Algorithmic architecture in virtual spaces

Abstract

Much of the recent interest in virtual worlds has focused on using the immersive properties of virtual worlds to recreate an experience like that of interacting face to face with other participants. This thesis instead focuses on how we can use the distinctive properties of virtual spaces to create experiences native to virtual worlds. I present two projects that have different perspectives on this concept. The first project--Information Spaces--demonstrates how visualization of behavior in a 3d meeting space can augment the meeting process and provide participants new behavioral ways to communicate. The second project--*Space--is an abstract 2d virtual platform for prototyping and experimenting with virtual world experiences that provides a structure for changing properties of the virtual space to influence people's behavior in that space.