Augmented Gallery in the Public Sphere

The author collaborated with three New Zealand based artists to develop and construct the  Augmented Gallery as 1:1 applied experimentation. It involved both the design of the physical gallery space and the integration of virtual art forms. The artists’ works were transformed into virtual elements that augment the physical gallery space. Using portable augmented reality devices – mobile phones and tablets, the visitor can simultaneously engage with the physical and digital art forms. Iterative experiments were conducted during the design process to optimise this user experience and create a cohesive gallery space. 

Collaboration with Artists // Hanna Shim // Jack Trolove // Krystie Wade

The investigations conducted in this research combine both architectural and artistic thinking. This thesis critically evaluates both the opportunities as well as limitations of the augmented gallery space. The interdisciplinary collaboration between art and architecture has helped spark new ideas for both the artists and architectural designers. In this case, the user experiences of virtual art are no longer bound to a two-dimensional screen, but are extended and integrated as part of the augmented gallery itself. This hybrid form of gallery enhances the connection between digital art and the physical gallery space. In doing so, it challenges us to rethink architectural design and the new functionalities of future gallery spaces.