The metaverse is taking the world by storm and bringing new opportunities for exhibition. A metaverse exhibition refers to an event or showcase that takes place within the Metaverse, a virtual reality space that combines elements of the physical and digital worlds. It is a virtual exhibition that allows participants to explore, interact with, and experience various exhibits or displays in a digital environment. Within the metaverse exhibition, there are virtual exhibits or displays showcasing various content. These can include artwork, products, multimedia presentations, virtual installations, interactive experiences, and more. The exhibits can be designed to replicate physical objects or feature entirely digital creations.In this regard, Zaha Hadid Architects and Chicago-based ArchAgenda have launched Metrotopia on june 6th 2023. It is an unique metaverse venture dedicated to becoming the virtual communication hub for the global design community.
The Metrotopia Metaverse has been launched at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale. The exhibition, entitled Knowledge Transfer, showcases current works from some of the world’s leading architecture studios including OMA, Morphosis, Coop Himmelb(l)au, UNStudio, MAD, Sou Fujimoto, Archi-Union, LAVA, CAP, EcoLogic Studio and Zaha Hadid Architects.
The exhibition responds to the overarching theme of the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale put forward by Lesley Lokko, “The Laboratory of the Future”. Metrotopia is a segment of the Architecture Biennale collateral event that includes CityX, a swarm of virtual pavilions hovering above Venice showing the research work of architecture teachers from around the world, as well as a physical exhibition at Palazzo Ca Zenobio hosted by the New York Institute of Technology and presenting student works from many schools of architecture. Metrotopia will also contribute to the Chicago Architecture Biennial later this year.
ZHA principal Patrik Schumacher explains: “We have invited leading firms to feature their most future-oriented work inside Metrotopia. Some of us noted that recent Biennales diverged from presenting the major architectural designs of our time. Our idea therefore is to foreground architecture’s actual contribution to urban development, in its most advanced incarnations.”
About Metrotopia Metaverse
Metrotopia Metaverse is a multi-player virtual environment built with Unreal Engine 5, featuring spatial sound for realistic communicative interaction within a lifelike setting that allows the character and quality of designed objects and spaces to be faithfully visualized. Metrotopia’s technology partner and hosting platform is Mytaverse.
Aspiring to become a virtual city and creative culture-industry hub for the wider design ecosystem, Metrotopia brings together all design disciplines including urban design, architecture, interiors, furniture design, product design, fashion design, graphic design, plus related schools, galleries, museums, exhibitions, Design weeks, Biennales, awards and conferences, as well as related publishing houses, magazines and web-media.
Purpose of Metrotopia Metaverse
1. Showcasing Architectural Designs: The primary purpose of the architecture metaverse exhibition is to showcase architectural designs, concepts, and projects. Architects and architectural firms can present their work in a virtual environment, allowing visitors to explore and experience the designs firsthand.
2. Virtual Walkthroughs: Metaverse exhibition will enable virtual walkthroughs of architectural designs and structures. Visitors can navigate through virtual spaces, interact with 3D models, and experience the architectural design in a more immersive manner.
3. Engaging Stakeholders: The metaverse exhibition will provide an opportunity to engage with stakeholders such as clients, investors, and the general public. By showcasing architectural designs in a virtual environment, architects can effectively communicate their vision, concepts, and design intent.
4. Educational and Inspirational Platform: Metaverse exhibitions in architecture can serve as educational platforms. They can feature educational content, case studies, and information about architectural styles, historical influences, and sustainable design practices.
5. Collaboration and Networking: Metaverse exhibitions will create networking opportunities for architects, industry professionals, and enthusiasts. Visitors can connect with architects, explore collaborations, and exchange ideas within the virtual environment.
6. Research and Development: Architecture metaverse exhibitions will also serve as a platform for research and development in the field. Architects can showcase experimental designs, prototypes, and technological advancements.
Zaha Hadid Architects designed Metrotopia’s first incubator building
Zaha Hadid Architects designed Metrotopia’s first incubator building and an initial urban core with intervisible spaces which are now available. According to the architecture firm, Metrotopia will house more architects and interior designers soon to create a diverse, multi-authored cityscape delivering the kind of co-location synergies people cherish in the most vibrant city districts.
Schumacher elaborates, “While we are transferring the technology developed by the gaming industry, Metrotopia leaves all associations with video-gaming behind. Our audience are creative professionals looking to expand their cultural communication, global reach and ways of displaying, networking and collaborating.
“While early adopters have been those in the ecosystem who are pioneering Web 3.0 via NFTs, or via metaverse designs, there can be no doubt that the metaverse as an immersive web that enables spatial browsing navigation, real-time multi-user interaction and crowd experiences will take off with everybody onboarding soon enough. Once adoption crosses a certain threshold irresistible network effects will be unleashed. Metrotopia stands ready to anticipate and embrace this moment,” he added.
Conclusion
Metaverse exhibitions have the potential to reach a global audience without the limitations of physical distance. People from different parts of the world can visit and engage with exhibitions without the need for travel. The ability to create highly interactive, immersive, and accessible virtual experiences makes metaverse exhibitions an exciting and promising avenue for content showcasing, collaboration, and engagement.
References; worldarchitecture.org, e-architect.com, architectandinteriorsindia.com