PSI - Issue 64

Umberto Ceccarelli et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 64 (2024) 2214–2221 Umberto Ceccarelli / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

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platforms. This required a deep dive into the capabilities of Decentraland, particularly its rendering engines and blockchain infrastructure, to understand how these could best be utilized to support complex architectural designs and interactive features. Furthermore, the strategic vision had to consider the user journey extensively. The goal was to design a space that was not only visually captivating but also intuitive and engaging from a navigational perspective. This involved planning for multiple user entry points, clear and informative signage, and interactive elements that could guide and maintain user engagement throughout their visit to the Helmallery. The design team employed user experience (UX) design principles typically used in website and application development, adapting them to the three-dimensional and immersive nature of the metaverse. See Fig. 2.

Fig. 2. User guide and engagement study in Helmallery.

The conceptualization phase also addressed the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain. The strategic vision included the use of blockchain to authenticate and secure transactions of digital artworks within the gallery, ensuring transparency and trust in the buying and selling processes. Similarly, AI was envisioned to enhance the personalization of the space, adapting environmental elements such as lighting and sound in real-time according to user preferences and behaviors detected through interaction data. Ai implementation was however demanded to later application given the preliminary assessment of the endeavour. In crafting this initial vision, it was clear from the outset that the success of the Helmallery would hinge not only on the execution of technical aspects but also on the ability to foresee and incorporate future trends in digital interaction within the metaverse. This proactive approach in the conceptualization phase laid the groundwork for a project that was set to redefine the possibilities of virtual space utilization. 2.2. Architectural Challenges in Virtual Design The architectural design process for the Helmallery encountered several unique challenges, reflecting the complexities of translating traditional architectural principles into the metaverse’s virtual environment. The integration of real-world architectural aesthetics into a digital platform required a nuanced understanding of both physical and virtual design constraints, pushing the boundaries of conventional architectural thinking (Heydarian et al, 2022). In the Helmallery project, architects faced the complex task of melding traditional architectural principles with the virtual environment of the metaverse, presenting unique challenges such as spatial perception, materiality simulation, and interactive lighting effects. This endeavor required a reimagining of sensory cues like depth and texture, which do not directly translate to the digital realm, demanding innovative use of virtual design tools to maintain realism and user engagement. Additionally, the project explored the boundaries of structural feasibility within a non-physical context, emphasizing the importance of maintaining architectural integrity for immersive user experiences. The integration of augmented reality added another layer of complexity, necessitating seamless fusion with virtual elements to enhance realism without disrupting the user's sense of presence. Addressing these challenges required not only