Round-the-table is a series of experimental roundtables in Web-based virtual-reality (VR) to provoke intercultural and interdisciplinary discussion on the future of participatory practices and public education. This workshop will experiment with communication beyond the 2D frame to enhance interactivity and inclusivity. Beginner-friendly 3D modelling, photogrammetry and web-based VR tools will be introduced to participants to produce immersive 3D scenes and generate basic spatial designs that will be used for a roundtable, where participants will discuss the urban context of their city and emerging participatory design opportunities. 

The workshop will work together with participants to question whether activities that take place in physical rooms and zooms may migrate to VR to enhance quality in participation and education, innovate pedagogical industries, support digital equality and literacy, sustain international communities, and reduce carbon footprints (SDG4-9-10-11-13). 

Provides Ng and Alberto Fernandez are two of the co-founders of the collective research and design practice – Rational Energy Architects (@R.E.Ar_). 

Provides Ng (@provides.ism) was trained as an architect and a researcher. She is a lecturer at the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), Managing Editor (maternity cover) of the Bartlett Prospectives Journal, and pursuing her PhD at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) on the use of blockchain in participatory design. She co-founded two open source practices that study XR and AI applications – Current (www.current.cam) and R.E.Ar_.

Alberto Fernandez Architect UCH, MArch UCL, PhD Student at The Bartlett School of Architecture, Academic at UCH-FAU and RIBA Chartered Architect. He is a contributor to Global issues applying BIM, Generative Design and Digital Fabrication in different scales, recognised internationally by HOLCIM Awards, Archiprix International, UIA-La Biennale di Venezia among others.