2010

Creative framework  and a  graphical content user interface for generating multiuser interactive networked urban and architectural environments, ambiences or cities both real and imagined,  focusing in visualization, navigation and interaction techniques, content style, alternate perspective worlds, parallel view points, spatial depth, motion perspective and human cognitive and visual perception, with attention to self-reflective  “AvatArts” design, 3D fluid graphics visualization, content quality parameters, interactive iconography, synthetic concepts, aesthetic principles and composition in the virtual environments.

The System allows multiple interactive environments, to be hosted and be interrelated within them through a common virtual matrix which can be interconnected through high visualiation networking platforms, from large visualization display systems to small desk-top side visualization. Visitors can access, navigate, interact, exchange and teleport stereo three-dimensional models, objects, buildings and dynamic data over distance in real time, collaborate and create within remote shared environments through their  “AvatArts”, streaming audio communication and the Meta-Net-Page [MNP], a virtual-reality networking tool for collaborative interaction designed ad hoc. The framework is expandable and reconfigurable and can also benefit both: non-technical users and non artistic–users. 

Applications produced | and Case study “From the Renaissance to the Megabyte Networking Age”, large scale virtual environment and networked interactive journey departing from a Renaissance Age (virtual Scenario-Florence) and shifting to the Super Broadband Age (virtual Scenario -Chicago). Each virtual city is inhabited by a group of avatars: David, Venus, and Machiavelli in Florence (the Renaissance-Age Avatars), and Mega, Giga and Picasso in Chicago (the Gigabits Networking Age Avatars).The AvatArts represent the visual and graphic concepts and symbols of diverse ages.  The application is characterized by multiple narrative spaces that comprise animated sculptures, interactive phenomena, high-tech performances and characters of distinct behavior. Upon navigation and interaction, the environment undergoes transformations. Florence city itself can morph into a sort of 3D painting, transparent and penetrable. The façades and walls can become semi-transparent layers, revealing their internal treasures,  frescoes, paintings, sculptures and masterpieces hosted in that building becoming visible within the semi-transparent layers. Legendary buildings from both cities can become cyber gateways teleporting the visitors from one city to the other. 

The system facilitates the learning of the parameters and skills for generating high quality virtual artistic content for: networked interactive pieces, multilevel virtual storytelling, simulation for ancient heritage, city models and urban visualizations, artistic application, and AvatArts experiences, and to explore the shift from tool-driven content to content-driven tool.

Franz Fischnaller is an Italian media scholar, artist, designer, researcher and producer, operating in the field of ART, design, architecture, science and technology. He is specialized in simulation technology, augmented reality, interactive techniques, digital media and computer graphics; he has worked on a number of pioneering projects including immersive real time simulation, virtual reality production, real-time rendering urban simulations multiple wall stereo interactive projection systems, immersive Architectural and visual simulations and interactive environments, Chief Designer, Project and Production Manager of F.A.B.R.I.CATORS - Architects of Culture and Fabricators of Ideas, Italy. He regularly gives talks, screenings and holds workshops in universities, cultural and techs centers, symposium and conferences among which in USA, Europe, Malaysia, etc. currently he also teaches at the Faculty of Architecture II, Polytechnic University of Turin and at the IED: Institute European of Design, Turin, Italy.