Building The Lab
At the very heart of my teaching methodology lies the Taubman Visualization Lab (TVLab) at the Taubman College of Architecture. Through the lab, I work on harnessing the revolutionary potential of extended reality and other spatial visualization technologies, which have rapidly transitioned from speculative concepts to essential tools for designers. Offering new ways to experiment with and communicate designs, I continuously mold the lab to provide an immersive platform for understanding and presenting space, systems, and diverse phenomena. Along with Academic Initiatives, I designed the lab with the express purpose of fostering plural futures. With increasing investment and the growing ubiquity of these technologies, the TVLab positions itself as a critical space for ethical and innovative exploration in the architectural field. I consistently encourage and work with faculty and students to explore how these advanced technologies can reframe traditional design methods and enrich their projects with new storytelling and research techniques. The space becomes a canvas, showcasing the excellent work of our students.
Constantly In Flux
In the spirit of collaboration and negotiation, I'm constantly in dialogue with fellow faculty, exploring novel ways to utilize the space and resources. The TVLab's versatility sets it apart, accommodating exhibitions like Mexico City’s Centro 'Snap-To-Grid', various workshops as previously described, reviews such as with Adam Fure M.Arch 3G’s, and diverse studio work, including Urban Design with Mclain Clutter and Alina Nazmeeva. Since January 2023, I've collaborated with over 24 faculty across undergraduate and graduate courses, each partnership bringing its own unique contributions. This adaptability arises from numerous brainstorming sessions with both faculty and students. This collaboration brings its own set of challenges, like managing transitions between different work formats, instructing users on navigating the space, training all research assistants, and constantly learning new emerging technologies. Yet, embracing a 'workshop' mindset invites welcome surprises and unexpected outcomes. The lab itself has been both a tool influencing student projects and a canvas reshaped by their work. My ongoing collaboration is key; it's what allows the lab to continually transform from a basic tech space into an adaptive environment that meets the changing needs of its users.
Moving Forward
At Taubman College, I envision the TVLab as a pivotal force shaping the future of architectural education and practice. Building on the college's strong foundation in digital innovation and computational design, the TVLab stands as a beacon for exploring emerging technologies in virtual, augmented, and mixed realities. Drawing lessons from the successes of Taubman’s Digital Fabrication Lab (FABLab), I aim to evolve the TVLab into an integrated hub that not only supports but also advances innovation in creative digital technologies. This evolution is crucial in a landscape where technological fluency is increasingly indispensable. The TVLab, with its focus on experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, is poised to play a critical role in consolidating resources, enhancing project visibility, and expanding academic networks. By doing so, it will not only bolster Taubman College’s reputation on a global scale but also significantly contribute to the broader discourse in architecture and design, demonstrating the growing importance and relevance of such labs in the field.
TVLab Website ︎︎︎