Gaming the Landscape: The Potential Applicability of Game Engines for Design Representation

Abstract

is project examines the potential applicability of Video Game Engines to the representation of landscape architectural designs. Video Game Engines present a unique and novel format for design representation in that they allow subjects to have an immersive dynamic experience navigating within a digital construct of a designed site. is project collected visual preference data through an online survey comparing the representational formats of digitally rendered two-dimensional imagery against dynamic Game Engines simulations at distinct levels of Design Intent and Textural Detail. is multivariate approach to survey content allows for a more robust and dynamic response analysis. While the survey responses do not indicate that Game Engines are more e ective at representing design, the dynamic nature of the research framework allow the findings to illuminate interesting trends that have implications for future implementation of this technology. Game Engine technology has recently become easily accessible, but there is little existing research on Game Engine applicability for design representation. is research is intended to explore how Game Engine technology compares in representing landscape design, and provide insight for future research.