This seminar uses experimental game design to explore acoustic qualities of architectural space, which are often neglected in visual-based design processes but are irreducible counterparts of spatial experience.
The course begins with a practical exploration of architectural acoustic through playful exercises to cultivate auditory sensibilities of architectural environments. It then introduces the Unity game engine through design experiments focusing on the acoustics of virtual environments. Throughout the week, participants develop their own playable experience using acoustics as a design driver to express different qualities of architectural space. The week closes with a public exhibition of all projects.
Student work
Seminar Material
Audacity: Mac (Apple Silicon), Mac (Intel), Windows
Beyond the Visual – 2018 Workshop
Audio Diary
Monday
Activity 1: Blindfold walk
Activity 2: Soundscapes
Activity 3: Soundsketch
Tuesday
Morning session
Activity 4: Emotions
Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9:00 – 10:00 | Introduction | Input: Game Design | Activity 4: Emotions | Unity III: Lighting & Post-processing | Unity IV: Building & Publishing |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Input: Acoustics 101 | Unity I | Activity 5 | Project work | Project work |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Activity 1: Blindfold Walk | Unity I | Activity 5 | Project work | Project work |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Activity 2: Soundscapes | Unity I | Activity 5 | Brief WIP presentations | Project work |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Activity 2: Soundscapes | Unity I | Project brainstorming & concept development | Project work | Project work |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Activity 3: Soundsketch | Unity II: Virtual Acoustics | Project work | Project work | Final Exhibition |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Activity 3: Soundsketch | Unity II: Virtual Acoustics | Project work | Project work | Final Exhibition |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Task introduction – Design by ear | Activity 4: Emotions | Project work | Project work | Final Exhibition |
Tutors
Dr. Achilleas Xydis
ETH Zurich
Constantinos Miltiadis
Aalto University
