NMC Campus Observer

NMC Virtual Worlds Expeditions (VWEx): Explore Yale Paper Mill & Mudd Library

NMC Virtual Worlds : Jun 23, 2009 07:32am

Are you interested in learning about places in Second Life that are more than pretty buildings? We are starting a new monthly informal group here at NMC Virtual Worlds where we will lead expeditions to some of the more immersive experiences.

Join myself and CJ for Virtual Worlds Expeditions (VWEx) that will take place the first Wednesday of each month (see below for time and place). The first few trips we have lined up include recent projects we have completed. First up, for Wednesday July 1 (check local time) we are taking a trip to Yale University, where we will visit two exciting projects- the Yale Paper Mill and the Mudd Library. Our colleagues from Yale will be present to discuss the project and how they are being used now.

cc licensed flickr photo shared by NMC Virtual Worlds

The Yale University Paper Mill was designed to give students an experience in industrial production processes at a facility that would normally be too dangerous or unfeasible to visit. he virtual paper mill serves as a substitute for student field trips and features accurate modeling of real world machinery and equipment, with all the sights and sounds (sorry no smell yet) of a paper mill.

cc licensed flickr photo shared by NMC Virtual Worlds

While the virtual Mudd Library is a replica of an existing building, it does things in Second Life you cannot do in real life. This virtual tool was created to allow people to explore ways of redesigning an existing structure that was due for renovation- All three floors are open space where you can add windows, doors, walls, and furniture to envision a new library. When done, you can generate a digital copy of the new floor plans.

To promote a participatory design process, it was proposed to create a virtual model that the future occupants could actually plan themselves, allowing for the fact that they had little or no experience in either architectural design.

If you are interested in joining this expedition, meet at 10:00 AM PT (check local time) at NMC Campus (we will leave teleporters there if you miss the start of the tour).

Originally published at NMC Virtual Worlds

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