Daden Limited and Southampton Solent University (SSU) announce the launch of SSU's Second Life (SL) island 'Solent Life'. Solent Life campus has been developed as both a teaching platform and to showcase the work of students within the creative industries.
The island has been created by virtual world consultants, Daden Limited, and is totally conceived from mood boards and designs submitted by the University's Design School.
Just as they would in real life (RL), students studying Fashion Design, Interiors and Digital Music will use the island to showcase their work as well as learning from SL/RL stylists and designers. They will also get a taste of running a commercial business using the design studios on the island to create and concept retail environments.
Solent Life has everything required for staging a fashion show including a catwalk/stage, working lighting desk/rig and music. In addition there is a 60 seat auditorium, cafe, nightclub, an audio shop for teaching music technology, a reference library, a gallery for art exhibitions as well as small stalls where students will be able to exhibit and trade their design ideas in the future.
Solent Life is surrounded by a meandering stream with various forms of wildlife such as a kingfisher that swoops down to catch fish. It also features a unique way of travelling around the island – by bubble. A bubble completely envelopes your avatar and rises into the air to transport you to your chosen destination.
David Burden, Managing Director of Daden Limited said. “In most instances we are asked to reconstruct existing buildings. SSU though saw this as an opportunity to create an interesting and inspirational backdrop for their faculty. This lets them make full use of the opportunities offered by a virtual world.”
Suzie Norris, Head of the School of Design from SSU said “ We have identified opportunities to explore new teaching practice and methodologies within the virtual learning environment and embarking on developing a virtual Fashion and Lifestyle university campus within Second Life has been truly exciting’.
Virtual Worlds are here to stay so the transition of these ‘virtual and interactive life style trends’ is providing opportunities to influence emergent perspectives on teaching methodologies where both collaborative and social learning spaces can be explored and enhance the student experience.”
Lisa Mann, Academic leader, SSU, says ''Collaboration with other universities and indeed companies abroad and in the UK will provide invaluable 'real life' experiences that would not normally be possible''
Solent Life Campus is a visually stunning space in Second Life and a great backdrop for any SL/RL designer wanting to hold a fashion show, explore an interior concept or mix digital music in a virtual environment.
