Pixels to Planet: XR Storytelling for Architecture and Climate Action

The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, incorporating the Melbourne School of Design (MSD), is a creative and people-oriented built environment faculty in Australia’s leading research-intensive university.

Melbourne School of Design

Please join us for this free symposium presented by Melbourne School of Design and UCL Bartlett Centre for Spatial Analysis

Malaysian Theatre, Glyn Davis Building (MSD)

Climate action in the built environment demands new modes of communication—ones that can translate complex planetary systems into compelling spatial narratives and connect individual actions to global consequences. As cities continue to be shaped by and shape climate change, the need to engage a diverse range of actors—designers, technologists, policymakers, and communities—has never been more urgent.This symposium addresses that need by exploring how extended reality (XR) technologies and immersive storytelling can support architecture and urbanism in addressing the climate crisis. Drawing on the concept of the metaverse as a collaborative design space, we ask: how might persistent virtual worlds help us visualize, prototype, and advocate for sustainable futures?Pixels to Planet brings together interdisciplinary voices from the Melbourne School of Design and The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, along with global researchers, creative practitioners, and industry leaders. Over three acts—The Problem, The Bridge, and The Future—the event will explore immersive communication strategies, speculative spatial practices, and participatory tools that can help mobilize collective action for planetary wellbeing.Through dialogue, demonstration, and co-creation, this symposium aims to unlock the potential of XR as both a design tool and a narrative platform for climate-responsive urban futures.

<h3>Keynote Speakers</h3>Dr Patrik Schumacher, Principal, Zaha Hadid ArchitectsAndy Hudson Smith, UCL BartlettDinah Lammiman, UCL Dept of Anthropology, Faculty S&amp;HSPenelope Haralambidou, UCL BarlettXavier de Kestelier, Hassell Studios LondonRochus Hinkel, Melbourne School of DesignTony Yu, Melbourne School of Design - NextLabValerio Signorelli, UCL BarlettEnriqueta Llabres-Valls, UCL BarlettDavid Mah, Melbourne School of DesignLeire Asensio Villoria, Melbourne School of Design

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction

What you see might not be just what you get. Towards a collaborative data experience approach.

Session 1 - Immersive Spatial Storytelling

Seb Chan, Director & CEO ACMI

Expanded Perspectives: XR for Heritage, Ecology, and Health

Moderation by Enriqueta Llabres (UCL Barlett), Leire Asensio Villoria (MSD),  

Demo session of EX projects from the MSD, Bartlett and industry/creative practices

Demos in Melbourne School of Design Foyer 

How could extended reality technologies and processes enable novel forms of collaboration and transform teaching and learning strategies?

Session 2 - VR collaborative tools & the new classroom 

XR EARTHS {Symbiotic Design, Planetary Participation, Radical Learning}

Gaming Environments as a Teaching and Creative tool 

Extended Reality in Architecture Practice

From Planetary Futures to Humanitarian Realities: Hassell’s XR Journey 

Moderation by Dr Valerio Signorelli (UCL Barlett) and Melissa Iraheta (MSD) 

What are the creative capacities afforded by extended reality to designers of the built environment?  How could this change the way in which we understand and transform creative practice? Introduction to Speakers