In order to start the discussion about the relationship between architecture and videogames we need to specify what we mean by architecture. I don’t have a definition of architecture; what I can say are only thoughts that I have in mind. I often discuss this and it often happens that I change my ideas. So, you are free to discuss the point with me. If you don’t understand anything because I haven’t explained so well or because of my poor English, ask. If you think I’m wrong or I’m missing the point, post.
Architecture.
 |
| Sou Fujimoto - Primitive house |
Maybe
architecture is only the style of a building? Certainly not.
Architecture
“is both the process and product of planning,
designing, and construction, usually of buildings and other physical
structures.”
I don’t agree with this definition. Does architecture need to be real?
And more significantly what is real?
I can
easily say that in contemporary history the definition of “real” has changed.
But we can even see it with the work of architects of the past. Think of Boulée for example. His “paintings” are not
real but are unanimously considered to be Architecture. And what if we put a
carpet in an exhibition hall? People will start sitting on it. It changes how
people use that particular hall. Is architecture something that qualifies the
function of an environment? Yes, of course.
And
what about parking lines. Starting with Robert
Venturi carparks have been analysed as part of architecture. A simple line can change where the cars will be. A simple line can change a space and how you use it. Is it planned? Yes! Is it designed? Yes! Does it change space? Yes!
Videogames.
What about the structures in videogames? I’m thinking of Mmorpg. You are a character. Your character moves in a space. The architecture of this space influences how you move, what you can do.
The fact is: people always think about architecture in videogames only from the point of view of appearance. Architecture is not only this, not in the real world nor in videogames.
Architecture
is Level design.
| Portal 2 from Valve |
They
are not different. So we can analyze videogames from an Architectural point of
view.
Take cities for examples. In mmorpgs people relate to each other, there are business connections and work. All this in the cities, just as happens in the real world.
Now think about how many studies there are around the planning and the organization of cities. What about seeing how mmorpgs relate to these studies? I think very few cities concept of videogames would pass an urban planning exam.
And what about mmorpgs in which you can fly? Why are their cities similar to those of the real world? Real cities are like them because you are human. If you can teleport, if you can jump, if you can pass through walls; how could this change architecture?
 |
| Daniel Dociu - Guild Wars concept |
In
this blog we will talk about this. We will analyze single videogames or we will
see how multiple videogames have developed a single concept. Or we can even try
to project our own, functional virtual architecture.
You,
gamers, know how much level design influences your experience.
You,
architects, know how we can develop a concept from ideas applied in a world
similar to ours.
Now
that we have augmented reality do you still think a
virtual architecture would not interfere or integrate with real architecture?
We will see.
Finally
finished the introduction,
see
you in the first analysis.
Bye!
