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digital
Monument

digital
Monument
01 /
Project information
PERIOD
2022
TYPE
TRANSFORMATION - METAVERSE
LOCATION
LISBON - PORTUGAL
SIZE
> 10.000m2
STATUS
COMPETITION WINNER

The monument of the digital world is the result of a temporary monument that is once again given a permanent function that connects with the collective memory of today’s society. The Portugal pavilion designed by Alvaro Siza was the thematic centerpiece of the World Expo in 1998 but remains unused at this time. By transforming the building into a stock exchange that can be accessed both physically and virtually, the real and digital worlds are connected.

The design is characterized by 2 connecting axis: physical and virtual. The physical axis is a central axis of 4 stories across the existing building that represents the connection between discovering and exploring the physical world. The virtual axis (perpendicular to this) is an experience route in which the importance of the digital world is visualized. It ends in the moment of impact in which the monument of the digital world rises out of the water. The monumental tower serves as the basis for the metaverse tower, which is a virtual addition to the physical building that can be accessed online from anywhere in the world.

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CONNECTING
TWO WORLDS

CONCEPT IOMETRIC

PHYSICAL EXPLORATION ROUTE
– Central axis
– Connecting building and plaza
– Route: intervention in height – 2 levels
– Physical axis: stock exchange – theme
of trading and exploring
– Exploration route

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE ROUTE
– Movement towards the water
– Monument of digital world
– Interactive route: possibilities
– Moment of impact

THE PHYSICAL AND THE VIRTUAL WORLD

THEMES IN SPACE

USE IN PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL

The transformation design incorporates two important principles. The first principle is retaining the pronounced formal language and strong composition of the current building. The second one is to show the importance of the physical and virtual world and bringing them together in a physical environment.

To make a clear distinction and find a good balance between physical and virtual, four themes are linked to the program: physical, physical with virtual elements, virtual with physical elements and virtual.

1. Physical: main focus on function, physical orientation where the user interacts in the real world and relates to the existing building and collective memory through the monument.

2. Physical with virtual elements: physical functions combined with virtual elements, physical remains dominant, focus on experience, interactive, use of augmented reality through holograms, tablets with interactive objects, use of depth and perception.

3. Virtual with physical elements: startingpoint is virtual, approachable virtual but physically visible, physical representation, create awareness, moment of impact in relation to the importance of the digital world, monument of the digital world, reflecting space.

4. Virtual: no physical reality, only accessible online, no architecture, digital spaces, copy of elements of monument of the digital world.

Concept diagram portugal pavilion

PHYSICAL
AXIS

SECTION DIAGRAM

Opening the existing building in the central axis creates a connection between the building and the plaza.  This route is shaped by the intervention in height and the addition of two basement floors. Together they represent the physical axis that connects the stock exchange with the theme of trading and exploration including an exploration route with exhibition spaces and education corners.

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building consists of two parts
"Within the concept, two axes were introduced: the physical axis and the virtual axis. The physical axis runs through the exhibition building and connects the front of the building with the patio to the covered plaza. This axis joins the two existing floors of the stock exchange and the two newly added basement layers."Bruce Verdonschot | Architect STATE

OPENING UP
THE BUILDING

OPENING UP
THE BUILDING
Monolytic appearance

Opening the existing building in the central axis creates a connection between the building and the plaza.  This route is shaped by the intervention in height and the addition of two basement floors. Together they represent the physical axis that connects the stock exchange with the theme of trading and exploration including an exploration route with exhibition spaces and education corners.

Visual connections

Level of
digital
importance

The end point aims to reflect the importance of the digital world.

The experience route aims to create awareness for the importance of the digital world. Through the interactive route both young and old will learn about the possibilities, dangers and future of trading and discovering the virtual worlds. Alongside experience, there is also a focus on learning which includes a digital learning center and classrooms.

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Level of digital importance 2
Architect
MOMENT OF IMPACT
This environment is designed to contain the purity of the physical world. This space aims to stimulate reflection and make the user aware of the physical world and the impact that the digital world has.
Architect
MONUMENT OF THE DIGITAL WORLD
The end of the experience route is marked by the monument of the digital world. A tower is situated in the middle of the space. This tower is a physical manifestation of the importance of the digital world, creating the impression that it extends to infinity. Within the physical manifestation an impact is created where the emptiness of the sculpture becomes visible. The dominance of the digital world expresses itself.
METAVERSE TOWER - ONLINE STOCK EXCHANGE

VIRTUAL
WORLD

VIRTUAL TOWER
CONCEPT

DESIGN DIAGRAM

The design is characterized by its various orientation points. It is possible to create spaces on floors, ceilings and even walls against the force of gravity.

Within the design, it is possible to transport to any floor. Normal conditions such as stairs and railings play no role in this.

The colors used in the lighting represent the different themes. Such as the green light for connecting and the purple for exploring

 

Virtual addition to the existing physical building
The design leads to the following conclusion: By integrating the metaverse tower as a virtual extension of the physical building and by creating a physical monument that emphasizes the importance of the digital world, the virtual en physical worlds can be brought together.Bruce Verdonschot | Architect STATE

Ready to
go virtual?

Let’s connect
in the Metaverse?

We love to collaborate with
innovative clients. Let’s connect
hello@stateofarchitecture.com

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