Interconnections

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) transports the mind beyond the two-dimensional bounds of text and photographs; it engages the imagination and forms visual and cognitive links. VR can free participants from stereotyped bounds projected by society. Interconnections: Revisiting the Future applies these innate qualities of virtual worlds to weave together individual threads of singular disciplines into a multidisciplinary tapestry of exploration. The authors are creating an accurately modeled 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair where users can freely explore 140+ pavilions set on 660 virtual square acres. The myriad of pavilions offer links to multiple disciplines—science, engineering, technology, national and international political/cultural affairs, art, history, and architecture. The project provides on-site museum experiences with its partners, the New York Hall of Science and Queens Museum of Art. The three-dimensional virtual Fair environment serves as a central portal that links together not only subjects within that environment but also experiences at these partnering institutions.

Keywords

virtual heritage STEM user-generated content level of detail (LOD)camera-based tracking

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