Pierre-François Gerard

Pierre-Francois Gerard's short version of a portfolio:

Hi, I am the co-founder of Metaxu.studio, a design practice helping people take advantage of immersive technology and real-time 3D graphics. From architect and 3D visualiser to entrepreneur, I have developed a deep understanding of the Virtual-Reality industry. Moreover, I also obtained a PhD focus on spatial cognition in immersive learning environments. As a self-described VRchitect, I take pride in designing meaningful virtual experiences which enhance people’s spatial abilities to learn in the digital realm. I enjoy working with multi-disciplinary teams, as it allows me to use my versatility to solve a wide range of problems. Using an agile approach, I also thrive to improve processes at every level.

I completed a Master in Architecture at Universite Libre de Bruxelles in 1999. My final year project consisted in a 3D web Interface using VRML in response to a competition untitled “The Library of Information Age”. It inspired me to further investigate the field of new technologies of communication and interactive story-telling at University of Valencienne in France where I obtained a Master’s Degree in Communication and Information Science.

After 10 years of creating photo-realistic stills and producing walk-through animations for a wide range of design practices, I realised that real-time graphics and virtual architecture was the way forward. Technology aside, though, my curiosity was driven by a more human-centered approach to design. So I decided to investigate cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction, and started a PhD, part-time at Goldsmiths, University of London, Computing Department.

Once I built a strong fundation in human spatial abilities and embodied cognition, my main outcome was to define a new methodology to evaluate the effect of spatial design on users' performances when completing cognitively demanding tasks; the purpose being to inform and enhance the design of virtual environments. I submitted my thesis on 4th June 2020 and obtain my Ph.D in November. You can call me Dr.VR ;)

Here is a video demonstrating the Navigationla Puzzle Games I've developped during my PhD and implemented in my main user-study, the Immersive Virtual Architectrue Studio (IVAS)

I co-founded a web-design studio in 2000, and a CG production studio in 2001 for a Sci-Fi short movie. Then, I worked as a freelance architect 3D visualiser in Brussels before moving to London and create my 3D visualisation sutdio, 3Dvizit ltd, in 2008.

In 2016, I worked with Forensic Architecture, for Amnesty International, on a meaningful project about a Syrian prison. I was responsable for the production of all the 3D assets, textures, lighting and their optimisation. The outcome is a realtime 3D website designed in WebGL which can be visited at Saydnaya

In October 2018, I entered Entreprenuer First (L11) and co-founded (CTO) a VR simulation training startup, Embodiv Ltd. Using Unity, we developped a decision-making, soft skills training environment for NHS nurses and doctors. A video of our demo for HTC Vive is presented.

We didn't covinced EF to invest in our project, however, I partnered with a VR developper and produced a couple of other demos for a Service Design company. A rough prototype was developped to work on Google Cardboard, as shown here

In April 2019, we merged with another startup, ResusVR, to take the project further and entered the Augmentor Program from Digital Catapult in October 2019. Sadly my partners didn't believe VR would take off (non sense), so the startup and our work were put on hold. Anyway, here is a video of our prototype (a guided mode and an intense mode, works on Vive and Quest).

In February 2019, I joined the edtech startup Musemio as a Research Lead Scientist to work on Musemio Calibroom, a Unity plugin funded by XR4All. This project is now submitted, and can be found at XR4all Catalog

Since January 2021, I have joined force with another architect to setup our own design practice Metaxu.studio, where our main focus is to create virtual architecture for event organisers, artists, or companies and build their bridges into the Metaverse.

pfgerard.me.uk

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