Views on the Foundations and Future of Architecture
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Date:___________________ I, _________________________________________________________, hereby submit this work as part of the requirements for the degree of: in: It is entitled: This work and its defense approved by: Chair: _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ The Creation of Hybrid Space Architecture A thesis submitted to: Division of Research and Advanced Studies of the University of Cincinnati In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of: Master of Architecture in the School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID) of the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) April 26, 2006 by: Gregory W. Eckert B.S. Architecture, University of Cincinnati, 2004 Committee chairs: Barry Stedman, PhD Michael McInturf Abstract: Today, people use the computer as part of their daily lives, whether it is at work, home, or in the palm of their hands. The increased popularity of online access has changed society in the areas of communication, commerce, research, and entertainment. As society changes, architecture will change with it. The retail industry is ready to undergo a transformation. Thus, this thesis explores the integration of virtual and physical environments to achieve a unique way of retailing that provides the customer with an enhanced experience, convenient service, and personalized stores. Communication among customers includes access to a virtual world, which allows them to interact with distant locations and individuals whether in the main physical store, virtually from a home computer, or from a branch location. Technology gives the retailer the ability to change quickly, access a larger customer base, and personalize advertising to individuals. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that the new retail environment will be a collection of inter-connected retail communities, both real and virtual, interacting in ways previously believed to be science fiction.
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