# Real-Time Virtual Connection Portals The PORTAL Project Virtually Connects European Cities By Josh Thompson-Persaud | Published 2021-06-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portal-project References: [luxurylaunches](https://luxurylaunches.com/travel/futuristic-portals-in-europe.php) & [portalcities.org](https://portalcities.org/) The [PORTAL](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebook-portal-go) project uses a physical multimedia fixture to virtually connect European cities over large distances. The portals, which act like [public webcams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telepresence-observation-pavilion), have a futuristic, sci-fi design reminiscent of technology from Doctor Strange or Stargate. The PORTAL project uses these massive circular doors that have integrated virtual technology to connect residents in real-time over the Internet. The PORTAL project currently connects Vilnius, Lithuania to Lublin, Poland. The two portals in these cities are located in publicly accessible areas to encourage residents to make use of them. Benediktas Gylys, the PORTAL project's founder, aims to increase [empathy and understanding between people](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-exhibition) in order to contribute to better long-term solutions for major societal issues. The PORTAL project has future plans to include connections between Vilnius and Reykjavik, Iceland as well as London, England. Image Credit: Luxury Launches ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.0/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Real-time Virtual Connection:** Opportunity to develop new virtual communication platforms using physical multimedia fixtures that connect people over large distances. - **Integrating Virtual Technology with Physical Structures:** Opportunity to create multimedia fixtures integrated with virtual technology that can connect communities in real-time and promote empathy and understanding between people. - **Futuristic Design in Technology:** Opportunity to develop advanced, futuristic designs in technology that bridge physical and virtual spaces to connect people in real-time across different cities globally. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architectural and Infrastructure Design:** Opportunity to incorporate virtual and multimedia technology in architectural and infrastructure design to create innovative and interactive public spaces. - **Virtual Communication and Collaboration:** Opportunity to create new virtual communication and collaboration platforms for businesses, organizations and individuals that bridge geographical distances. - **Social and Civic Engagement:** Opportunity to create new ways for individuals to connect with other communities globally and contribute to better long-term solutions for major societal issues. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Portal Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-portal-galleries.md) - [Full-Body Hologram Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portl-epic.md) - [Immersive Video Communication](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tonari-portals.md) - [Arctic Portal Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arctic-portal.md) - [Real-Time Hologram Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holoport.md) - [Sleek Holographic Communication Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holographic-communication-device.md) - [In-Situ Circular Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portal-by-decibel.md) - [Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portalm-x-virtual-fashion-exhibition.md) - [Sci-Fi-Themed Metallic Potty Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-portal.md)