Designing a virtual reality Nyungar Dreamtime

Leonard, Lorne Neil

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/79013 Copy

Description

Title

Designing a virtual reality Nyungar Dreamtime

Author(s)

Leonard, Lorne Neil

Issue Date

2002-12-05

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Harris, Dianne S.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Harris, Dianne S.

Committee Member(s)

• Cox, Donna J.
• Harkness, Terence

Department of Study

Department of Landscape Architecture

Discipline

Master of Landscape Architecture

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.L.A. (master's)

Degree Level

thesis

Keyword(s)

• virtual reality
• indigenous nations
• Australia
• Nyungar nation

Language

en

Abstract

WARNING
Please note the following information does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the 'entire' Aboriginal community. Where possible, Nyungar information has been used in this thesis. At times, this information, explanations and views may not be mutual with various Nyungar sub-nations and other nations. In addition, some references refer to other Aboriginal communities, which may or may not be similar to the Nyungar community but have been used as they relate and reinforce ways of understanding the Australian landscape. These have been clearly marked in the endnotes.

This section contains text and images created by people who have since died, and for the relatives viewing these images without prior warning may experience distress. Images have been used from the following communities and nations: Anmatyerre, Arrernte (Aranda), Arunta, Gooniyandi, Kurulk, Luritja language group, Nyungar, Western Arnhem Land. Works of George Bennett, who lives in Queensland, Australia have also been included.

Abstract
The Dreamtime to many Australian Aboriginal nations is an important religious concept that describes the meaning and creation of the cosmos; it is a complex system of signification. This thesis focuses on the Dreamtime narratives from one nation, the Nyungars, who are the indigenous nation from the southwest of Western Australia. There are many forms of Dreamtime narratives and this thesis has focused on those that explore the landscape and has compared these with landscape narratives. One narrative in particular, that describes the formation of the Gabbee Darbal by an ancestral being called the Waugal, helped to inspire the author to design and code a virtual reality landscape with the CAVE. This narrative aided in creating a virtual landscape narrative that helps to visualize Nyungar sacred landscapes that have been severely affected by colonization.

A crucial principle explored by the author, are ways to represent the Nyungar culture in a sensitive and accurate way, a culture nearly erased by colonization. This exploration, in conjunction with landscape narrative practices found within Nyungar narratives, assisted in creating a set of design guidelines for forming the virtual landscape. Furthermore, described is the creation of the virtual landscape using these principles and a detailed explanation of the scences found within the virtual Nyungar Dreamtime landscape. This thesis concludes with a set of guidelines to enhance future development and design of virtual reality worlds based on landscape and culture.

Type of Resource

• text
• other

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/79013

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2002 by Lorne Neil Leonard

Owning Collections