Architectural Design V-IX: On Data-Spaces: Meeting in the Metaverse (A.Brandlhuber)

Abstract

In support of constructing fewer costly and resource-extensive buildings, we celebrate the potential of new technologies and propose a design studio that brings together virtual and physical space. Students are asked to speculate about a program, the corresponding typology and a specific space that shall be digitized in the future. In groups of two, they will imagine and design the virtual space i

Objective

Methodology and Learning Goals The semester is conceived in 3 parts – Speculation, Worldbuilding and Storytelling – mixing tools and approaches from a wide variety of disciplines including architecture, film, cryptoeconomics, web3, game design and more. 1. Speculation This course covers an introduction to the general context of web3. By gaining knowledge on tokenomics, incentives, the evolution of the creator economy, and metaverse-building tools students will focus on various components of the metaverse and speculate on the impact of it over the physical built environment. By that, students will define the premise of their projects. 2. Worldbuilding Through design sprint workshops and iteration/evaluation sessions, students will bring together physical and virtual space. The course will conclude with a hackathon session to finish up projects. 3. Storytelling Based on a gained understanding of the Metaverse, students will analyze a concrete physical space and debate its current functioning. Each design project will be dedicated to a physical space and/or situation in Zurich that has the potential to be virtualized. The virtual spaces will focus on the role of non-linear storytelling and may spatially be fundamentally different to their physical counterparts. From this process, conclusions for real space might emerge. Students will form arguments and draw links between the physical intervention and the virtual space.

Content

Experimental Studio In support of constructing fewer costly and resource-extensive buildings, we celebrate the potential of new technologies and propose a design studio that brings together virtual and physical space. Students are asked to speculate about a program, the corresponding typology and a specific space that shall be digitized in the future. In groups of two, they will imagine and design the virtual space in Metaverse, as well as reimagine and redesign the physical space in Zurich. Between Reality and Virtuality Five years ago, the “Real Virtuality” Five years ago, the “Real Virtuality” design studio looked into the spatial consequences of digital technologies. From food delivery and online shopping, to dating and sharing applications, consumption of any kind has become seamless. Even more so since the pandemic, when our lives shifted further into digital spheres. The omnipresence of consumable technologies and their related socio-technological phenomena have concrete spatial effects, such as the container kitchen in which your favorite meal is prepared or the storefront which now serves as an Amazon distribution hub. But also our perception of space itself changed - the potential love is just around the corner or unfortunately living outside the city center, that is nowadays defined by a car-sharing-company. Time has passed and technologies have developed further. Whereas until recently, the physical world has been undoubtedly considered the most immersive medium, this understanding is now questioned by technologies of virtual collectivity. Metaverse – a term that was first coined in a science fiction novel in 1985 – is often primarily understood as the latest big revelation of a private tech-company that is meant to change the way we live together. What META, formerly known as Facebook, promises, is a new immersive tool that allows people to meet and be together in an online universe. While critics dismiss Mark Zuckerberg‘s plan as just another tool to generate profit, others see a huge potential in the concept of Metaverse. To be able to create virtual spaces of human encounter beyond national borders and traditional formats. To shift temporary uses into the digital realm and save energy and resources. To open up new possibilities for architectural designers to create buildings and worlds beyond earthly boundaries. To empty out and free real spaces that can be transformed and reused. The future of the internet, as some have theorized, might consist of micro-communities, enclosed worlds with fewer but more engaged members. The question is: How can we as architects design these worlds, in the virtual space and reuse their physical counterparts? Collaboration A collaborative studio with Pedro Jardim (newkinco) and Hongyang Wang (Chair of Circular Engineering for Architecture, CEA)

Resources