Architecture and  Metaverse!

Why architects should be among the key actors in creating the digital world!

Nowadays it is impossible not to have heard of Metaverse, the virtual world which is slowly grabbing the attention of the whole universe and of course the architects.

But why is Metaverse becoming more and more important to architecture?

Space Popular's design for Punto de Inflexión, a VR architecture conference held in 2021

Let's start with what Metaverse stands for?

Metaverse is the concept of a 3d, digital virtual space which connects users in all aspects of life. Interconnects several platforms, similar to the Internet, which accesses several websites from a single browser.

The concept was developed in the novel "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson, while the former idea of Metaverse as a fiction, seems more and more feasible nowadays.

It has often happened that cinematography has preceded technological developments, as in the Matrix or Black Mirror movies, humanity blurs the boundaries between the real and the virtual, and today we have already entered the era where the virtual world is becoming the "reality" thgrough the  Metaverse.

Metaverse, will consist of augmented reality, where each of us manages a virtual character, which is called an avatar. With Oculus VR headset, you can attend a virtual meeting, a concert or even spend time with your virtual friends. At the same time  this virtual world must  be built  just like in the real world we live in and who better than architects can take on this task!

In Metaverse you can buy real estate and of course you need architects to build on your virtual plot or your bussines store or offices.

Matrix

What opportunities does this digital world bring for architects and architecture?

Metaverse is a blue ocean (yet)! 

In economics, the blue ocean is a market that has new opportunities yet unexplored, where there are no sharks (sharks means powerful  aggressive companies or individuals in business who aim to own a market share) and consequently the ocean is calm and blue. On the contrary, when there are many "sharks", the ocean is red from the aggressive battles for a market share when opportunities are exhausted.

Metaverse, it's still a huge ocean of possibilities, all blue!

Metaverse gives you great opportunities to explore and create a different kind of reality and a new architect profile. Nowdays, the new professions in architecture revolve around visualiser architect or architect CGI, through Metaverse new professions will arise such as metaverse architect and you have the possibility to the current market.

Imagine a world where you can build through your imagination, without being limited by the rules (yet) or limitations that come from the physical characteristics of building materials or the laws of physics!

It's the moment to unleash the fantasy!

Building the Metaverse!

In an almost built world (most of the time poorly built) now you posses the opportunity to be one of the first to create a whole new world. (Hopefully a better one)

Not only can you design buildings but also design completely new cities with high social responsibilities and  living standards. Some of the most famous studios like Zaha Hadid Architects and BIG have already started to explore with meta-design. Meanwhile, for the architects who create whole virtual projects of cities and buildings, (as part of their profession ) the transition to Metaverse seems completely natural.

Zaha Hadid Architects city design in  metaverse

Architects create in today's profession high quality graphic presentations with renders or animations. Some studios even offer the possibility of live-rendering and VR where with an Oculus headset, you can virtually experience your future home. If architects carry out this process today, it will be very easy for them to design in Metaverse as well.

Vice Media Group offices  by BIG Architects in Drecentraland

In fact, the ideal would be a combination of both worlds, real and virtual, where after experimenting with your avatar in the digital you decide to build the right version for your business or home in the real physical world.

© Winter House by Andres Reisinger

Towards a digital economy where the architecture has to adapt!

The global economy was on its way to a digital economy and the global COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the cycle, radically changing the way we work and live.

Imposed measures of limiting access to physical environments and wonder in the public realm gave extraordinary boost to the virtual world. In fact, supported by the possibility of NFT trading, and the implementation of cryptocurrency transactions the concept of the virtual world become more "tangible".

NFT, is a digital asset which can not be duplicated, as the original remains the property of the creator. Just imagine your design that bare your name even when they are sold to third parties.

NFTs have a significant role in the development of the virtual design world of design, which constantly seeks to redefine a new reality and creating a new role for profession of the architect.

The

The first NFT digital house was sold last month for $500,000. Krista Kim, the Mars House

We think that the role of the architect will no longer be limited by physical location and rigid real-world rules, but will have the opportunity to explore the imagination in a new dimension.

This is a unique moment, not only for architecture but also for humanity and should not be missed!

Hereretopia, 2021, Unique NFT. Image © Karisman