Worldbuilding of transmedial worlds: Architectural representations in Middle Earth

Transmedia storytelling emerged as a result of the convergence culture between different media and the changing nature of storytelling. It is possible to trace its roots in a wide range of fictional worlds, from Homer's Iliad to Tolkien's Middle-earth. In today's digital age, rapidly advancing technological developments and the importance of branding have made the use of fictional worlds, especially within the entertainment industry and transmedia, increasingly attractive. At the same time, the interactive nature of storytelling has enabled consumers to take on a participatory and active role.As brand systems continue to grow and evolve, there is a trend in the industry to construct a world around their own brands. In this context, J.R.R. Tolkien's secondary world of Middle-earth stands out as one of the most comprehensive and successful examples of world-building. The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of architectural tools within the scope of Middle-earth, based on Henry Jenkins' approach to the art of world-building in transmedia, on persuasive and immersive experiences. A survey was conducted for the research, and the results were evaluated from an architectural perspective.