stathis stylidis’ thesis project proposes through designs the conversion of the ‘evripides hotel’ in athens into a building with experimental space of research and applications for technologies of virtual and augmented reality, named ‘rapturehood studios’. inside this new space, properly equipped workshops are available for research and creation, while the use of hotel is preserved through rental rooms that offer guests the necessary equipment for exploring and designing the new technology. an exhibition space, a small dining area / bar and an open-air cinema are also included. addable metal structures create spaces that ‘plug into’ the existing building, co-creating the new uses. simultaneously, they form open and closed balconies, in the shape of VR masks / headsets, that are the only ‘eyes’ of the building.

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
the facade of the building defines ‘rapturehood studios’ as a landmark in the area

 

 

greek architect stathis stylidis‘ intention of ‘demystifying’ the technology of virtual reality, set the location of the workshop / hotel into the urban fabric, in contrast with the usually secluded and introverted similar research companies. the active participation of the visitor / researcher and the narrations / recorded experiences that will emerge, will be a valuable manual for the upcoming technological and philosophical quests. in addition, they will contribute to the development of the necessary safety measures concerning the changes that will occur in the relationship between humanity and the world we accept and define as ‘real’.

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
three dimensional QR codes on the building transform its facade through augmented reality devices

 

 

‘one important class of experiential products will be based on simulated environments that offer the customer a taste of adventure, danger, sexual titillation or other pleasure without risk to his real life or reputation.’ in ‘future shock’ (1970), a book that predicts the evolution of modern societies, the american writer alvin toffler analyzes the emergence of the experience as a standalone product and the subsequent development of an ‘experiential industry’, based largely on art. if this concept, summarized in the above excerpt, describes the commercial aspect of theater, cinema, theme parks, videogames and possibly of every form of art and entertainment, then we can assume that in our era acquires its most representative manifestation through the technologies of virtual reality.

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
the portals on the ground floor attract the passersby, showing life in virtual worlds

 

 

the recent reappearance of VR devices and applications, mainly in the market of home entertainment, re-introduced this innovative medium to the public, managing undoubtedly to impress and generate interest, but without making clear its range of possibilities. if virtual worlds have a purpose of existence, that is to make us reconsider our natural possibilities. they question all kinds of boundaries upon which we developed our identity. the ‘real’ world is always our reference point and the ‘not-so-real’ excites and fuels our imagination. based on this notion are always the science fiction novels and films appreciated. they narrate a plausible extraordinary situation. the result is the discovery / invention of new parameters that change and enrich established ways of living and ultimately transform our world. this is the desiderata.

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
‘rapturehood studios’ is a transitional space between our world and new realities, mixed or virtual

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
different types of rooms provide various VR/AR tools, like omnidirectional treadmill simulators

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
the top of the building has a rooftop cinema and a ‘v-bar’

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
floor plan of the workshop, 5th floor

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
second floor of workshop, 6th floor

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
interactive map of the basement’s C.A.V.E. environments inspired from installations of famous VR artists

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
the windows of the existing building are replaced with ‘ports’ where metal structures / functional spaces plug-in

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
floor plans

stathis stylidis proposes a virtual and augmented reality experimental space in athens
section

 

 

the visuals of the project include:

 

a) elements from masashi wakui’s night photos.

b) images from the following videogames: ‘half-life 2’ (2004 – 2007) by marc laidlaw, valve corporation ‘journey’ (2012) by jenova chen, thatgamecompany ‘bioshock infinite’ (2013) by ken levine, 2k games & irrational games ‘monument valley’ (2014) by neil mcfarland, ustwo ‘the witness’ (2016) by jonathan blow, thekla inc.

c) images from the following movies: ‘blade runner’ (1982) by ridley scott, warner bros. ‘romeo + juliet’ (1996) by baz luhrmann, twentieth century fox film corporation. ‘eyes wide shut’ (1999) by stanley kubrick, warner bros. ‘guardians of the galaxy’ (2014) by james gunn, marvel studios

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom