Abstract

The paper classifies the transformation of the current paradigm of architecture returning to its mission to form the physical public space as a communicative platform of the man—and  a revolutionary opportunity for the craft of architectural design consisting of grasping the
opportunities provided by the current expansion of virtual public space—the expansion of virtual and augmented reality in particular. The latest attention of the global population to the public space awakened by the Covid-19 quarantine measures is the bottom line for the opportunities above. In addition, the paper claims that the opportunities themselves, the expansion of virtual public space in particular, are an investment opportunity: an opportunity of a new type, perhaps of a new era of the development of the built environment. Concerning practical approaches, the paper addresses four topics: The perspectives of the development of the utilization of virtual reality in designing architecture, in communicating proposals of development of the built environment with the public, communities, and the society, and in the planning of constructions; Specific software development as an aspect of fundamental engagement of architects and the change of their approach to designing architecture; An era of “architecture tech” start-ups and investments; and Why owners and investors shall pay attention – and the public and municipal administrations, too.

Keywords: Architecture; Design, Investment, Public space, Virtual reality