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Metaverse revolutionises architecture - turning physical spaces into digital experiences
Aalto University and Henning Larsen, part of the Ramboll Group, are creating a new world where augmented reality brings new content and meanings to spaces.
The metaverse offers entirely new ways to create spaces that seamlessly combine the physical and digital worlds. Augmented reality enables the transformation of spaces, their versatile use, and the creation of new user experiences.
“The metaverse can revolutionize our understanding of spaces and their use. It is also a key to more sustainable architecture, where physical spaces can be replaced or extended through digital means,” says Pia Fricker, Professor of Computational Methods in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Aalto University.
Professor Fricker's research team is working closely with the Henning Larsen architectural office on the METAVERSITY-project, funded by the Ramboll Foundation in Denmark. As part of the research, the university café was transformed into a dynamic environment that responds to users' feelings.
According to Mariusz Hermansdorfer, Head of Computational Design at Henning Larsen, the collaboration is an excellent example of how a partnership between a university and a company can accelerate innovations in the field of architecture.
Mariusz Hermansdorfer, Head of Computational Design at Henning Larsen“The research brought new insights into the interaction between space and users. The academic approach combined with our practical perspectives provides a solid foundation for applying the results to, for example, offices, cultural institutions, or public spaces"
Student Café Transformed into Dynamic Experimental Environment
The test platform for the research was the multifunctional student café at the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Like other multifunctional spaces, it previously lacked a distinct character and students found it difficult to feel a sense of ownership of the space.
“We wanted to find out how students can take over the space and modify it to their liking,” Fricker explains.
The research, conducted by Mahsa Tajalli, Tina Čerpnjak, Pia Fricker, Maya Shpiro, Mariusz Hermansdorfer and Iliana Papadopoulou, developed amongst others a smartphone application that allows the space to respond to students' feelings about it, changing its form and colours accordingly. This enabled multiple users to use the application simultaneously, increasing interaction and discussion about the use of spaces.
“Users can leave their mark on the space either as themselves or anonymously. In our Colour Sense prototype, colours represent emotions and needs, creating empathy and a shared understanding of spaces. Digitalization also enhances the accessibility of spaces,” Fricker continues.
Sustainable Architecture of the Future
As a researcher, Fricker is deeply engaged in exploring how emerging digital technologies will shape the built and unbuilt environment. She sees the metaverse not just as a technological shift, but as a possible paradigm change—one that will redefine how spaces are designed, experienced, and adapted over time.
“This is a new approach, but its significance must be understood. Collaboration with our corporate partner helped in this: they are grounded in reality and can assess the future value of the research. Often, we concluded that we should go even further and think even more radically. It was truly inspiring,” Fricker explains.
The research lays the foundation for sustainable architecture. The metaverse reduces the need for physical spaces, thereby diminishing the environmental impact of construction. Additionally, it offers an alternative to renovation, as spaces can be digitally modified repeatedly for different needs.
For firms like Henning Larsen and Ramboll, this represents an opportunity to expand their service offering beyond traditional architectural design. As expertise in integrating the digital and physical worlds evolves, companies can offer more versatile and innovative solutions to their customers.
“One-off projects can transform into long-term partnerships, where we provide continuous services to optimize spaces and enhance user experiences,” Hermansdorfer concludes.
Text: Marjukka Puolakka
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