The VirtualSpace is the College’s first virtual reality (VR) space, one of several technological InnovationSpaces where students and faculty can, in addition to immersing themselves in virtual worlds, design and print 3D images, record electronic and digital sounds, and create multi-media works of art.

Three students have been working in the VirtualSpace since mid-May. Xavier Higa ’19 and Binam Bajracharya ’19, computer science students, are developing VR versions of several projects connected to the Digital Chicago Mellon grant, and Mayra Tlatelpa ’21 is exploring ways of integrating virtual reality into the curriculum at the College. 

Xavier Higa '19 Not only does the space provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to explore the world of VR, but it also provides student workers the opportunity to understand better what goes into programming in a 3D environment. “It’s really my first experience programming something that is going to be actively used,” said Higa, who also majors in philosophy.

Although both Higa and Bajracharya plan to pursue studies of artificial intelligence, they have appreciated the opportunity to better understand how to program for VR. 

— By Nina Codell ’20