Eindhoven's Tech Hub Pioneers XR Design Collaboration
Eindhoven, Monday, 26 August 2024.
Design Academy Eindhoven and High Tech Campus join forces in the 3EALITY Hybrid Lab, developing a networked Extended Reality environment for design challenges. This EU-supported project aims to bridge creative and tech worlds, with a digital twin of the campus planned and a physical installation set for 2025.
A Vision for the Future
The 3EALITY Hybrid Lab represents a groundbreaking initiative that combines cutting-edge technology with creative design. Supported by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, this collaboration seeks to exploit the potential of Extended Reality (XR) to redefine design-build challenges. By creating a networked environment, the lab aims to foster innovative solutions that can be applied across various disciplines.
Digital Twin and Physical Installation
A significant aspect of the 3EALITY project is the development of a digital twin of part of the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, with a physical outdoor object scheduled for installation in 2025 near HTC 37. This digital twin will serve as a virtual replica, allowing for simulations and testing in a controlled environment. The physical installation will act as a tangible representation of the virtual designs, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
Leadership and Expertise
The project is led by Dr. Ian Biscoe, Professor of Transdisciplinary Design Networks at Design Academy Eindhoven. Dr. Biscoe emphasizes the importance of this initiative in creating new opportunities for the integration of design and technology. ‘In the Trans Realities Lab, we are investigating future applications of the metaverse and spatial web technologies,’ he stated. The lab employs a transdisciplinary approach, focusing on how XR and AI can enhance collaborative practices across disciplines and geographies.
Industry and Academic Collaboration
Philipp Werle, Innovation Manager Emerging Tech at High Tech Campus Eindhoven, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in preparing for future skillsets. ‘We anticipate a shift in the required skillsets of employees in the future, and we are very happy to join Dr. Ian Biscoe’s research project,’ Werle said. The 3EALITY hub aims to connect with academic institutions that apply digital twinning and immersive technology solutions in their research projects, fostering a community of innovators.
Exploring the Potential of XR
The Trans Realities Lab, developed by Dr. Biscoe and his team, serves as a hybrid digital environment for research and student engagement. The lab focuses on the complexities of digitally mediated realities, presenting both challenges and opportunities for user interaction. By employing a transdisciplinary approach, the lab aims to address these complexities and explore new methodologies for research and education.
High Tech Campus: A Hub of Innovation
High Tech Campus Eindhoven, recognized as the ‘smartest km² in The Netherlands,’ hosts over 300 companies and more than 12,500 researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs. The campus contributes to nearly 40% of all Dutch patent applications, making it a focal point for technological advancement. The collaboration with Design Academy Eindhoven through the 3EALITY Hybrid Lab is a testament to the campus’s commitment to fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Conclusion
The 3EALITY Hybrid Lab is poised to make significant strides in the integration of XR and AI in design and technology. By leveraging the strengths of both Design Academy Eindhoven and High Tech Campus Eindhoven, this initiative aims to create a dynamic environment where creative and technological worlds intersect. With the development of a digital twin and a physical installation, the project promises to bring innovative solutions to the forefront of design-build challenges.