PSI - Issue 64

L. Cecere et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 64 (2024) 2189–2196 Author name / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

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environment. Architectural space, whether physical or virtual, then becomes a communication space that defines, enables and triggers communicative interactions(Ramesh et al., 2022). In the Liberland Metaverse, for example, architecture plays a key role as it represents not only an aesthetic but also a functional component within the virtual environment. The nature of space in the virtual world is totally different from that within the real world (Guo et al., 2023). The real space we experience on a daily basis is characterized by the different cognitive level of people, as well as by the four physical dimensions which are height, width, length and time. In contrast, mixed space differs from real space in that it is not characterized by the laws of physics or even the four dimensions (Palomo-Beltrán & Reséndiz Vázquez, 2022). This can be defined as the fusion of elements that form real space with virtual elements, and its interpretation is related to the knowledge of virtual, real space and recognition of 3D virtual objects capable of generating an experience in a given space, moreover, as a result of the constant change in technology, spatial relationships are subject to continuous transformation. Virtual reality, as reported within the article (Ifdil et al., 2023), is seen as a new reality that will literally influence the design process. For the purpose of proper design, three fundamental concepts are identified, including space, experience and perception. 3. Methodology The present work aims to study virtual spaces and the perception of them within the Metaverse in order to generate immersive experiences for users, in particular, to realize a virtual museum environment where 3D objects are collected inside in digital format. The goal is to enable the enjoyment of a place even remotely, through special devices, promoting cultural understanding. To this end, we focused on three fundamental aspects: the acquisition of three dimensional digital resources equipped with all the necessary information for proper user understanding; the involvement of the public, particularly the younger generation, to attract an increasing number of users; and the use of VR technologies to ensure an immersive and engaging experience. The methodology adopted for the implementation of the project can be divided into 5 main stages (Fig. 1).

Fig 1. Proposed methodology

Object scanning and modeling: the very first phase of scanning is carried out with a structured light laser scanner capable of detecting complex and small shapes; then, starting from the data obtained from the scanning, the objects are modelled using special software for 3D scanning in order to reproduce the real shape of the objects. Design and modeling of the virtual space: in the second phase, the configuration that the virtual space should take is chosen and then proceeded to its modeling using dedicated software. Once the environment has been modelled, it is possible to proceed with the insertion of three-dimensional objects within it. Model import: once the virtual space is concluded, it is imported within an immersive platform that supports the visualization and manipulation of three-dimensional objects. Resizing, positioning and orientation of the model within the 3D space may be required at this stage. Human-space-object interaction: at this point the interaction between space and user as well as user and object is studied with the ultimate goal of ensuring the appropriate levels of engagement, immersiveness and realism. At this stage, user feedback will be valuable and crucial in highlighting any critical issues.