I have had an interesting journey throughout my career. One that’s taken me from the captivating realm of game development to visualising data and using immersive technologies to reimagine the world that surrounds us. It’s a journey that has given me a unique perspective on the boundless potential of 3D technologies and how it can extend reality.

In recent years, I’ve been captivated by the idea through the development of our physical spaces and assets as digital twins, and creating interactive 3D course content to support distance students. These digital replicas offer more than just visual fidelity; they possess the power to enrich the way we interact with our physical environment, optimising experiences, workflows, and engagement in unprecedented ways.

The process of being able to design a space with the fusion of the physical and digital assets, working title called “Hybrid Space Design,” represents a paradigm shift in how we conceive, utilise, and adapt to our surroundings. It’s a process that leverages the strengths of both worlds, breathing new life into conventional spaces to create modern flexible spaces to meet the needs of the occupants.

I want to highlight the reasons why I firmly believe that the concept of Hybrid Space Design is essential in the 21st century. From how we work, engage with our surroundings to addressing the evolving needs of our increasingly dynamic world.

At its core, it is a digital twin—an intricate, virtual 3D replica of a physical space, enriched with Building Information Modeling (BIM) data and that defines how the space is constructed. They’ve walked hand-in-hand with the architects and engineers, ensuring that every detail aligns with the vision of the project and stakeholders.

But here’s where Hybrid Space Design steps into the spotlight. It takes this digital twin and uses immersive technology platforms, often resembling the game engines, to create a digital space that is accessible to the end user and occupants. This digital space can be developed to a whole new level of utility that is either impossible or costly to do physically and provides a flexible asset to experiment and change with the space. It becomes a dynamic partner in the life cycle of the space.

As we see the use of game technology being used in a variety of industries, the tools and designs that exist in games to change and enhance the behaviours of the player can be used to streamline and improve the occupants ability and needs.

Architects and Engineers have always focused on designing spaces that serve their intended purpose, tailored to the needs of their stakeholders. It’s a belief that the physical environment can be designed to optimise productivity, foster creativity, and nurture human connections.

However, as we find ourselves moving forward through the digital age, the very essence of “fit for purpose” is undergoing a transformation. In an era characterised by Coworking Collaboration Cross-functional Resource Sharers, the challenge for Architects, Engineers and Technicians  has expanded far beyond merely creating static environments. The modern workspace must be a chameleon, seamlessly adapting to the dynamics of today’s hyper-connected, multi-faceted workforce.

On the physical front, we’re witnessing an evolution in our approach to workspace design. It’s not just about walls and floors anymore; it’s about flexible furniture and modular collaboration zones. It’s about equipping spaces with the hardware to support “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) cultures. It’s also creating a space that is enjoyable and boosts productivity of the end user.  The pursuit of adaptability comes at a price, and it’s one that businesses aren’t taking lightly.

And then there’s the immersive technology frontier where spaces intersect with the digital. Here, too, change carries a cost, yet it’s a cost that offers a remarkable promise. Immersive technologies, with their extended reality capabilities, have the potential to enable our spaces with a layer of utility that transcends the physical. They provide users with an arsenal of information and tools, unleashing creative solutions that can aid in these multi-use space that impossible otherwise

The heart of design is to support the end user’s desires and requirements. Whether it’s a single focused group or a diverse collective of multi-skilled people, the design process seeks to decipher what is truly indispensable for all of them. 

Then using the benefits of both digital and physical space, design digital immersive tools and assets that seamlessly align with the unique needs and aspirations of those who will inhabit these spaces.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind about the issues and benefits of both spaces.

Physical Spaces

Digital Spaces

How does the physical and digital interface?

Now how do the digital and physical worlds connect with each other? Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), the art of making technology more user-friendly and accessible. HCI seeks to make technology more user-centric, intuitive, and responsive to human needs and behaviours. The focus should be on interfaces that are accessible, ensuring that the benefits of digital integration are within reach for a diverse array of applications and end users.

Enter a range of versatile interfaces: kiosks, interactive LCD panels, URL/QR-code based experiences, Projection Mapping and extended reality ( XR) devices. These bridge the gap, providing accessibility to the underlying Interactive 3D and utility tools.

