A virtual community space to engage young people from underpriviliged backgrounds in social issues, while developing 3D modelling skills.
Date: 2003-2004
Collaborators: Stuart Forbes
Deliverables: An online 3D world
Description
Simlico is a virtual flat complex where children can design their own flats and shape the surrounding community area. Everyone gets their own flat and a budget which they can spend decorating it with carpets, wallpaper, chairs, jukeboxes or whatever they like from a catalogue. Alternatively they are encouraged design and build their own 3D objects which they can use freely in their space and share with others. They can also add pictures they have taken or made, music they like or stories that they have recorded, to their flats. Flats can be realistic, imaginary, escapist, whatever the designer wants them to be.
Design Process
The 3D space was based on the Liberties area of Dublin (Pimlico). The flat complexes and panoramas were based on photographs taken from the sties. It was developed when I was working with the children in the Computer Clubhouse.
System
'Simlico' was developed with Stuart Forbes (he did most of the hard work). It was built in the browser using Adobe Atmosphere.
