Cities in the Metaverse

Written by: Andrew Hudson-Smith, Duncan Wilson and Valerio Signorelli

Cities in the Metaverse: Spatial Computing, Digital Twins, Avatars, Economics and Digital Habitation on the New Frontier offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between urban environments and digital realms. Drawing from architecture, computer science, urban planning, geography, social studies and economics, the authors provide a multidisciplinary analysis of how virtual cities are shaping our digital future.

The book examines the size and shape of cities in the Metaverse, spatial computing and its impact on digital interaction, digital twins in urban planning and management, avatars and social dynamics in virtual spaces, economic models emerging in the Metaverse, the influence of gaming on immersive digital landscapes, the impact of artificial intelligence on the Metaverse and potential futures of digital habitation.

Using key case studies, the authors trace the evolution from early cyberspace concepts to current spatial computing technologies, offering insights into both historical context and future possibilities. The book addresses key questions about the opportunities and challenges presented by metaverse technologies, including issues of accessibility, creativity and the future of humans and artificial intelligence co-existing in digital spaces. It serves as a practical guide, equipping readers with the knowledge they need to navigate the future of urban life in virtual environments.

The authors explore the concept of digital twins, demonstrating how these virtual replicas of physical spaces can revolutionise urban planning and management. They delve into the social aspects of the metaverse, examining how avatars shape interactions and relationships in digital realms. Economic considerations are central to the book, with an analysis of emerging models that often leverage blockchain technologies.

The book addresses the challenges, potential pitfalls and ethical considerations in creating and inhabiting digital cities. It examines abandoned digital worlds, offering lessons from past attempts at creating virtual spaces.

Cities in the Metaverse is published by Chapman & Hall (October 2025). The book is available in paperback (ISBN 9781032576695), hardback (ISBN 9781032576701) and as an e-book (ISBN 9781003440437).