A search for better architectural design tools through the immersion provided through gaming software and the accuracy of big data.

How it works

Using GIS and climate data in tandem with a game engine to simulate a real site condition for architecture students like me to rapidly iterate and observe how designs withstand the climate change (specifically water runoff and lighting). My hope is to eventually be able to gather information on the thermal comfort of the space using temperature data.

Challenges I ran into

The physics of water flow.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Learning Maya, Unity 5, and how to script within these programs in 36 hours.

What I learned

The importance of taking real data and applying it to designs using these immersive tools in order to extract usable information on how to improve that design and giving clients a better visualization of something as complex as an architectural system's interaction with the landscape.

What's next for EPA Local Climate Simulator Through Unity 5

A tool for architects to better validate their design decisions through rapid prototyping in game engines whose environments are exact replicas of the given site. The Oculus rift can then be implemented for a virtual reality experience.

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