‘The Hunt’ Reimagines the ‘Architect’s Shelter’ Through Virtual Reality

Pushing the boundaries of architectural creativity, The Hunt VR exhibition brought an immersive showcase of design innovation to Miami Design Week and Art Basel Miami Beach. Hosted by Architecture Hunter, a Brazilian media platform dedicated to celebrating exceptional architecture, the exhibition featured ten globally acclaimed firms, including South Africa’s SAOTA, who presented a cave-like sanctuary with elements of magic realism. Each firm responded to the theme of ‘the architect’s shelter,’ reimagined without the constraints of physical reality.

SAOTA, an internationally recognised practice with projects spanning six continents, is known for its innovative approach to design. Its contribution to The Hunt emerged from an internal design competition, with the winning team led by Senior Associate Kerian Robertson. “Without the limits of reality, we were able to push the boundaries of creativity and be playful in our interpretation of the brief,” said Robertson. “We firmly embedded the design within Table Mountain providing panoramic views of Cape Town and beyond to highlight our company's roots here. Being part of a global stage like this alongside some of the world’s best architects is a true honour.”

The Hunt was originally conceptualised in 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It made its debut earlier this year at Milan Design Week before arriving in Miami. Using advanced CGI and virtual reality technology, the exhibition invited visitors to explore ten utopian interpretations of the theme. Participating architects included Kengo Kuma (Japan), StudioMK27 (Brazil), WOHA (Singapore), Yodezeen (Ukraine), and 3XN (Denmark), among others.

Architecture Hunter, founded in 2013 as an Instagram page, has grown into a leading digital platform with a global audience. Known for curating architectural content that blends creativity, innovation, and storytelling, the platform seeks to highlight the essential role of architecture in shaping how we live and interact with the world. The Hunt exemplifies this mission, exploring the diverse ways architects envision spaces of retreat and reflection when freed from practical constraints.

The exhibition not only showcased imaginative interpretations but also demonstrated the transformative potential of virtual reality in the field of architecture. By removing limitations like gravity and seasonal changes, VR allows architects to explore uncharted possibilities and expand the dialogue around what design can achieve. The Hunt offered a glimpse into a future where technology fosters a more participatory and adaptive architectural practice.

This innovative project further underscores SAOTA’s reputation as a global leader in contemporary architecture. With a team of dynamic leaders—Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, and others—the firm consistently delivers projects that balance bold creativity with a deep respect for context and functionality.

The Hunt VR exhibition was showcased at Dell Anno Miami during Design Week, continuing its world tour of architectural innovation.

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Rachel Briant
PR Manager
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