The Integration of Virtual and Full-Scale Modelling

Abstract

Practically every design- and planning activity aims at its ultimate realization in the built environment. Any respective decisions are generally taken on the basis of substitutes of the original. Yet, the true spa-tial dimensions and proportions can be conceived on a 1:1 scale "without any mental detour". Moreover, the interaction of light, colour and material is best represented in the 1:1 model. One of the main reasons why physical 1:1 models are rarely constructed is certainly the unbalanced economic relation between ex-penditure and resulting use. Therefore, representation by means of less expensive virtual models has taken a preeminent position. However, a balanced combination of physical and virtual models in full-scale ac-cor-ding to area- and problem-type, degree of details and scale is likely to become increasingly important in the future. It is not the aim of Simulation Aided Architectural Design (SAAD) and Simulation Aided City De-ve-lopment (SACD) to do completely away with existing working procedures and planning tech-ni-ques, but to act sup-plements promoting the integration of traditional and new simulation techniques by an-ticipating "realities" aimed at the best-suited design of a common living space. Furthermore, the ge-ne-ra-tion of vi-sions and utopian schemes may add to an enhancement as far as spatial development and de-sign are re-gar-ded within the issue of falsification and verification of spatial developments.