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Join Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture and Design on Tuesday, April 15th at 12:30 PM for an innovative Design x Technology lecture featuring Senior Designer at Zenimax Online Studios, Daedra Christoper.
In the ever-evolving fields of game development and architecture, shared principles of spatial design are unlocking new possibilities for innovation. From Pixels to Blueprints: How Level Design Shapes Architectural Thinking explores how tools and methods from game level design, particularly Unreal Engine, can empower architects to rethink spatial flow, storytelling, and user-centric design. By examining case studies, cross-disciplinary techniques, and emerging trends, this lecture will provide actionable insights for both architects and game designers.
Participants will learn to streamline their workflows through digital prototyping, reduce design risks by visualizing spaces in Unreal Engine, and create environments that resonate emotionally and functionally. Architects will discover how level design principles, such as navigational clarity and environmental storytelling, address challenges like accessibility, engagement, and innovation. Game designers will benefit from architectural insights, enhancing the realism and functionality of their virtual worlds.
Attendees will leave equipped with practical skills to save time, foster collaboration, and tackle challenges in design clarity and user experience. This session is ideal for professionals eager to bridge digital and physical spaces, overcoming traditional barriers with modern, creative solutions.
As part of CoAD's Design x Technology Lecture Series, this lecture is free and open to the public. Guests may watch online or on campus. Register for the location/viewing details. Your on-campus registration includes a pizza lunch.
About:
Daedra Christopher is a veteran game designer with a storied career contributing to some of the gaming industry’s most iconic FPS franchises, including Call of Duty, Warzone, and Halo. Her expertise spans level art and design, but her true passion lies in worldbuilding, crafting immersive levels and gameplay experiences. Combining hands-on expertise with a vivid imagination, Daedra has made invaluable contributions to the teams she’s worked with, helping to create games that resonate deeply with players.
A former professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, Daedra’s dedication to education and mentorship is evident in the countless hours she has spent guiding students and newcomers into the gaming industry. Encouraged by her peers, she has authored an upcoming book that curates her extensive job-seeking advice for aspiring game developers, slated for release this year. As an active member of her local IGDA chapter and a frequent speaker at game conferences, Daedra continues to champion the next generation of developers, offering guidance on breaking into both indie and AAA game development.
When she’s not helping others, Daedra can be found lost in science fiction or fantasy novels—she’s a voracious reader—or playing her favorite FPS, crafting, or RPG games. Her boundless enthusiasm for gaming and storytelling fuels her drive to create and inspire others in the industry.
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