Building Game: How Immersive Gaming can Shape Ever-Evolving Architecture
Instructors: Mohamed Khaled Ashmawy
Dates: 25 July – 27 July / 11:00 – 16:00 CET
Themes: AR/VR Games / Computational Design
Software: Unity, Rhino3D, Grasshopper, Meta XR SDK
Number of Students: 30
Workshop registration open until filled
Description:
This workshop explores the integration of augmented reality (AR) within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry using a gamified approach. Central to this workshop is the “Building Game,” a voxel-based system for architectural modular systems, developed during my master’s thesis semester. This software enables a multi-user collaborative design environment in a grid-based system, serving as the foundation for teaching participants to create AR-powered applications on the Oculus Quest, offering new solutions for AEC design challenges.
Participants will start with an introduction to Unity, through hands-on sessions, they will learn to navigate the interface, create basic scenes, and understand the fundamentals of game development. This foundation is crucial for developing the AR applications that will be the focus of the workshop. The workshop will then delve into voxel-based systems, explaining their principles and applications in architecture and design. Voxel technology allows for the creation of complex modular structures in an intuitive and simplified manner. Participants will gain practical experience diving into the Building Game software, learning how to design and code those systems.
Next, the workshop will introduce participants to Meta SDKs, essential tools for AR development. These SDKs will be integrated into Unity projects, enabling the creation of immersive AR experiences on the Oculus Quest.
Through guided sessions, participants will learn to incorporate AR elements into their Unity projects, transforming static designs into dynamic, interactive experiences.
A significant portion of the workshop will focus on the gamification of design processes. Gamification involves applying game design principles to non-game contexts, enhancing engagement and simplifying the design problems. Participants will explore how gamification can be used to address AEC challenges, making design processes more interactive and collaborative.
Throughout the workshop, participants will work in groups to develop AR solutions for specific design and construction problems. These group projects will culminate in a final presentation and demo day, where participants will showcase their AR-powered solutions. They will present their projects using the XR simulator or Oculus Quest from the dmC lab in Detmold, Germany, demonstrating the practical applications of their work and receiving feedback from peers and instructors.
By the end of this workshop, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of developing AR applications using Unity and Meta SDKs, applying voxel-based systems in architectural design, and incorporating gamification into design processes.
Daily Plan :
- Day 1: Introduction to Voxel-based systems and gamification
- Day 2: Meta SDK and Unity Development
- Day 3: Unity Development and Final Presentation
Detailed Schedule :
Day 1: 07/25 | 11:00 – 16:00 CET
Day 2: 07/26 I 11:00 – 16:00 CET
Day 3: 07/26 | 11:00 – 16:00 CET
Mohamed Khaled Ashmawy:
Mohamed is a computational designer and architect with a strong focus on integrating technology into design. His career journey has led him to be a research associate and lecturer at the Technical University of Ostwestfalen-Lippe, and to co-found the digital
methods Collective with six other talented members, reflecting his commitment to research, open-sourcing knowledge, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. Mohamed has worked with advanced technologies such as robotics, additive manufacturing,
programming, and mixed reality applications. He contributed to the creation of the Middle East’s first 3D printed multi-material large structure with MEAN*, was part of the design team for the MONOCAB project, worked as a technology researcher for Smart
City Detmold, and recently developed his AR software “Building Game”. His work has been recognized with the Architectural Digest’s Innovation and Sustainability Award and the Kickstart Startup Grant.