Improving spatial representation in 3d virtual environments: Building basic and connotative meanings

The development of computer technologies does not only enrich forms of architectural representations and also transforms them. Also the 3D virtual reality environments are one of the newest of computer aided representation forms. Due to having newly joined to the universe of representation, the 3D virtual reality environments have not been used as effective as the forms of conventional representations. On the basis of this issue lies the fact that regarding these environments have created an illusion of space perception rather than being a form of representation. The feature of reflecting distinctive features of the representation with its certain characteristics is being overlooked in the virtual reality environments intended. However, in the forms of conventional representations that have traditions, the spatial representation, namely the explanation of the features desired to be narrated can be successfully accomplished.In this study, a method is being proposed as a form of visual representation for development of the 3D virtual reality environments as a form of spatial representation. First of all, the concept of cognitive map has been scrutinized as being spatial perception ? oriented. How the traditional representation forms have reached at the spatial narration by directing this cognitive map and so the space perception has been proven.Considering that the 3D virtual reality is a form of visual representation, the semiotics of cinema that has included also the concept of time to the space preceding and the space representation has been analyzed. The processes of denotative and connotative meanings of cinema and photograph have been put forward. How these processes would be used together with unique opportunities of the virtual reality environment have been discussed.As a method, the lighting technique of having an important place in the visual language of cinema has been selected. Lighting technique has been used together with the element of interaction that distinguishes the virtual reality environment from other forms of representations and an architectural representation has been formed with help of dynamic lighting. This representation produced in the 3D virtual reality environment has been had attempted by the students of faculty of architecture and the results of observations, and cognitive measurement have been debated.Finally, it has been seen that the narration techniques such as dynamic lighting carrying the purpose of directing the spatial perception bear the potential that might produce the original visual language of the 3D virtual reality environments.The connotative meaning produced by the aid of dynamic lighting is transforming the cognitive maps of users and the spatial narration desired to be accessible. It has been revealed proven that the ability for the 3D virtual reality environment to be developed as the spatial representation and ability to have it own semiotic might be possible with the studies to be performed on these techniques.In this work, a method is offered to aim at improving 3D virtual environments as visual representations. Therefore, before all else, these environments are clarified as a type of architectural representation and its limitations of realizing mechanical reproduction of nature are listed. Because these limitations are important features for visual language in other representation techniques.Regarding 3D virtual environment as a type of arcihtectural representation, cinema's visual language, which introduces time element to architectural representation, is studied. The building processes of base and connotative meanings are analyzed. Co-operation of these processes with genuine facilities of virtual reality is discussed.As a result, lighting, which is very important feature of cinema's visual language, is selected. The lighting technique is used with virtual environments and with the aid of dynamic lighting technique a spatial representation is produced. The students of architectural school experienced this environment, the observations and cognitive estimation's results are discussed.