This paper describes a design experiment aimed at prototyping and exploring a virtual media architecture. We describe how we developed a prototype of a continuous circulation space that allows grounded movement, visual continuity and transitions between modes of the reality-virtuality continuum using an HMD (head-mounted display) and a technique called Stencil Rendering. Our prototype, situated in an architectural environment and supported by a narrative that provides a direction and context of use, enables us to explore the logic of circulation from direct experience. Throughout this paper we identify and reflect on several principles of this logic and define the circulation space as a composite of actual and virtual that unfolds interactively as the visitor moves through it. Our approach shows a way to experiment with the notion of virtual media architecture and to speculate about its possible use.
