Is virtual reality the future? ‘It is,’ opines architect exploring immersive tech domain 

What inspired Smita Jain to pursue architecture as her career is defined very simply by her. “Architecture has always held a profound fascination for me, as it beautifully blends art, science, and the built environment. The ability to shape spaces and create meaningful experiences for people intrigued me from an early age. I was captivated by the idea of bringing imagination to life, crafting structures that harmonise with its surroundings while fulfilling practical needs.”

Thus, Smita’s journey as an architect and designer began from an early age while she was in Somerville School in Noida, where she laid the foundation of her creative pursuits. This led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT-SAP). The graduate of the 2009 batch is tremendously excited about the concept of Metaverse architecture, given its boundless possibilities and absence of limitations. “What captivates me is the ability to create immersive virtual spaces that offer unique experiences and sensations,” she adds. And so, the architect, with more than 15 years of professional experience, is currently on a professional journey of exploring the world of immersive technology. Read edited excerpts of her interview to know about her architectural journey:

In 15 year’s career span, what are some of the key projects you have worked on so far?

Since the inception of my career, I have been deeply immersed in the realm of real estate, working with various architectural consultancies and developers. I had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects. From designing exquisite residential spaces to undertaking multi-disciplinary ventures like hospitals, commercial complexes, I constantly challenged myself to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality. 

Among my notable achievements, I had the privilege of spearheading the master planning of a Sports City in Sector-150, Noida, where I seamlessly integrated world-class athletic facilities with urban design principles. Throughout my journey, I collaborated with esteemed developers such as Tata, Birla, Godrej, Shapoorji, and Prestige, contributing to their iconic ventures.

Now, my professional path has taken an exciting turn as I embrace the immersive technology domain. Within this realm, I am responsible for overseeing the entire conceptualisation and design process, ensuring seamless user experiences through the integration of UI and UX principles. This shift has not only deepened my passion but also provided a fresh source of inspiration to create awe-inspiring designs. 

As I currently explore the immersive tech landscape, I am excited to channel my creative prowess and expertise into designing captivating experiences that redefine the boundaries of architecture and user interaction.

What inspired you to take up architecture as a career? Any role model? What is your design philosophy?

Architecture has always held a profound fascination for me, as it beautifully blends art, science, and the built environment. The ability to shape spaces and create meaningful experiences for people intrigued me from an early age. I was captivated by the idea of bringing imagination to life, crafting structures that harmonise with their surroundings while fulfilling practical needs.

One of my biggest role models in the field of architecture is Frank Lloyd Wright. His groundbreaking designs, such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, showcased his innovative approach to integrating architecture with nature and pushing the boundaries of traditional design.

My design philosophy revolves around the belief that architecture should be a reflection of its context and purpose. I strive to create spaces that not only serve their intended functions but also evoke emotions, stimulate the senses, and inspire a sense of connection. I believe in designing with a human-centric approach, placing the well-being and experience of the users at the forefront of every decision.

---

“My design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture has the ability to enhance lives, create memorable experiences, and leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities.”

SMITA JAIN, ALUMNA OF Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning

---

How did Apeejay prepare you for the professional journey?

Apeejay School of Architecture and Planning played a pivotal role in preparing me for my professional journey as an architect. The institution provided a comprehensive education that encompassed both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping me with a strong foundation to enter the field with confidence. One of the key strengths of Apeejay was its faculty. The experienced professors and industry experts shared their expertise and real-world insights, instilling in us a deep understanding of architectural principles, design theories, and construction techniques. Their guidance and mentorship helped shape my perspective and approach towards architecture. 

In addition to theoretical knowledge, Apeejay emphasised practical learning through workshops, design studios, and site visits. These hands-on experiences allowed me to apply the concepts I learned in class to real-world scenarios, enhancing my problem-solving abilities and fostering creativity in design thinking.

Also Read: This architect explains how metaverse is going to be a gamechanger in the future

The institute also encouraged collaborative projects and team-based activities, fostering a spirit of teamwork and communication skills. Working alongside fellow students on design projects and presentations helped develop my ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, which is a crucial aspect of professional practice.

What are the new trends in the field of architecture that budding architects must focus on? 

Some of the new trends in architecture that budding architects should focus on include sustainability and green design, biophilic design, transform existing structures for new purposes through adaptive reuse and retrofitting, smart buildings with IoT integration, prioritise the natural factors like ventilation for health and well-being, community oriented design along with and resilient architecture that addresses climate change and natural disasters.

Stay updated on emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) as they are revolutionising the design process and enhancing communication with clients and stakeholders. By focusing on these trends and embracing technological advancements, budding architects can create innovative and sustainable designs that meet the evolving needs of our society.

How can one look at becoming a Metaverse architect? What could be the process?

Becoming a Metaverse architect involves a multidisciplinary approach. One could start by gaining a solid foundation in architecture, computer science, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and related fields. Familiarity with game design, user experience (UX) design, and storytelling can also be beneficial. Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines is essential to understand the technical aspects and implications of designing for the Metaverse.

What excites you about the Metaverse architecture? How did you prepare yourself to be part of this field?

The concept of Metaverse architecture excites me tremendously due to its boundless possibilities and absence of limitations. What captivates me is the ability to create immersive virtual spaces that offer unique experiences and sensations. The thought of designing environments that transcend physical boundaries and enable people to explore new dimensions is truly exhilarating. To prepare myself for this field, I invested time in understanding the related technologies and their potential applications. Moreover, I kept myself informed about the latest advancements and trends in the Metaverse realm.

Do architects working on Metaverse projects require new skills and a shift in perspective? 

Architects working on Metaverse projects require new skills and a shift in perspective. Key skills to learn include virtual space design, user experience (UX) design, game design and mechanics, spatial storytelling, collaboration with developers, and familiarity with VR/AR technology. These skills enable architects to create engaging virtual experiences, design intuitive interactions, incorporate game elements, guide users through narratives, collaborate effectively, and understand the technical aspects of VR/AR.