furthermore, also the location is wonderful: not only the conference will be held in Venice, that is one of the most marvelous cities in the world, but all the conferences will be on San Servolo Island, that is worth the price of the ticket itself.
There are also high chances that I will be at the event… so, among these bright minds, there will be also space for some obscurity :D. If you’ll be there, let’s keep in touch… maybe we’ll be able to have a chat about AR and VR… it would be cool!
Regarding interesting chats, I’ve had the occasion to speak with Fabio D’Agnano, the director of this event: here you are his words about the event and why you should attend it.
Hello Fabio, it’s a true pleasure to host you on my blog. Can you introduce yourself to my readers?
Yes, I am Fabio D’Agnano and I started long ago with 3d and computers, then I wrote a book that was quite successful (more copies of the books sold than 3ds Max licenses for sure). I launched then a Master Course at the University (Digital Architecture Madi Iuav) that mixed 3d, prototyping, robots, and electronics and finally started the adventure of the Immersive Architecture Conference. To be short: 3d and Architecture, that’s me.
You are organizing a very important XR-related event here in Italy called Im-Arch, can you tell us what gave you the idea to start it?
The union between XR and Architecture seemed very natural to us and we noticed that no one had yet put these themes together into an event and so we decided to do it ourselves.
What is the purpose of the event? What kind of conferences and workshops will people be able to attend?
The idea is to narrow the attention of XR to the field of Architecture only, but within this restriction to expand it as much as possible. There will be experts in Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Cultural Heritage, Rendering Services, Industrial Design, all among the best in the world. The workshops will allow attendees to achieve surprising results thanks to highly skilled and experienced trainers.
Is this an event highly focused on architecture or can it be worth visiting also for people of other fields?
Architecture is everywhere but I would suggest it to AEC people more than others.
Why do you think that is important to attend this event?
In this AI time, it is fundamental that we humans still meet live. The Conference is the perfect place to see other people sharing same interests, and to have an Idea of what is going on in XR in the world now, both in terms of technologies and contents.
Also, the location is fantastic…
It is an incredible island, formerly a mental hospital, it is great place because you can’t escape and this is perfect for networking!
What is the biggest lesson that you learned from the past editions?
We started late and with restricted means. We should not have done it, because it was really a big risk. Nevertheless, it was above our expectations. So the lesson is not instructive: do it even if you shouldn’t.
Why is there so much interest by architects and designers towards XR?
Never enough! XR and Architecture is the perfect match and I am sure that this a one-way trip. Still, there a disbelief. I understand who does not see it but I am sure about it.
What features architects and designers need from AR and VR but aren’t there yet?
Natural immersion, real-time and a collaborative environment, but are almost there.
What are the future trends of AR/VR in Architecture?
I am convinced that interactivity is a must. So… even if now it is the opposite, we need more Real-Time Rendering and less 360.
Tell my readers whatever you want!
Maybe the hardware is not ready yet, but it will be. So, starting working on contents and building new skills now will prevent from trudging in the future, I think.
As you can see, this is an event worth participating and I’m happy that it will be held in my country. I sincerely wish to be there to meet you all and exchange our expertise about creativity and virtual reality. I think that a former mental hospital is the best place to talk with me about VR 😀 . And if you want more info, don’t forget to have a look at Im Arch website. Have a nice VR day!
(Header image from Immersive Architecture)