Dewan Architects + Engineers Imagines Dubai’s First Dedicated Thought Space and Metaverse Design Research Lab

After the successful launch of Babel 4.0; the first architectural NFT from the Middle East that has garnered extensive interest from industry profressionals globally and in the region, Dewan introduces MAD (Metaverse Architecture Department); Dubai’s very own design research lab for everything from the Metaverse, internet of things (IoT), augmented reality (AR),  and artificial intelligence (AI).

Dewan Architects + Engineers has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s booming architectural design sector for close to four decades. Hence, metaverse architecture is the logical next step for Dewan. The practice has recently launched Babel 4.0 as an extraordinary non-profit library and thought space for architects, designers, project managers and suppliers to tap into from around the world. Dewan are in the midst of developing a dedicated design research lab to support digital investors and virtual developers.

Although the Metaverse is still very much in its infancy, it’s growing exponentially every day. Applications to realise the full potential of this alternative digital world are being developed and evolved at a rapid pace. The architects and engineers at Dewan aim to be positive contributors and critical players in the exciting new space. They strive to help shape the future through research, experimentation, and skill set development to operate in this domain.

Dewan believes that creating Babel 4.0 was pivotal to bringing the community together and tackling challenges. Dewan believes that to be successful, the understanding and commitment to creating a new and exciting sphere should be collaborative and that digital experts, designers and architects should work together. Sharing their knowledge and findings will speed up the process during its infancy.

Ammar Alassam, CEO and Mohammed Adib, Chief Design Officer, have created the new Metaverse and design research lab MAD (Metaverse Architecture Department). MAD aims to create and improve experiences by building Metaverse spaces as close to reality as possible to discover real-life immersive applications in the Metaverse. They are uniting a dedicated team of digital experts, architects and industry professionals from within Dewan and external esperts to focus on this entirely new domain.

MAD will be an independent, stand-alone body of Dewan forming a think-tank and a design team committed to forging strong partnerships with digital creators, software firms, Metaverse developers, universities, Metaverse architects and other related entities. The think-tank is where team members and external partners can share information and harness knowledge. Alassam and Adib will steer the committee of Dewan specialists and external advisors. The team will share successful findings and results on the Babel 4.0 platform so that industry peers can benefit from these outcomes.

Dewan’s ambition is to design to the same real-world high standards across the Metaverse. They strive to find alternative markets, encourage growth and develop their core competencies as one of the leading architectural design firms. Alassam and Adib invite each of the Dewan team and external members to share their knowledge and dialogue with the group. The steering committee will choose the core team carefully based on individual abilities and core knowledge to ensure a cohesive and creative culture.

Interestingly, the internet of things (IoT), augmented reality (AR),  artificial intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse are all slowly but surely becoming critical elements of good performance-based and enviromentally-responsive design. Working in the Metaverse is the next logical step in this exciting evolution. Bridging the gap between the real world and the Metaverse will encourage ideas that overlap both domains and positively contribute to designing better buildings and cities in the physical world. Developing digital design in the emerging Metaverse encourages societal value and potential commercial value. The Metaverse has no limits, gravity or restrictions, so many fields can be explored. Alassam and Adib will operate MAD to ensure disciplined time is dedicated to research.