We present the Greenhouse, a new concept for a studio-like metaphor supporting content creation within Croquet ([Smith et al. 2003]). The Greenhouse is a scalable working environment enabling people to either carry out their work in private or share their progress with a community of users. The metaphor of a greenhouse is ideally suited to build upon since it is known as a shelter for the young and innocent. In the process of creation, new ideas need similar protection, here represented by semi-transparent walls: they serve as an almost invisible barrier between private and public space and can be dynamically adjusted, thereby enabling both active and passive participation in the work process. The greenhouse as a 3D object within the 3D world allows to structure infinite virtual space. By creating a greenhouse the user becomes the "landlord" of this virtual property and may define appropriate "house rules" for this subset of space including what and with whom to share both process and the results of the work.
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