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

“I was fortunate to travel to different parts of India during my childhood and learn about vast Indian art and culture. Also, as a person, I was always appreciated for my creative and artistic aptitude,” said Architect and Urban Designer Kamini Singh, who completed her B Arch from Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture and Planning (AIT-SAP), Greater Noida in 2010. The Apeejay alumna subsequently qualified the GATE exam to join Masters in Urban Design at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. Currently,  Kamini is pursuing her PhD in Architecture from Department of Urban Design SPA New Delhi.

The budding architecture and urban designer has just begun her professional journey. “I have been constantly associated with academia and practice in the past 13 years of my professional journey.  Worked in institutions like School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi, Apeejay School of Architecture and Planning as well as School of Architecture at Galgotias University. Along with teaching, I have a practice and undertake interior, architectural, urban design, landscape  and research projects. The projects range from Railway station, Housing landscape and residence & commercial interior,” she highlighted. In this interview, Kamini highlights how architects are conceptualising virtual spaces in the emerging metaverse world.  

What intrigued you to take up architecture as an education and then profession? 

I was fortunate to travel to different parts of India during childhood and learn about vast Indian art and culture. Also as a person, I was always appreciated for my creative and artistic aptitude. My father motivated me to pursue it as a professional choice and said, If you love your work you will have a happier life. As little was known to me about architecture but when I went on to give entrance exams, I enjoyed every bit of it and after joining the course, there was no looking back. The best thing about architecture is that you can always explore new possibilities.

What has changed in the field of architecture from when you started to now?

Although my path is a bit different from the conventional, most of my friends  started the journey. It was all about working under an architect for some years and then starting your own small practice. While doing B Arch, I was clear to go for higher education and during  M Arch I realised that there is much more to it. Today, some of my batchmates have independent practices, some are working with big firms,in government positions, research jobs, arts and media etc. So yes, there is no one perfect path in architecture, which means there are many paths to be explored.

Is there something called Metaverse architecture? How is it going to be a gamechanger for architects in the coming future?

The way digital technology is developing, there is vast scope for all other fields to integrate with IT. Architecture and design is one of them. In meta verse, it is a digital space where laws of physics are not applicable but yes this provides immense opportunity for creativity and imagination. Architecture being the link between engineering and art has a lot of scope in future. For future indeed, Metaverse is very much here, some of them are already in the market and many more are yet to come. For architects, these virtual spaces provide a platform to showcase their creativity, irrespective of the constraints posed by materials, finances, space or construction techniques. These spaces are already being used by many industries, for example, concept vehicles which are launched virtually and are pure imagination. But you can still drive them in a virtual space. Architects are conceptualising these virtual spaces.

Architects building for the metaverse may require new skills and a shift in perspective. What are the skills future architects will have to learn?

Metaverse is still a very new phenomenon based on technology, so knowledge of software is required. The virtual technology and platform is changing at such a rapid pace for which I would like to recommend three very important skills – Learning ability because no one knows what can come up next. Ability to imagine beyond what is already done, and most important interdisciplinary teamwork. People are coming to Metaverse only for an exceptional immersive experience.

Key advice for budding architects?

Always, look beyond books and syllabus. The world is changing and you must be  ready to adapt and explore. Never compromise your happiness for work, rather do something that makes you happy, sooner or later success will follow.  Create your own path.