%0 Conference Paper
%A Schnädelbach, H.
%A Penn, A.
%A Steadman, P.
%B 6th International Space Syntax Symposium 2007
%C Istanbul, Turkey
%D 2007
%F discovery:5168
%K Architecture, Dynamic topology, Mixed reality, Social Interaction
%T Mixed Reality Architecture: a dynamic architectural topology
%U https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/5168/
%X Architecture can be shown to structure patterns of co-presence and in turn to be  structured itself by the rules and norms of the society present within it. This two-way  relationship exists in a surprisingly stable framework, as fundamental changes to  buildings are slow and costly. At the same time, change within organisations is  increasingly rapid and buildings are used to accommodate some of that change. This  adaptation can be supported by the use of telecommunication technologies, overcoming  the need for co-presence during social interaction. However, often this results in a loss  of accountability or ‘civic legibility’, as the link between physical location and social  activity is broken. In response to these considerations, Mixed Reality Architecture  (MRA) was developed. MRA links multiple physical spaces across a shared 3D virtual  world. We report on the design of MRA, including the key concept of the Mixed Reality  Architectural Cell, a novel architectural interface between architectural spaces that are  remote to each other. An in-depth study lasting one year and involving six office-based  MRACells, used video recordings, the analysis of event logs, diaries and an interview  survey. This produced a series of ethnographic vignettes describing social interaction  within MRA in detail. In this paper we concentrate on the topological properties of MRA.  It can be shown that the dynamic topology of MRA and social interaction taking place  within it are fundamentally intertwined. We discuss how topological adjacencies across  virtual space change the integration of the architectural spaces that MRA is installed in.  We further reflect on how the placement of MRA technology in different parts of an  office space (deep or shallow) impacts on the nature of that particular space. Both the  above can be shown to influence movement through the building and social interaction  taking place within it. These findings are directly relevant to new buildings that need to  be designed to accommodate organisational change in future but also to existing  building stock that might be very hard to adapt. We are currently expanding the system  to new sites and are planning changes to the infrastructure of MRA as well as its  interactional interface.