Abstract:
Architecture is no longer confined to physical construction, transcending the realm of science fiction into a new era, a future shaped by technology and creativity. While the origins for its disruption are fragmented across various emerging fields like augmented reality, artificial intelligence, spatial computing, and blockchain, we are witnessing its convergence with the blending of our physical and virtual realities. From digital-twin cities to multi-sensory interactive environments, these experiences will augment our understanding of space to evolve our culture and economy. Visionaries in this field are pushing the boundaries and exploring new frontiers in multidimensional world building, data-driven sensors, decentralized ownership, and language processing systems. In this lecture, we will delve into topics such as metaverse, digital transformation, and DeFi, offering insights into how these advancements are revolutionizing city infrastructure and development.
The future is being built now, and we have the unprecedented power and opportunity to be a part of shaping it.
→ Register here to participate in the online lecture.
Bio: Pico Velásquez is a Computational Architect and Multiverse Thought Leader. As the founder and CEO of VIIRA, Pico seeks to drive the bridging of our physical and virtual worlds through architecture, AR/XR, AI, and DeFi.
Pico’s career spans in Architecture and Mathematics with a Master’s in Computational Design with the highest distinction from Harvard University. Over the past 10 years she has directed award-winning projects including leading the geometry for Google’s new headquarters in CA at Bjarke Ingels Group, the multimedia memorial Elysium for the founder of Cirque du Soleil, Samsung’s Social Galaxy with Kenzo Digital, the new Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel‘s Oculus in collaboration with Rockwell Group, Dior World with Saks Fifth Avenue, Land Conservation Trust with Pininfarina, and the environmentalist video game Superforest. Her data-driven designs span across physical mega structures, brand experiences, buildings of the future, video games, and blockchain/crypto platforms.
Pico is also an advisor for Intel Ignite and Harvard, and has presented keynotes on the Multiverse & AI at Forbes 30/50 Summit, SXSW, Dubai Future Forum, Blockchain Futurist Conference, Microsoft, MIT Sloan, UPenn, Columbia, and UCLA.