Interactive Design and Visualization Lab (IDVL)
The IDVL is an immersive design environment for simulating the environmental effects and multi-user experience of dynamically responsive building envelope systems and architectural spaces. The lab supports visualization techniques ranging from large digital projections to immersive virtual reality technologies in order to experiment with new computational tools that support the design and development of high-performance building materials, systems and spaces. The custom-programmed design environment consists of motion and infrared sensors for gestural user interaction, digitally projected surfaces for full-scale visualizations, and analysis software for daylighting and energy simulations.
Material Archi-Techtonic Research (MATR) Lab
This lab focuses on developing multiscale material systems that mediate light, heat, and air in novel ways. Located within CoE building, the lab space is configured for fabricating proof-of-concept prototypes and for conducting preliminary performance tests. It is outfitted with 3d printers, a desktop CNC machine, foam cutter, and ceramic extruder, for fabrication; and a range of sensors, data loggers, and other equipment for physical testing.
Thinklab
Deep transdisciplinary thinking challenges many presumptions of straightforward multi-disciplinary collaboration. Situations are mapped in lieu of problems being formed, expertise is networked in lieu of collaborative teams being defined, and systemic interventions are proposed in lieu of solutions being offered. This requires unique collaborative methods, techniques of creative and critical thinking, and tools and systems for visualization and intervention. Thinklab supports the research, design, and prototyping of hybrid media environments in this context. The lab offers tools and techniques that enable the productive engagement of highly complex situations in the area of learning support, collaboration, and exchange, and has served as host to projects in the areas of experience and interface design, learning environments, augmented reality, and computational simulation.
