VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference
Abstract
In response to the challenges of overpopulation, climate change, and resource depletion, the concept of a Sky Island emerges as a speculative yet visionary architectural paradigm where an airborne, gravity-defiant city exists beyond terrestrial constraints in both a virtual and or physical realms. This research investigates the urban, societal, and technological implications of such a future, where humanity evolves in a self-sustaining elevated habitat. By integrating narrative-driven urban design, inspired by literatures about cities in the skies, generative artificial intelligence (GAI), and immersive virtual reality (VR) modelling, this study conceptualizes and critically analyses the feasibility of Skyscapes. Situated at the intersection of research, teaching, and emerging technologies, this study reflects on the evolving role of urban design education in the digital age. It highlights how AI, VR, and virtual modelling are reshaping the way we design, teach, and engage with speculative urban environments, bridging the gap between academia and practice. The case studies done in UDDE 607 serve as both a pedagogical tool and a research framework, demonstrating the blurring boundaries between research, practice-based learning, and digital experimentation. It aligns with the broader discourse on the digital turn in academia, questioning how immersive technologies and AI-driven methodologies are redefining architectural pedagogy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the future of the built environments. The methodology taught in the course incorporates multidisciplinary frameworks, and follows a structured design-research-technology approach. The findings explore how digital innovations, AI-driven urbanism, and virtual environments can redefine human habitation, positioning Sky Island as a new typology of sustainable urban futurism, one that transcends conventional architectural boundaries and offers alternative pathways for post-terrestrial evolution.
Dr. Georges Kachaamy is the Director of the Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID) at the School of Architecture, Art, and Design, the American University in Dubai. He has served as the chairperson of the Department of Architecture under which the program has received the NAAB Accreditation. He is a professor of architecture, a registered architect, a certified VR Sketch trainer, a GRAVITY SKETCH Certified Trainer, a VictoryXR Certified VR Educator, an associate member of the American Institute of Architects, and an affiliated member of the UAE Society of Engineers.
Graduated from the American University in Dubai, Ayah AlBaumy is currently a Master’s Student studying Urban Design (MUDDE) and an architect working at NORR Group Consultants in Dubai. She is an affiliated member of the UAE Society of Engineers.
Abdullah Shakir is a Master’s student in Urban Design (MUDDE) at the American University in Dubai, with an emphasis on sustainable urban design. His work focuses on sustainable urban development in the Gulf, delivers practical solutions that foster ecological balance and enhance community well-being, addressing the region’s unique urban challenges.
Fahad AlMusalam is a Master’s student of Urban Design and Digital Environments at American University in Dubai. An architect based in Bahrain, with over 15 years experience in civic environments.