Immersive Design Lab

The Immersive Design Lab (IDL) at ETH Zurich serves as a cutting-edge interdisciplinary hub that pioneers the future of design, architecture, and engineering disciplines. At the IDL, collaborative research and education are propelled by the latest advancements in interactive extended reality (XR) and machine learning (ML). This lab offers a unique environment where users can engage in real-time synesthetic interactions with virtual design and engineering models through XR, as well as with innovative human-computer interfaces for design and fabrication. The IDL takes advantage of state-of-the-art real-time visual and auditory rendering technologies to integrate visualization with immersive 3D audio environments.

Central to the IDL is a 32-square-meter circular arena, designed both as a space for experimentation and presentations accommodating up to 20 participants. This arena is encircled by an elliptical formation of 14 vertical columns that act as modular technical hubs. These columns allow for the integration of various sensors essential for data collection. The immersive audio experience at the IDL is unparalleled, featuring 75 speakers positioned at various heights within the columns and a specialized ceiling rack. Special care has been taken in selecting acoustically performative materials, such as sound-absorbing curtains and boards, alongside diffusive panels. These were specifically designed and developed by Gramazio Kohler Research to enhance the auditory environment.

Enhancing the technological prowess of the IDL, an advanced OptiTrack system with 10 ceiling-mounted cameras ensures precise motion tracking, vital for creating detailed and responsive virtual environments. Coupled with a high-definition 3D projector, these tools facilitate fully immersive experiences that can transform perception and interaction within the space. Additionally, the IDL is equipped and designed to support a wide range of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, making it a versatile environment for exploring new dimensions in immersive technology. This flexibility allows users to experiment with and deploy complex AR/VR scenarios, pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural and engineering projects.

Team

Contact

E-mail: idl@ethz.ch

Address: HIT F22, Wolfgang-​Pauli-Strasse 27- 8093 Zürich (Map)