Collaborative spaces: inhabited virtual 3D worlds

In recent years, the development of computer hardware, software and network infrastructure have improved digitally based interactions between individuals, separated geographically. Interactions between members of virtual communities have included socializing, game playing, sharing information and collaborative work. This chapter will introduce Internet based multi-user systems from a theoretical as well as a practical perspective, giving some “real-life” examples of the implemented systems Karlskrona2 and Wolfsburg2. The focus is on urban, local contexts.1