Imaginary Synthetic Realms- Fostering digital creativity through urban connectivity

The study aims to envision how the future generation experiences architecture through the intersection of technology and place. Drawing on the theoretical framework of the creative class as pioneers of cultural and creative innovation, this research focuses on urban space, technology and people within large metropolitan cities. The research mainly explores youth creativity by introducing immersive digital amenities into urban environments within a mixed-reality city. The objective is to delve into digital architecture, examining its role in urban spaces for fostering exponential creative expression. Expanding its scope from Wellington, New Zealand, to dynamic cities in Southeast/East Asia, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Seoul, Korea, this study employs a research-through-design methodology. The emphasis lies on iterative architectural development using models, images, and animations. Visual media, spanning static states, animation, sound, and movement, depict the creative communities emerging from digital ethnography. The popular interaction of hand-held interaction technologies are leveraged as tools to explore opportunities for situating public urban design concepts within digital communication.

This research seeks to foster engaging architectural experiences by recognising the built environment as a canvas for creative connections. It was limited to one creative expression created as basis to the conceptual engagement. The results examines an ultimate goal to facilitate creative architectural engagement by incorporating mixed reality components. Providing a significant innovative lens for the youth to interact with and contribute to their urban surroundings.