framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...
framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...
framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...
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Arab Emirates (UAE) will study <strong>the</strong> urban and suburban conditions <strong>of</strong><br />
Sharjah. Students from Architecture, Urban Plann<strong>in</strong>g and Design<br />
discipl<strong>in</strong>es will work collaboratively to explore <strong>the</strong> possibilities <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>novative <strong>design</strong> solutions through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>virtual</strong> <strong>design</strong> tools and<br />
practices. The organisers will coord<strong>in</strong>ate and document <strong>the</strong> project, and<br />
closely tutor <strong>the</strong> students. They will prepare all essential materials and<br />
technological tools to facilitate and enhance <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>novative<br />
<strong>design</strong> concepts, culm<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a f<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong>stallation <strong>of</strong> film presentations.<br />
To combat <strong>the</strong> prevalent cultural restrictions <strong>the</strong> essential technological<br />
tools rely heavily on digital media sources <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g: <strong>the</strong> social<br />
network<strong>in</strong>g website Facebook; real-time <strong>in</strong>teractive graphics such as<br />
Whiteboard; 3D Visualisation programmes such as Sketch-up and<br />
AutoCAD; and o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>for</strong>ms <strong>of</strong> onl<strong>in</strong>e communication such as video<br />
conferenc<strong>in</strong>g via MSN Messenger and email. A VDS website was also<br />
available with all relevant l<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>for</strong> reference and collaboration. Essential<br />
materials <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> project consist <strong>of</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ly key texts fundamental to <strong>the</strong><br />
philosophy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project itself; <strong>the</strong> VDS website; lectures from field<br />
experts and academics; <strong>studio</strong>-based work <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mal and <strong>for</strong>mal<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs with project tutors. Due to cultural restrictions <strong>the</strong> project was<br />
run parallel <strong>for</strong> male and female students <strong>in</strong> separation.<br />
Prior to <strong>the</strong> VDS, participants were made fully equipped with all <strong>the</strong><br />
necessary technological tools via <strong>the</strong> VDS website, Facebook, and MSN<br />
messenger. Students were required to create a Facebook page where<br />
<strong>the</strong>y will be expected to complete <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ile requirements; <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
also required to have MSN identification, where <strong>the</strong>y were encouraged<br />
to network and collaborate with fellow participants and <strong>the</strong>y had <strong>in</strong>stant<br />
access via a desktop icon to <strong>the</strong> VDS website where all relevant l<strong>in</strong>ks<br />
were made available.<br />
5.18 Conclusion<br />
This chapter outl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> <strong>design</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> research cover<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
participants, <strong>the</strong> methodology used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> research, which is action<br />
research, and <strong>the</strong> different stages that <strong>the</strong> research has undertaken. It<br />
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