Abstract:

This abstract highlights a collaborative innovation project between Mexico and Chile. The project aimed to explore the possibilities of designing immersive spaces using Mixed Reality technologies. A total of 20 students from each institution participated in the project, accompanied by faculty members. The collaboration fostered an enriching dialogue between students and professors, promoting interdisciplinary approaches and bridging the gap between applied and theoretical research in the design of sensory habitats.

The project commenced with an initial preparation and training phase, equipping the students with the necessary skills and knowledge about formal representation of space and Mixed Reality technologies. Subsequently, the students created avatars and formed mixed teams within the Tec Virtual Campus Metaverse, facilitating cross-cultural collaboration and idea exchange.

The teams delved into the Metaverse, exploring various design possibilities for immersive spaces. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists, architects, and designers, they conceptualized and developed three preliminary proposals for sensory habitats. Utilizing tools such as SketchUp, SketchFab, and Mozilla Hubs, the students translated their ideas into sketches, 3D models, and virtual representations.

Through synthesis and selection, each team refined their design, narrowing down to a single proposal for further development. Leveraging digital technologies in two and three dimensions, the teams executed their projects, simulating and visualizing their sensory habitats within the Metaverse. The use of SketchUp facilitated 3D modeling, while applications like SketchFab (AR) and Twinmotion (VR) enabled the teams to experience their designs in mixed realities.

The culmination of the project involved the teams compiling portfolios and creating video presentations showcasing their final proposals. These presentations were exhibited in a virtual gallery within the Tec Virtual Campus, where students received valuable feedback from professors of both institutions.

This collaborative intervention and innovation project underscored the significance of emerging technologies, particularly Mixed Reality, in education and the design of immersive spaces. It emphasized the value of collaborative teamwork, cross-cultural exchange, and the exploration of new representational forms. By combining theoretical knowledge with applied research, the students gained practical skills, fostered interdisciplinary perspectives, and expanded their understanding of sensory habitat design.

This project serves as a testament to the commitment of both universities to academic excellence and comprehensive student development. The successful collaboration between the two institutions lays the groundwork for future partnerships, facilitating continued growth and mutual enrichment in the field of sensory habitat design and immersive experiences.

Keywords:

Collaboration, Innovation, Immersive Spaces, Metaverse, Mixed Reality Technologies, Design, Sensory Habitats.