Immersive Technologies for Architectural Spaces in Malta and Beyond

Join us for a joint seminar by the Institute of Digital Games and the Department of Architecture and Urban Design on 5 November at 10:00 at the Design Studio, Block S, 4th Floor, Campus Hub to explore the connection between games, technology and architecture. A keynote presentation by award-winning researcher, Prof. Ouggrinis, Professor of Architectural Design and Innovative Technologies at the Technical University of Crete, will kick off the seminar.

Itineraries of a Human-Centric Architectural Research Framework

His keynote will introduce a vision of imagining architecture as a living, human-centered discipline. Developed through the pioneering work of the Transformable Intelligent Environments Laboratory (TUC TIE Lab), this framework positions architecture not as a static backdrop to life, but as a dynamic partner in shaping human experience. The lecture unfolds through a series of research itineraries that explore how transformability, intelligence, and responsiveness can redefine the built environment.

From kinetic structures and adaptable materials to immersive digital systems and interactive spaces, the TIE Lab’s work demonstrates how design can anticipate and evolve with changing needs, cultures, and ecologies. These experiments reveal architecture’s potential to transcend conventional boundaries and become a platform for continuous transformation. It emphasizes that architecture must cultivate sustainability, inclusivity, and imagination. By bridging technology, culture, and design, the lecture advocates for environments that are not only efficient but also meaningful—spaces that breathe with their inhabitants and inspire new forms of living.

These research itineraries explore a vision for the future: an architectural research agenda where the human experience is both origin and destination of design.

Virtual worlds, architecture, and AI

The keynote will be followed by a number of quick-fire student presentations showing their research at the intersection of games, AI, and architecture. It will conclude with an informal discussion with M.Arch. and M.Eng. students and tutors exploring how architecture and engineering can operate within the realities of wicked problems, issues that are complex, interdependent, and resistant to definitive solutions.

Attendance is free, but places are limited so please register online. Attendees are welcome to join for refreshments and an informal discussion with the presenters and keynote at the Institute of Digital Games.

About Prof. Ouggrinnis

Prof. Ouggrinnis is Professor in Architectural Design and Innovative Technologies, Vice-rector of Research and Innovation, and Founding Director of the Transformable and Intelligent Environments Laboratory (TUC TIE Lab) at the Technical University of Crete. He has developed two specific approaches for the successful implementations of IT in design titled Spatial Economy and Sensponsive Architecture. His research specializes in transformable adaptive environments, activity-based design methods, time-space relationships, user-experience design, participatory design, digital media, educational environments, public spaces and spaces within extreme environmental conditions. His thematic areas of study are interdisciplinary, rooted in the field of architecture and from there on branching out mainly into the domains of psychology, sociology, neuroscience, interactive media, robotics, and computer science.

He is the author of 2 books, has edited 4 books and has 86 scientific publications. He has 17 national and international awards, including the Europe 40 under 40 Architecture Award (2008).

Full Programme

10:00-10:45 - Keynote: Itineraries of a Human-Centric Architectural Research Framework - Prof. Ouggrinis Professor of Architectural Design and Innovative Technologies at the Technical University of Crete, Greece
10:45-11:00 - Virtual worlds, architecture, and AI - Institute of Digital Games PhD students
11:00-11:30 - Discussion: Embracing Dystopia A discussion with Prof. Ouggrinis on how to embrace dystopia, how innovation, adaptability, and foresight can inform resilient futures in design of the built environment. - M.Arch. and M.Eng. students and tutors
11:30-12:30 - Refreshments: Informal discussion continues of drinks and snacks - To be held at the Institute of Digital Games, 20 Triq L-Esperanto, Msida