Author(s)

M. C. G. O. Holland

Abstract

The Virtual School of Architecture and Design – VS – is an innovative 3-D virtual environment. The environment was created to provide the perception of an advanced \“real” school of architecture. The studios, laboratories, library, classrooms, galleries, theatre and movies were designed with \“learning objects” and other advanced tools. There are interactive spaces to develop intellectual and creative skills. The activities are designed to integrate concepts and practices in the architecture field with an interdisciplinary curriculum: Humanism, Technology, Creativity and Innovation. Keywords: digital architecture, virtual school of architecture, online education, e-learning, Creativity and Interactions online. 1 Introduction Digital Technologies are revolutionizing the practices of teaching and learning at universities all around the world. For decades now architects have struggled with how best to address the needs of students. Interdisciplinary studies and collaborative design in education promote significant changes to architects and educators. Technology and the integration of internet and multimedia offer teachers a tremendous opportunity to put their students in touch with other cultures, a well as to teach them how to manager information: collecting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting data. Powerful simulation engines will present verisimilitude to educational experiences that is unavailable in twentiethcentury schools. Students will be able to test sophisticated designs and hypotheses or verify details like architectural forms and natural illumination, colour system or understand complex urban structure. Like a real university, the Virtual School of Architecture and Design – VS – presents qualified spaces, interaction and administrative resources.

Keywords

digital architecture, virtual school of architecture, online education, e-learning, Creativity and Interactions online.