YOUTHOPIA: DEVELOPING AN IMMERSIVE REALM FOR IR 4.0 DIGITAL COMMUNITY AT JALAN COCHRANE, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

In line with the 4th Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), this design research seeks to develop a speculative immersive architectural realm for the digital community at Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Named YOUTHOPIA, this architectural design proposal-a Digital Community Centre is a solution for youth to equip themselves with the digital skill set and for the government to develop future talents. The research has three (3) objectives: to create awareness and knowledge of IR4.0 in the youth community to speed up the
digital transformation, to design the required spaces and adequate facilities for digital edutainment, and to establish a platform for the youth community to upskill and produce future talents. The youth reportedly have difficulties adapting to the rapid digital transformations in IR 4.0. due to the absence of training facilities and the lack of exposure in the current educational system. Hence, the development of "Youthopia" as an architectural solution could enhance the community centre's functions in the future. Using the immersive technology of Extended Reality (XR), the users of "Youthopia" would come and experience an immersive realm with the manifestations of the digital and physical spaces. This design facility encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) to make learning an entertaining endeavor. Hence, this architectural design proposal provides inclusive edutainment spaces in time for Industrial Revolution 4 (IR4.0) transformation.