Rise of digitalization and its impact on architecture

Author – DEVANG THOLE AR-16-078

Today our world is shifting more towards digitalization and it is because of the interconnectedness and speed at which we can search and transfer information that has made us more accustomed to exploring new ways that technology can impact our lives.

Image 1 : Concept of metaverse

Over the years rise of Digital innovation plays an important role right now and in the future. It is a process of converting material or information into a digital form, It changes the way we travel, the way we buy things, and the way we manufacture products. but beyond that, there’s an “in-between” of spaces that will be designed to support the technological escapism that the metaverse and web offer.

While these virtual worlds are on the frontier of the digitization of everything, architects will play a huge part in designing the real-world physical spaces that can support them. The first step towards building the metaverse would be to create physical spaces to support the virtual ones.

It cannot be denied that architects play a significant role in the Fulfilment of imaginative projects in the metaverse. People require places in the metaverse; hence architects and designers are needed to create or enhance these spaces. However, Current architects will probably change with expanding this new world. Thanks to the shift in the goal of architecture, a possibility is that we will see a distinction between the title of an architect and a meta-architect over the years. While traditional architecture plays a critical role in providing shelter and facilitating our day-to-day activities, meta-architects will be working purely on form, geometry, and visuals.

Many changes need to be incorporated into the current system of architecture to adapt to meta-architecture. New skills and a shift in perspective are required. In metaverse, architects need to do the 3d-Modeling and integrate professional knowledge in multiple fields, including user interface, content design, character design. And this will open up the world of architecture to so many people. apart from these architectural curriculum needs to teach new methods of construction and materials.

There are differences between a metaverse and authentic architecture. The most significant difference is the characteristics of the space itself. Whether you interact with a space or not, it exists in a natural environment. However, each place has a reason or a story in a virtual environment. That reason serves as the fundamental elements of the virtual environment.

Image 2 – Digital upheaval of architecture

In addition, no real-life restrictions such as gravity, structural stability, climatic issues, or physical laws will be at play in the metaverse. Therefore, architects have the freedom to overcome the existing conditions and create exceptional environments and authentic pieces of art.

On the other hand, not all five senses are included in the metaverse architecture. Thus, the atmosphere is delivered with limited sources, and visual and audio effects are more emphasized.

Finally, while in existing architecture, visualizations are created to deliver the atmosphere and details of the space to the audience before the construction, in the metaverse, the whole environment is built with the same volume of time and effort spent only for visualization.