Over the past few years, the design of studio sets for TV broadcast has been undergoing a technological revolution, which maybe paves the way for the augmented realities we might soon inhabit off-screen too. The innovations afoot are worth a bit of scrutiny as they stand at the vanguard of what might become commonplace in the much heralded ‘metaverse’. But what are the new rules of the game and what does the future hold for set design?

In February 2020, just before the Covid-19 lockdown, Oliver Salway was invited to speak at the Eco-Visionairies symposium at the Royal Academy, London.

What roles may virtual realities play towards reducing global consumption and emissions? What can replace the invaluable benefits travel has brought us? Could we become satisfied with virtual bucket list thrills? And, could virtual realities become the final sanctuary of architectural expression? If the profligate use of resources required for expressive buildings becomes indefensible, could virtual realities become a legitimate low carbon outlet for all that architectural imagination instead?

A short film by Oliver Salway that imagines a future where humanity has chosen to embrace a simpler existence to avert climate catastrophe. The piece was highly commended by the judges of Dezeen's Redesign the World competition powered by Twinmotion. In it, Salway imagines a future where people idolise eco-warriors instead of social media influencers, cut out long-distance travel and build simpler structures using materials such as wood and ceramics instead of concrete and steel.

A short talk given by Oliver Salway to the RIBA ‘Guerrilla Tactics’ conference in November 2019. Guerrilla Tactics is the RIBA's annual flagship event for small and medium sized architectural practices. The event provides a wealth of insightful information with a focus on essential business skills for architects, and how they can develop their practices through innovation.