Potential Impact of the Metaverse on Residential Space Changes
Đorđe Alfirević, Marina Nenković-Riznić, Sanja Simonović Alfirević
https://doi.org/10.60152/3g7egffa
Abstract: This paper contributes to the understanding of how technological innovations, such as the metaverse, shape our living environment, providing insights into potential changes in residential spaces that we can expect in the future. By analysing current development trends, the study explores how the concept of the metaverse might transform the way we live and utilise residential space. The focus is on potential changes in residential environments over time, under the influence of the metaverse. The research centres on four key aspects of potential alterations: a) miniaturisation of the area and structure of living spaces, b) the disappearance of certain types of rooms, c) the reduction of the size and dimensions of specific spaces (social spaces for entertainment and gathering, kitchen spaces, etc.), and d) the transformation of physical spaces into virtual entities. The research methodology included an analysis of current development trends in metaverse technology and its impact on the architectural design of residential spaces. Descriptive analysis, trend analysis, and case studies were employed to identify potential changes and their effects on residential space users. The aim of the paper is to re-examine the hypothesis that the implementation of metaverse technology will significantly transform residential spaces, causing miniaturisation, the disappearance of certain traditional room types, reduction in the size and dimensions of certain rooms, and the transformation of physical spaces into virtual entities. Metaverse technology holds great potential to transform how we live and use residential spaces. Anticipated changes include more efficient use of space, adaptation of rooms to meet the new needs of users, and the integration of virtual elements into physical spaces to support interactions via the metaverse. This research provides a foundation for further exploration and implementation of metaverse technology in the architectural design of residential spaces.
Keywords: Metaverse, Residential space, Technological innovation, Miniaturisation of living spaces, Virtual-physical transformation, Architectural design
How to cite this Paper (Harvard referencing style):
Alfirević, Đ, Nenković-Riznić, M. and Simonović Alfirević S. (2024) ‘Potential Impact of the Metaverse on Residential Space Changes’, in R. Bogdanović (ed.) On Architecture — Shaping the City through Architecture, Proceedings. Belgrade, Serbia: STRAND, pp. 139–148.