Virtual construction in existing buildings

With the decline of department stores, cities face vast, underutilized spaces. Retail's shift to digital commerce threatens urban vibrancy, raising the question: Can abandoned stores be redefined through virtual architecture? "We Are Together" proposes a hybrid model where physical retail spaces are preserved and enhanced via AR/VR, creating interconnected hubs that transcend geographical limits. By integrating digital commerce, immersive experiences, and spatial reuse, the project challenges the demolition paradigm, offering a sustainable alternative for urban revitalization​.

"We Are Together" proposes a hybrid architectural response to the growing number of abandoned department stores by transforming them into digitally augmented urban spaces. The project overlays and connects three closed Galeria Kaufhof locations in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Wuppertal, creating a unified, interactive environment through augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Instead of demolishing these large-scale structures, the design integrates virtual layers that enhance their spatial and functional potential. At the core of this transformation is the escalator, a recurring architectural element in department stores, reimagined as a transition point between physical and digital realms. Users navigate a "Togetherspace" where commerce, culture, and community merge in a shared virtual marketplace. Each location retains its physical presence while becoming part of a networked experience, allowing visitors to interact, shop, and engage in social activities beyond geographic boundaries. The project’s architectural approach is based on digital reuse—preserving built structures while introducing immersive, adaptable layers that continuously evolve. Retail spaces become fluid, enabling both real and virtual interactions. The intervention challenges traditional notions of ownership, presence, and spatial hierarchy, offering a sustainable alternative to demolition. By fusing architecture with the Metaverse, "We Are Together" pioneers a new typology of urban space, redefining how we inhabit, connect, and experience the built environment​.