MDes Interior Design School of Design
Vindhya Bhatia
Originally from India, I began my journey as an architect, driven by a passion for construction, materials, and meticulous design. My curiosity led me to explore interior design, where I discovered the transformative power of design in shaping the way people interact with their surroundings. Pursuing a Master’s in Interior Design at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) was a turning point, where I honed my skills and uncovered a deeper creative potential.
At GSA, I learned to craft narratives within spaces, focusing on designs that resonate both functionally and emotionally. For me, design is more than aesthetics—it’s a force that can influence experiences and enrich lives. My work is guided by a commitment to creating purposeful environments that seamlessly blend beauty and function.
Illustrative Report: Enhancing Cultural Understanding and Revitalizing Buildings With Extended Reality (XR)
Overview
Design has evolved significantly from the pre-industrial era, but rapid globalization and environmental challenges threaten the preservation of traditional identities reflected in cultural heritage. The degradation of historical buildings due to global warming and conflict further underscores the urgency for effective preservation methods.
This research asks: How can XR technology be leveraged to revitalize cultural identity and enhance preservation and understanding of traditional interior design in the contemporary world?
Technological advancements such as Extended Reality (XR), 3D scanning, and 3D printing are transforming the preservation and restoration of cultural landmarks, as demonstrated by Notre Dame’s precise reconstruction through digital archiving.
This research explores the potential of XR Technology, particularly AR & VR, in preserving & revitalizing cultural heritage & identity through interior design. By using various methods, literature reviews, conversation with experts and practical experimentation, the research aims to examine current applications of XR in diverse fields and find ways to enhance cultural understanding and appreciation toward traditional interior design practices. Moreover it aims to assess how technology driven preservation methods offer improvements over conventional techniques.
The findings indicate that XR technologies significantly enhance the accessibility and immersion of cultural heritage, helping in the revival of a place’s identity. However, challenges such as cost, complexity, and environmental impact must be addressed. Ultimately, this study seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, ensuring that our rich cultural heritage informs future innovations in design, offering practical insights for leveraging technology to safeguard our history.
Pollok House
VR experience
As it is proven that VR evokes emotional empathy, I created a VR experience to evoke empathy toward past and preservation methods. This experience can enhance the cultural understanding and appreciation toward traditional techniques. Moreover, it can help in bridging the gap between past and future, ensuring our identity is alive, relevant and appreciated by future generations.