Disembodiment in VR: Immersed in 3D Audio Experiences

In this paper, we discuss the notion of disembodiment as a driving force of inspiration in artificial systemsusing Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D audio technologies. In these environments, immersion is the common denominatorbetween the impression of disembodiment, which involves spatial ability, and the auditory perception from theperspective of creative binaural input. Our research focuses on three public artistic virtual reality works asexamples of sound-driven immersive virtual experiences. Through interviews with the contributors, we explore theway that disembodiment can serve immersion in VR and how binaural audio improves those experiences. As the bodybecomes virtual, the lines between real and imaginary are redefined and recreated, altering the sense of bodyownership and oscillating between embodiment and disembodiment sensations. Ultimately, we intend to exploreimmersion on a theoretical and philosophical basis, where the body is perceived as the mediator, a phenomenon,and an extension of binaural reality and hyperreality.