Faculty of Architecture - University of Ljubljana

New elective subject:

The Architecture of Virtual Space

dr. Or Ettlinger

This new subject combines two distinct studies which proved to be complementary: a theoretical
analysis of the elusive idea of virtual space, and a detailed study of works of pictorial art that are
rich in architectural content. The subject will propose a theoretical model for defining virtual
space itself, in a lucid, down-to-earth, and systematic manner. This model will be presented
through historical examples of architectural projects that were designed, planned, and intended
from their outset to be part of an image, while generating its visible space. Thus, it links the
abstract idea of virtual space to the tangible experience of space that is available through images,
whatever their medium may be.
more... 
Technical information

This new elective subject (izbirni predmet) will be available at the Faculty of
Architecture during the spring semester, starting February 2009. Lectures will be in
English.

It is open to any student who is interested in the topic. Third and fourth year students
can take it as one of their elective subjects. Students from other years are welcome
as well, yet they will have to take it in addition to their reular program. The only
requirements are an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to actively explore
new fields.

Technically, this subject is not yet official, so students will only be able to receive the
credit points for it retroactively, after it gets formally authorized (probably next year).
However, it will already fully function as a subject, with lectures, exercises, and grades.
Either way, formal or not, it is an opportunity to join a unique course which is not being
taught in any other university in the world.

The lectures and the exercises are likely to be quite fun, yet this does not mean that this
is going to be an easy course. For example, you might be asked to play video games,
or watch music videos, etc. (you can choose your preferred medium), and search for
examples that have a lot of architecture in them. You will then be asked to produce a
detailed analysis of what you find using the principles studied in the lectures.

Additionally, by agreement with prof. dr. Fedja Košir, students of this subject who will
also study his Architectural Theory subject, will be encouraged to produce research
work which combines these two subjects: to analyze architectural designs in works of
art and media using principles of architectural theory. Students who will do so will be
able to receive credits for it in both subjects.

The time and place for this subject will depend on the number of students who will join
it and the years to which they belong. The larger the number of students, the easier it
will be to get a convenient time slot in the timetable.

If you are interested in studying this subject, please send an email to avs@fa.uni-lj.si until
26.11.2008. Please write your name, your year of studies, and if you wish, also add a
few words about your own particular interests in the subject.

About the lecturer

dr. Or Ettlinger is an assistant professor and senior researcher of virtual architecture

and media theory at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Ljubljana, where
he obtained his doctorate. His exploration of virtual architecture and virtual space
has spanned both formal education and professional experience across the multiple
disciplines from which these emerging fields derive. This fifteen-year journey has ranged
from architecture to computer science, from product design to information design, from
classical drawing to digital imaging, and from art history to media theory.