Architecture Into Virtual Environments ArchIVE

Applications are invited for an industry based research studentship for a project entitled “Architecture into Virtual Environments (ArchIVE), supervised jointly by Slider Studio Ltd and University of East London. Slider Studio (www.sliderstudio.co.uk) is an architectural practice and specialist software developer working in the field of virtual environments and online collaboration. The research will be based at Slider Studio’s East London offices, working in collaboration with a growing staff of experienced architects and software engineers.

We are seeking applications from candidates with a strong interest in either games programming, engine development or 3D virtual worlds. A basic knowledge of 3D authoring tools or CAD software is also desirable.

The project explores potential for improving links between CAD data prepared by architects and on line virtual environments, set within the context of the latest architectural design methods. This includes applying game development techniques such as level of detail, portal culling and polygon reduction to solve issues surrounding very detailed high polygon CAD models, whilst preserving embedded architectural data.

Candidates will need a good first degree, masters or equivalent in a computing based subject and possess advanced programming skills and an understanding of games development techniques and issues, or 3D world development.

The project builds on an existing collaboration between Slider Studio and the School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering at the University of East London Docklands Campus, where both the company and
the School are based.
Informal enquiries to Chrisina Draganova [C.Draganova@uel.ac.uk]. The studentships are funded for 3.5 years and the successful candidate will register for a PhD via MPhil. The awards cover fees and an annual stipend (starting at £12,940).

Closing Date: April 27th 2009
Interviews: May 2009
Starting Date: July 2009