Web-3, Metaverse & Architecture
- Mark Lafond, RA
- Sep 3, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 31
Integration of Web-3 Technologies into Architectural Practice
Internet magazine Archicgi recently published an article; Can a 3D Model be an NFT and Why Should Architects Create 3D Models of Buildings for Metaverse? This captivating piece looks at this amazing technology and the key benefits it may provide to architects and design firms.
Moreover, in addition to the 5 areas examined in this article, there are other benefits which OpDes Architecture is closely examining with our development of Smart Building and Smart Cities as it relates to the 4th Industrial Revolution and the AEC industry.
As in the case of Smart Buildings, the Metaverse plays a vital role in the use of virtual environments as an added feature for these new building types which integrate Energy Independent Closed-Loop Technologies, AI, and Robotics as the next stage in the evolution of architecture. However, instead of the use of VR goggles, spaces themselves will be able to provide for the end user's immersion into alternate "holodeck" type experiences.
Where can the metaverse play a role in this?
Architects can create a near-infinite number of customizable spaces that can be designed to the needs of the end user. These customizable spaces can be transferred to the metaverse, and cryptographically secured and tokenized on high TPS networks such as Hedera and rendered and broadcasted on multimedia bandwidth-centric networks such as the Theta Network.
The ability to process real-time renderings that are customizable requires processing capability that can only be achieved on networked systems, such systems as those mentioned previously are achievable with such networks where 3D digital objects can be purchased, rented, or leased in a virtual space where users can acquire these 3D objects to customize their spaces.
There are many applications for the use of this technology. For example, architects can put these 3D digital objects on NFT platforms for the gaming industry, or the AEC industry where other design firms can utilize these models in B2B applications.
Or, in various stages of design development, digital models can be developed on these networks in real-time, render spaces with built-in physics, materials, lighting and provide for design changes with direct collaboration and participation of clients and building owners.
This "do-it-yourself" capability can free up hundreds of hours spent on designing and redesigning models for clients that don’t have CAD and model building capability.
The integration and migration of professional services to the metaverse allow architects the ability to both add value and profit from their professional expertise. This applies specifically to 3D models that meet building codes. This feature is practically non-existent in the gaming industry. Models that meet building codes not only add value to virtual reality but to physical reality as well, enabling these models to have tokenized real-world capability and value.
For example, Fortnite is one of the best examples of how design professionals can leverage their intellectual property, which lies dormant on their company hard drives. Such firms keep their digital models (valued at hundreds of man-hours worth of labor) that are used once and never again. This unrealized value scenario equates to lost revenue and royalties on a firm’s balance sheet when taking the capabilities of Web-3 into consideration.
Furthermore, by leveraging the technologies of Web-3, these stagnant 3D models can be reborn to become tokenized digital assets for A/E firms. A new value proposition for the coming $ Quadrillion Web-3 financial system.
Fortnite, an online video game developed by Epic Games, was released in 2017 and has since gained a massive user base. It is known for its unique combination of gameplay elements, in which users can customize their experience, build environments, and interact with other players in real time.
Moreover, it is also known for its vibrant and ever-changing in-game world development, as well as its evolving real-world scenarios and events that introduce new content, challenges, and built environment changes. The game itself is free to play but generates revenue through in-game purchases of 3D modeled objects. Fortnite is a major cultural phenomenon in the world of e-sports and online gaming, although it’s still in its infancy with its full integration into Web-3.
As reported in the Forbes article, "Fortnite' World Cup: By The Numbers", there are an estimated:
$30 million: The total prize pool.
$100 million: Amount in prizes that Epic Games will give out over the course of 2019.
250 million: Number of Fortnite players since its launch in 2017.
$15 billion: Epic Games’ valuation following a $1.25 billion funding round last fall.
Additionally, with the initial launch of OpDez Architecture's Web-3 NFT collection, we are thrilled to announce this significant milestone with the planned release of 100 Power Pyramids NFTs on HashAxis!
NFTs are unique digital tokens secured on a blockchain that represent proof of ownership of a specific item, including digital art, collectibles, music, virtual and actual real estate, and more.
Power Pyramids is a new asset class of buildings designed specifically for the creation of Smart Cities. OpDes Architecture has been exclusively selected to design these proprietary buildings under a research and development project under private investment. It is a first-of-a-kind building type that enables clean energy node technologies that provide surrounding legacy buildings access to sustainable energy sources.
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