At Miami Design Week and Art Basel Miami Beach, South African architecture firm SAOTA made a significant mark by participating in The Hunt VR exhibition, a groundbreaking showcase that explored the theme of “The Architect’s Shelter” through virtual reality (VR). The exhibition, curated by the Brazilian platform Architecture Hunter, featured ten top global architecture firms, with SAOTA standing out for its imaginative, cave-like sanctuary design, blending magic realism with stunning panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
SAOTA, renowned internationally for its context-sensitive designs, approached The Hunt with a bold, creative vision. Their contribution was the result of an internal design competition, led by senior associate Kerian Robertson. Reflecting on the experience, Robertson noted how VR allowed the team to push creative boundaries and explore architecture beyond physical constraints. “Being part of a global stage like this is a true honour,” he said, highlighting the firm’s connection to its Cape Town roots.
The Hunt exhibition used advanced CGI and VR technology to offer visitors immersive, utopian interpretations of the “architect’s shelter,” designed by firms from around the world, including Kengo Kuma (Japan), StudioMK27 (Brazil), WOHA (Singapore), and 3XN (Denmark). These visionary designs freed architects from limitations like gravity and weather, opening up new possibilities for futuristic and adaptive architecture.
Founded in 2013, Architecture Hunter aims to highlight architecture’s role in shaping both our environments and interactions. The Hunt exemplifies this mission, showing how VR can create spaces for retreat and creativity, untethered from traditional constraints.
For SAOTA, this exhibition further establishes their global leadership in architecture, combining cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for context and place. Their continued participation in The Hunt underscores their position at the forefront of architectural innovation.
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