Ludia: A Virtual Escape

Abstract

The thesis explores personal spatial experiences as a source of inspiration to create specifically designed virtual architecture. This is based on Roger Caillois’s classification of games referring to the concepts of agon (challenge), alea (chance), mimesis (mimicry), and ilinx (illusion). Positioning these within architectural discourse proposes specific spatial typologies to guide individuals to discover how these ludic concepts are physically manifested in their own experiences. This begins by recording inner thoughts through interior monologues, giving insight into the nonvisual response to space. In addition, storyboards are used to visually filter out pertinent details of the experience, and relate the character’s interactions to different architectural scales. This results in twenty episodes consisting of four real spaces in each ludic theme, and four episodes within the virtual world of Ludia. The spaces from reality undergo a metamorphosis which exaggerates specific elements to form the virtual, which is represented in the format of an immersive short film incorporating full use of movement, sound, lighting, transitions, and camera angles. Through the exploration of these ludic themes within personal experiences, it becomes increasingly directed towards the spatial and the subjective. This reveals key principles so that the ludic concepts are redefined for each individual. As reflection and participation are major priorities in this design process, the thesis extends beyond the individual by providing an exemplar for others’ personal explorations to create their own versions of Ludia.