The document discusses virtual collaborative design environments and how distributed and collaborative approaches used in open source software, crowdsourcing platforms, and business can be applied to architecture, engineering, and construction. It describes how virtual worlds allow for enhanced testing, feedback, and immersive collaboration on idea generation, design, and manufacturing. Examples discussed include Wikitecture 3.0, which allows open collaboration on 3D architectural models, and different governance models for project collaboration. The future of open source architecture networks is discussed, including opportunities for less experienced designers and improved industry collaboration.

1. Virtual collaborative
design environments
Scott C. Chase
Explosions of Virtuality Week
Stanford University, 5 Oct 2011

2. Design
 Architecture, engineering & construction
(AEC)
 Industrial & product design
 Civil & mechanical engineering
 Manufacturing
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3. Distributed & collaborative
approaches to design/creation
Open source
 Wikipedia
 ‘Open Source’ software
 Mechanical Turk (Amazon)
 Crowdspirit/InnoCentive
Business world (innovation & product development)
 Proctor & Gamble
 Mass customisation: Adidas, Benetton
 Threadless.com
How can these be approaches be harnessed for architectural
projects?
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4. Virtual worlds as platforms for
collaboration and design
 Enhanced testing and feedback processes can
replace physical prototyping
 Immersive environments with good
communication/collaboration possibilities
 Voice/video/application sharing
 Idea generation
 Design
 Manufacturing
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5. Wikitecture 3.0
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6. Wikitecture 3.0: Wiki-tree
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7. Wikitecture: Contribution assessment
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8. Project collaboration modes
A 3D architectural model is Open
shared through a platform A network where designers
(e.g. Second life) with a openly choose the leadership,
community. Solver/Feedback Pure open design
collaborate with each other,
Feedbacks/improvements Network Community propose designs and decide
are received and the ones which ones are more valuable
Participation
considered adequate will be aloft Wikitecture
selected
A selected group of the partners
chosen by the company. The VIP Network Consortium A private group of participants
company defines the objective jointly select focus areas and
of the project, defines the rules design solutions.
of collaboration and monitors PARC Implenia
the whole activity.
Closed
Hierarchical Flat
Governance Model
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9. Observations
 No ‘one size fits all’ approach to virtual
collaboration
 Dynamic governance models
 Combination of virtual worlds with
‘traditional’ forms of collaboration
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10. Open Architecture Network
 http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/
 Online, open source community dedicated to improving living
conditions through innovative and sustainable design
 Share ideas, designs and plans
 View and review designs posted by others
 Collaborate with each other, people in other professions and
community leaders
 Manage design projects from concept to implementation
 Communicate easily amongst team members
 Protect intellectual property rights
 Build a more sustainable future
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11. The future of open source
architecture networks
 Increased opportunities for less
experienced architects and smaller firms
 Peer review of tendered bids
 Alternative paths to professional
registration
 More collaborative relationships between
designers, manufacturers and other
suppliers
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12.  Architectural and Design based Education and Practice
through Content & Language Integrated Learning
using Immersive Virtual Environments
for 21st Century Skills
 (Architectural) Design T&L
 Virtual environments (design & learning)
 CLIL
 Fragile spaces
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13. Actions to date (partial)
Student workshop (Paris) Student course (Paris)
Architecture in virtual worlds Crit-IMPACT
Future: We are looking for additional
collaborators for upcoming T&L actions
(Spring 2012)
Student workshop (OU)
Working with a design brief
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