The initiative “Artificial Realities: Virtual as an aesthetic medium in architectural ideation”, is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between ISTAR (Information Sciences, Technology and Architecture Research Centre, ISCTE-IUL) and the Virtual Reality Lab (NMBU- Norwegian University of Life Sciences).  Both universities will join to share expertise in the field of Virtual Reality. “Artificial Realities” is framed by the confrontation between rationality and efficiency related to virtual technologies applied to the architectural design process. The experience of architectural space and the state of contemplation and delight of the architectonic exercise will have a digital materialization. Since the fields of research of both groups coincide, ISTAR and NMBU will work together this core theme. By the end of the term, the results will be shared by publications.  Thus, the initiative will explore the ways in which virtual reality technologies can enable: i) designers to create immersive spaces that drive the users to escape to other realms in cutting-edge aesthetic experiences, ii) final-user/citizens to be engaged in urban design discussions. In this exploratory field, ISTAR want to be part of the international networks of researchers, being NMBU a partner of excellence to build a strong partnership through mobility programs, sharing labs and equipment and joint research tasks.  The project kick-off will be an international exhibition coupled with a one-day symposium, selected to be an Associated Project of Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2019, hosted by ISCTE Architecture School and organized by ISTAR on the 14th-18th of October 2019.