Innovative Minds explores the relationship between a site specific physical architectural design and the virtual world.

Situational Synthesis design challenge ::

Investigate the influence of the virtual world blending with physical architecture.  The virtual world is built on the framework of computers, the internet, mobile technology and other mediums, which enhance how information is exchanged and how we perceive our surroundings.  This framework changes the way we interact with the built world.  How interconnected can virtual and physical worlds become and how does this relationship influence physical architecture and its context?

Virtual designs continue to evolve through the use of environmental analysis, computational design, building information modeling and rendered imagery.  Investigate the link between virtual and physical architecture and how it could address issues such as user interaction, building function, construction techniques, big data and environmental contextualism.

With inherent design challenges in every physical site, how can the virtual link assist in solving these issues?
How does this process help solve some of the increasingly complex issues in our world today?
How are users of the design and site influenced by this concept?

Judging Panel:

Min Tian, Winner of the first annual Innovative Minds Competition 2012 – Melbourne, Australia
Andre Rosteing, Holabird & Root – Chicago
Jennifer Kleckner, Solomon Cordwell Buenz – Chicago
Jamison McBride, Holabird & Root – Chicago
Michael Everts, AIA, NCARB, Associate Professor of Architecture, Montana State University
Joe Procunier, NCARB, Editor gURROO.com