Recently, a team of Dar professionals came together to design the pilot project Dar HQ in the metaverse and is now looking to further Dar’s design capabilities to include 3D virtual spaces in the metaverse. Leading the initiative is Dar architect Raymond Boustany, bringing his optimistic mindset to a challenging but promising venture.

We asked Raymond to tell us more about what the metaverse is and what possibilities it holds for businesses and communities alike.

What is the metaverse and what opportunities does it present us with?

Raymond: Enter the metaverse, a three-dimensional world where the Internet comes alive. It's a place where people can socialize, play games, attend concerts, and work together. Imagine a multiplayer game where players can fully immerse themselves and enjoy limitless possibilities.

With new developments comes the need for specialized design and planning services for various domains, including retail, workplaces, events, and gaming. And this is where Dar comes in. Similar to our existing services in the physical world, we can extend and develop a unique set of skills and tools that can then be applied in this virtual world.

The metaverse provides businesses with an opportunity to innovate and experiment with new technologies, products, and services. Nike, Gucci, Samsung, and other major brands have created games around their products in Decentraland, Sandbox, Roblox and others to attract users, build familiarity and trust. It's a winning strategy that finally results in a purchase of a physical or digital product. The metaverse also offers a platform for cultural exchange, social impact initiatives, and civic engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion among communities.

In this digital world, there are no physical limitations, and therefore, the best use of this space is to create unimaginable places that users will want to visit to experience something new. Currently, the metaverse is mostly accessed via mouse and keyboard, but AR/VR headsets are becoming more user-friendly, and haptic suits that allow users to feel what their avatars feel are being developed. As we become more immersed in the 3D virtual realm, we'll be able to see, touch, feel and even taste and smell, thus blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds even more.

Who is the metaverse for?

Raymond: As the world continues to shift towards a more digital age, companies and brands must adapt to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape. With millennials being the largest generation in the United States, it's no surprise that businesses are looking to connect with this demographic. These tech-savvy individuals spend most of their time online, making it essential for brands to meet them where they are. In order to effectively engage with this younger audience, companies are exploring new ways to connect with them. The metaverse is one such innovation that is gaining traction among brands and businesses alike.

Can you tell me more about Dar HQ and how it came to be?

Raymond: In 2022, I began exploring the possibilities of the metaverse by working on several pilot projects at Dar. However, everything changed when we received an email from Angela Kunz about a metaverse competition in October of that same year: the Metaverse Architecture and Design (MAD) Awards. The competition had a category for the future of the workplace in the metaverse, and it was an opportunity that Dar couldn't pass up.

With the necessary approvals in place, we began developing a representation of what our HQ could look like in Monaverse, one of the many metaverses available. Together with Dar architects and designers Michel Farhat, Sara Makki, Jad Karam, and Melessa Salem, we developed a concept, sketches, mood board, and initial 3D models. We then collaborated with freelancers to enhance our models and meet the competition requirements.

The result was an incredible experience that showcased Dar's skills in the metaverse. We were named finalists in the competition and are eagerly awaiting the final results in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed!

Congratulations! Are there any plans to develop this project further? Or perhaps expand to new territories?

Raymond: Of course! Every metaverse has its own set of rules, development possibilities, and limitations. Dar's future plans for this project will depend on the plans that Monaverse's team has in mind for the future. Luckily, Monaverse is continuously working on new features, and Dar is excited to incorporate them into this project or any future ones.

Dar's initial journey into the metaverse has been an exciting one, and we’re looking forward to what the future holds. The metaverse presents incredible opportunities for businesses to innovate, collaborate, and create unique experiences. With our team's skills and creativity, Dar is well-equipped to continue exploring the possibilities of the metaverse and creating groundbreaking virtual spaces.

Speaking of possibilities, can you tell me more about how the metaverse can benefit clients, businesses and communities?

Raymond: In the metaverse, clients can socialize with other users, creating a sense of community and building relationships with like-minded individuals. This virtual space can be accessed from anywhere in the world, providing clients with greater accessibility and convenience compared to physical stores. The metaverse even incorporates gaming elements, such as rewards and achievements, to make the experience more fun and engaging for clients.

For businesses, the metaverse provides an opportunity to engage with customers in a more immersive and interactive way, creating a deeper connection with the brand. By gaining greater insights into customer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns, businesses can use this data to inform their decisions and create new revenue streams.

Communities can benefit from the metaverse by collaborating on projects, hosting events, and engaging in immersive educational experiences. The metaverse provides a space for communities to come together and enjoy themselves in a fun and engaging way. The metaverse even provides a platform for wellness and self-care. With virtual experiences and activities that promote mental and physical health, the metaverse offers a unique opportunity for individuals to focus on their wellbeing in a new and innovative way.

What are some of the challenges of creating these shared virtual spaces?

Raymond: While the metaverse offers many advantages, such as sustainability and convenience, there are concerns around waste, mining for resources, transportation of goods, cybersecurity issues and the centralization of power. It's important to take a balanced approach and conduct our own research in order to fully assess the challenges we may face.

Finding the right skills internally at Dar can be a daunting task, but it is essential to build a team that can tackle the challenges of the metaverse. We need to identify team members who are passionate about the metaverse and willing to take on additional responsibilities. Managing this process across all offices and online requires careful planning and execution. However, the result will be a team that is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the metaverse.

On top of that, learning new skills is just the first step. Putting them to the test requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to keep moving forward despite setbacks. I believe that with the right mindset, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. Similar to Dar’s culture, the metaverse team will cultivate a culture of openness to learning, hard work, dreaming big, and perseverance. By building a team that embodies these values, we can conquer any challenge and thrive in the ever-evolving world of the metaverse.

What type of skills are we talking about here? What can we do with the technology we have right now, and how can we prepare for any new technologies that may arise in the near future?

Raymond: An article on the future of architecture in the metaverse has sparked my interest in this revolutionary technology. The article discusses how the architects of the metaverse must have both design and coding skills to succeed in this digital landscape.

In terms of design, we have the right people for the job at Dar. However, we need to acquire the necessary tools and software to further design and model for the various metaverses available. Skills to leverage AI and design tools such as Midjourney, DALL-E, Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine, and others will be critical to our success.

Coding, on the other hand, requires an extensive list of skills. Fortunately, based on surveys conducted among our fellow engineers across all offices, we have the talent and skills necessary to tackle this challenge. Dar's metaverse team will be home to staff from different disciplines, and together, we will develop the right skills and stay up to date with emerging technology.

So, what are the next steps for Dar’s metaverse initiative?

Raymond: As part of our ambitious 5-year plan, in 2023 our goal is to identify and onboard potential metaverse team members and develop the skills necessary to build Dar's Campus for various activities that serve our company, staff, clients, and communities.

To achieve this goal, we will work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that our vision aligns with their needs and expectations. We will develop and test our ideas with care and attention to detail, ensuring that our campus is a truly immersive and engaging experience for all who visit it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Raymond: I would like to express my gratitude to Dar’s management for their willingness to explore the possibilities of the metaverse, their openness to innovation, and their unwavering support.