PROPOSAL: Embodying Virtual Architecture	

ABSTRACT:  Aesthetic Intelligence: Virtual Places Forming High Dimensional Spaces

AUTHOR: Yauger Williams, Assistant Professor of Architecture Texas A&M University
Yauger@tamu.edu

Are some forms and spaces more significant than others?   Can qualities of a space transcend ordinary recognition and resonate as extraordinary sensations and perceptions?   Experiencing and creating objects, and images of places with iconic characteristics inspired me to write this paper.  Influenced by another paper I wrote on imaging characters, this paper on environments attempts to extend dialogue into the vast dimensions of space by examining models for mapping spaces, contexts for function, and functions of elements.  Finally, showing examples integrating these themes I aspire to reflect a pluralistic strategy that I hope inspires you to unify your creative process for making new spaces.  

With the development of technology in both physical and virtual domains methods for migrating exotic locations is increasing.   Globalization, and multi-cultural themes are re-enforcing notions of tele-presence in foreign environments.    Experiences in these exotic domains are presenting people with stimulations that blur the boundaries of their realities. Combining traditional romantic natural spaces with new perceived virtual realities spaces, we will explore imaginations for future expectations of exotic spaces and its  cycle of hope.  Zooming away from the labyrinth of desires, I wish to provide perspectives for assembling new interesting places.

To depict the grass is greener on the other side idea, I will show the visual model of a pyramid, depict the quest for different natural and synthetic environments.  Using photographs from disparate locations I will create a contrasting buffet of landscapes. From natural places like: Antarctica, or the Arabian Desert to built places such as Stonehenge, or the Ellora Caves to in-between recursive places such as MC Escher’s drawings.  Comparing a range of approaches from classical to metaphorical these examples will lay the foundation for what I call, ‘Aesthetically Intelligent,’ spaces that like the seven wonders of the world, transcend physical gravity as emotional gravity.

Building on this foundation of spaces with emotional gravities, I will go on to discuss contexts of sense and perception extremes in physical natural boundaries of land, sea , and sky.  Then zooming even further out from the labyrinth, I will discuss the unique contributing elements that compose the scale, surfaces, textures, and compositions of these two, three, and four-dimensional spaces.   We will look at examples of forms, spaces, and times examples that deal with the notion of exaggerating and distorting elements as a means of conveying greater meaning.   Finally, these processes will summarized in a reflection on in terms of the limitations of its self reflexive natural, and the challenges of pursuing spaces with auratic autonomy through migration.   

Ultimately, the paper concludes with a series of examples of past ideas that play with the notion of new spaces from the past such as the animated film, Cool World, to a current Myspace page, to future predictions with examples from contemporary Art.   Reading the paper and viewing the images an individual will be presented with a diverse range external forces influencing a place and perspective and vice/versa.  In seeking higher dimensional spaces, the goal is not to find the end but rather examine interesting relationships and continue to keep migrating to new places.


