Virtual reality as an educational tool in interior architecture

Ankara : The Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design and the Institute of Fine Arts of Bilkent Univ., 1997.Thesis (Master's) -- Bilkent University, 1997.Includes bibliographical references.This thesis discusses the use of virtual reality technology as an educational tool in interior architectural design. As a result of this discussion, it is proposed that virtual reality can be of use in aiding three-dimensional design and visualization, and may speed up the design process. It may also be of help in getting the designers/students more involved in their design projects. Virtual reality can enhance the capacity of designers to design in three dimensions. The virtual reality environment used in designing should be capable of aiding both the design and the presentation process. The tradeoffs of the technology, newly emerging trends and future directions in virtual reality are discussed.Aktaş, OrkunM.S

Building Information Modeling—Enabled Construction Safety Culture and Maturity Model: A Grounded Theory Approach

The study examines the dimensions and components of construction safety culture and whether the application of BIM technologies to the dimensions of construction safety culture improves the safety maturity levels among construction workers. The study employed a systematic literature review and grounded theory in achieving the research objectives. The dimensions and components of construction safety culture were found to comprise of a safety management system, safety behavior, and safety climate. A bim-enabled conceptual model of construction safety culture was developed as an output of the study. The model demonstrates how the dimensions of construction safety culture change the maturity levels of safety among construction workers as enabled by BIM technologies. The model has implications for improved construction safety management practices through the use of BIM on construction projects. The study concludes with implications for practice and future research

Applied Cognitive Sciences

Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary field in the study of the mind and intelligence. The term cognition refers to a variety of mental processes, including perception, problem solving, learning, decision making, language use, and emotional experience. The basis of the cognitive sciences is the contribution of philosophy and computing to the study of cognition. Computing is very important in the study of cognition because computer-aided research helps to develop mental processes, and computers are used to test scientific hypotheses about mental organization and functioning. This book provides a platform for reviewing these disciplines and presenting cognitive research as a separate discipline