The University of Texas at Dallas’ Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Simulation Technology Lab (VAST Lab) is garnering attention among media, creative, and marketing experts for its digital replication of the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building (ATC). The 155,000-square-foot space is one of the primary facilities that houses academic programs for the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at UT Dallas.
Led by Jeff Price – associate professor of game development and virtual reality at the Bass School – the VAST Lab unveiled a virtual twin of the ATC in March. This virtual building is now in the Metaverse, accessible through the immersive social platform Spatial.io.
On May 7, the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA) announced the winners of The Communicator Awards, where the VAST Lab earned the Award of Distinction: Use of Emerging Technology. The award recognizes immersive or hybrid experiences that set an industry standard by using new, innovative technology in outstanding ways to improve the overall interaction.
“The VAST Lab has pioneered research that enhances the way we interact with digital environments, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in immersive experiences,” Price said. “This award not only highlights the innovative spirit of our team, but also underscores our commitment to developing technologies that promise to transform everyday life.”
A team of lab researchers comprising 15 juniors and seniors, two graduate students, three alumni and two community partners worked approximately 1,500 hours through eight months to produce the virtual building. The students and alumni either attend or have completed classes at UT Dallas in Virtual Environments, 3D Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Virtual Reality, Scripting for Games, Game Production Lab, and Special Topics in the Metaverse.
“I am very proud of my student researchers for the many hours of production on this!” Price said. “We are passionate about creating immersive experiences that push the boundaries of what’s possible. We believe that virtual reality, augmented reality, and simulation technology have the power to change the world, and we are committed to leading the way in this exciting field.”
Approximately 250 unique assets, including chairs, trash cans, and fire alarms, were meticulously modeled by the team and distributed throughout the building, totaling around 5,000 placements. Members of the 3D metaverse platform Spatial can navigate the ATC building via avatars, accessing various facilities and amenities. These include classrooms dedicated to game design, sound design, and visual arts, as well as conference rooms, 2D and 3D art studios, a recording studio, a motion capture lab, soundproof chambers, and photography and 3D fabrication labs.
Within the virtual space, individuals can engage in discussions within the ATC Lecture Hall or the Dean’s Suite and explore virtual replicas of specialized labs such as the VAST Lab and the experimental Animation Lab.
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