Fixed Space vs. Non-Fixed Space: Redefining Design Boundaries

Industrial Light and Magic – StageCraft

“The Mandalorian” has rewritten the playbook of filmmaking with its use of StageCraft, developed by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). At its core lies the LED volume, a massive physical set enveloped by high-resolution LED screens, replacing traditional green screens and immersing actors in meticulously crafted, three-dimensional digital environments. 

This technology allows for real-time creation and manipulation of digital sets and backgrounds, from desolate deserts to bustling spaceports, offering boundless creative potential. Real-time rendering enhances authenticity, enabling dynamic lighting adjustments and atmospheric nuances.

In cinema, it’s alway preferable to have the film take place in a suburb or block as it limits locations and makes it easier and cheaper to film. However blockbusters need to have those fancy locations. StageCraft Is a single location where the digital space is non-fixed and with a supporting team of designers and technicians can make any environment the mind desires. As changing the set is loading the next file, they can quickly move through the scenes leading to more efficient filming and reducing post-production demands.

StageCraft strikes a balance by incorporating hybrid space to get the benefits of  practical effects and in-camera visual effects while removing the burden of filming on location as they use the digital space to bring the location to them. Its impact has reverberated throughout the film industry

Next World Enterprise – Virtual Workplace OHS Training

Next World Entertainment is an industry pioneer in virtual reality (VR) training solutions, offering an off the shelf  library of VR safety training courses. Inspired by the convenience of streaming services, Next World has changed how organisations approach occupational health and safety (OHS) training.

In the world of OHS training, the need for immersive, efficient, and safe learning experiences is paramount. Traditional methods often fall short when replicating real-life scenarios, ranging from Powerpoint slides to direct engagement with hazards. This poses significant risks with training/assessing users to effectively minimise it.

Next World Focus on using all in one VR Headsets to immerse trainees to navigate and interact with virtual hazardous environments safely that are modelled closely to relevant Units of Competency. With immersive learning, trainees can simulate hazardous scenarios, identify potential dangers, and practice safety protocols in a risk-free environment. 

The use of a digital space For OHS Training, users can quickly learn from mistakes from the Learning Management System collecting and relaying information, and with one button press the simulation can reset for another go.  This streamlines Tacit understanding of the subject matter so they are well prepared when engaging in the physical assessment.

The future of hybrid spaces holds the promise of dynamic, adaptable environments that seamlessly blend the physical and digital realms. However, for this vision to become widespread, there are several key elements that need to happen.

First is the integration challenges head-on, ensuring that the digital and physical components work with each other. Digital twins and the interfacing technologies will be instrumental, However content is king and this needs to be developed or its just a very high tech room. Accessibility and a commitment to universal design principles and inclusive technologies enable all users to be able to engage with the content. 

Choosing the right technology is a major, as Augmented and Virtual Reality offer unparalleled immersive experiences, their cost and applicability can be limiting. A term in education I fully support is “Pedagogy before Technology” which is to lead with purpose and use technology to support the vision. Making the right choices can improve scalability through Cost-effective selection of technology, while a user-centric approach, refined through user testing, support and training promises a seamless user experience. 

Other issues include Privacy and security concerns which can be addressed through robust encryption and authentication methods. Maintenance and updates will benefit from remote management tools, predictive maintenance, and updates. Data integration platforms and energy-efficient solutions will drive sustainability, while compatibility and real-time collaboration will ensure that hybrid spaces accommodate the diverse needs of the modern world. 

The core of why designing these spaces is to bring value to the occupants and not all spaces need to be fully immersive. A few of these elements in place have the ability to improve how we live, work, and interact with the spaces around us, fostering innovation and inclusivity in the digital age.

So What Now

In this brief overview I wanted to show a glimpse of the potential of blending the  physical and digital spaces and envision a future where spaces seamlessly adapt to the ever-changing needs of our environment. Empowering us to create spaces that are dynamic, versatile, and, above all, responsive to the evolving demands of our modern world.

This is a much larger conversation than what this article provides. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to get in contact with me.

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