Architecture in the Metaverse: A New Frontier in Building Science

5 min readNov 27, 2022

In no distant time, almost everything we have come to know will take a different turn. The traditional way of doing things would be relegated to the background as top-level innovations introduce better approaches to solving problems while pushing for development in art and science.

The metaverse opens up a door to a lot of possibilities that will afford users the ability to do almost anything without the limitations that the real world brings by presenting a shared virtual space where there’s no limit to what can be imagined. The world of architecture would very much entertain participating in this space and it is clear to see increased interest in incorporating the field into the framework of the metaverse.

Now, try to picture yourself at the dawn of a whole new architectural movement. Envision spatial encounters constructed independently of matter, gravity, and the elements. Architecture would become unbound from its own conventions as it triggers a radical rethinking of what architecture is and how it might be experienced.

Architecture Forays into the Virtual Space

As far back as anybody can remember, architects have been in charge of creating man-made spaces. On one hand, other similar expert consultants in the sphere of this field are more likely to be familiar with only a piece of the whole picture, the architect on the other hand has a full understanding of construction. Therefore, they act as the project manager to collaborate with all other disciplines to deliver projects to end-users. For this reason, employing the expertise of architects is ideal for the creation of virtual worlds.

What is the goal of architecture in the metaverse if it’s not to give people a place to live? What new forms of communication, imagination, and aesthetics are made possible? For this emerging norm, we may require a fresh term, shape, and conceptual framework altogether to describe architecture in the metaverse. But, it is certain that the doors that will open up for the field would be nothing like ever before.

Meta-Architecture: What are the Possibilities?

The term “meta-architecture” refers to the practice of creating virtual environments in which users can interact with 3D models. Existing physical structures, like buildings, monuments, or even a workstation, can be reimagined in the metaverse by architects.

Meta-architecture is an expansion of our current practice of using 3D models to influence real-life creations. The primary distinction between traditional and metaverse architecture is that the latter is less involved with practical concerns like shelter and convenience, and more involved with open-source design, form, geometry, and unrestrained creativity.

The necessity for structures in the metaverse necessitates the services of architects and designers to construct and improve the virtual environments embedded in the metaverse. However, as this new world develops, the people we recognize as architects may shift. As the field of architecture evolves to serve new purposes, it’s possible that the traditional architect’s role will be distinguished from that of the meta-architect.

Some of the abilities that architects can toy with in the metaverse include:

Ability A: Defy the Laws of Physics

Drawing out a building plan for a real-world project can be all fun and games until you have to take note of the feasibility of that project in physics. Working around the law that governs the real world like gravity, topography, weather, and motion can severely hamper the big dreams of the building plan. Mama said to jump off a cliff with my ideas but Isaac Newton’s gravity would not see it so. Meta-architects would be able to go ahead and build using their imaginations freely.

Ability B: See, Plan, and Build in a Flash

All good things take time but, it could be faster! Enter the meta-architects.

In traditional architecture, renderings are made to give viewers an idea of what the finished area will look like before construction begins; in the metaverse, however, the entire environment is visualized, planned, and created in the same space and all at once saving up on time and effort as opposed to conventional architecture.

One more hidden advantage of meta-architecture is the opportunity it presents to architects of any age to build a reputation for themselves. It’s a good analogy to make with the most well-known natural architects, all of them are quite elderly due to the lengthy time commitment required to complete major construction projects. Meta-architecture is the key to eternal youth with emphasis placed on expertise and less focus on years of experience.

The Impact of Meta-Architecture

New knowledge and a different outlook may be necessary for architects wishing to construct in the metaverse. An architect’s role in the metaverse requires them to undertake 3D modeling and incorporate their expertise in a wide range of areas, such as UI/UX design, content design, character design, and game design. To top it all off, this will allow many more people to explore their interests in architecture.

Building a digital world might require digital knowledge and skills and pointing to game developers, designers, and other graphic-oriented artists to create the metaverse is not a bad idea.

Still, architects have a lot more experience in spatial management and geometry and would be a great addition either in a total takeover for the construction of the metaverse or in collaboration with other digital experts. Either way, architecture would be an excellent addition to the cause of creating structures in virtual spaces.

If architects also constantly work with exploring the possibilities that are available in a digital space, it could maybe loosen or emancipate the architectural perspective in the real world. With the limitless features found in the metaverse, creativity would know no bounds as thinking outside the box with projects would come easily and will no doubt have some influence in real-world architecture.

Final Thoughts

There are now countless structures in the virtual world that feature windows, doors, and ceilings, but an increasing number of these buildings are experimenting with architectural abstraction by erecting structures that are more akin to works of art than to habitable homes. This is because before now, the outlay and plans for structures in the metaverse have been championed by game developers and visual artists.

The introduction of architects into the mix will improve the metaverse greatly from being a bridge between constructions in the real world to the virtual space to creating some level of intimacy between the digital environment and the feelings of familiarity with users of the metaverse.

About Victoria VR — www.victoriavr.com

Victoria VR is a revolutionary Blockchain-based Virtual Reality Metaverse. Powered by Unreal Engine and featuring realistic, highly detailed graphics, it combines a massively-multiplayer-online role-playing game (MMORPG) with a unique Social Experience Playground.

Like never before, players will be immersed in a virtual reality world where they get to live their digital life. Whether you want to Play games, Develop your digital real estate (VR Land), Own a business, Work up or Get some entertainment, your imagination is the only limitation.