虛擬環境的空間涵構與設計介面之探討

由於電腦網路與虛擬實境技術之快速發展，促成網路中虛擬環境之發展。虛擬環境是一個被設計成為具有設計介面以儲存影像與聲音的三度空間儲存所。本研究主要探討虛擬環境之空間涵構與其設計介面之課題。首先分析虛擬環境之特性，並比較真實與虛擬環境之差異。真實與虛擬環境之對應關係包括三種：取代性、互補性、或獨立性。本研究在全球資訊網上建立設計介面包括導引、聯結、涵構、與氛圍等，並且與資料庫結合展示一個虛擬建築博物館，以此探討虛擬環境的空間與場所感。研究結果顯示適當的設計介面可以提升使用者的空間感知，同時幫助虛擬環境中的導覽與方向感。涵構與氛圍皆可透過視覺或聽覺經驗來明示或暗喻以加強場所感。

關鍵字

虛擬實境；網路空間；電腦輔助建築設計；使用者介面

並列摘要

A virtual environment (VE) has been designed for functioning as a three-dimensional interface to a repository of images and sounds. This paper attempts to study design aspects in virtual environments. This study first examines the characteristics of VEs. The differences between physical and virtual environments are also studied. The relationship between both is classified as three types, i.e. compliment, replacement, or independence. Then it establishes the design interface in VEs, and presents an experimental project, the virtual architecture museum (VAM). Four elements of VEs are highlighted, i.e. orientation, linkage, context, and atmosphere. In VAM, the museum of interface is implemented on the web and is integrated with an architectural database. It is found that the appropriateness of user interfaces can enhance the user's spatial awareness, and consequently facilitate the task of navigation and wayfinding within VEs. The context and atmosphere of VEs can be defined by means of simile or metaphor through the visual or acoustic experience to enhance place identity.