Dewan introduces Babel 4.0, the Middle East’s first architecturally inspired NFT
Dewan Architects + Engineers introduces Babel 4.0, the first architecturally inspired NFT from the Middle East. The culturally positive, forward-thinking and inclusive non-fungible token provides a futuristic experience for architects and designers in the metaverse. The firm sees the introduction of Babel 4.0 and NFTs as the next logical step as they experiment and research further into the metaverse and internet-of-things.
Ammar Al Assam, CEO of Dewan Architects and his team understand the importance of championing various backgrounds, cultures, visions and experiences, exemplified by the firm’s diverse multi-cultural team with over 50 nationalities represented. With these values in mind, Dewan Architects has created the Babel 4.0 NFT, a reinterpretation of the mythical Tower of Babel previously cited as, ‘A united human race in the generations following The Atrahasis (The Great Flood), speaking a single language, migrating westward, come to a land where they agree to build a utopian vertical city tall enough to reach the heavens and live in perpetual harmony’.
Al Assam says: “Our plan is to launch this NFT collection which will encourage academia, government bodies, architects, engineers, universities, material and product producers and the community to interact and exchange ideas in a virtual world. Babel 4.0 is a formal adaptation and interpretation of life today. Babel 4.0 is a modern metaverse where tower silos are created to provide a platform that connects digital communities to promote the overall greater good and collective advancement of its members. Babel 4.0 is not a physical building and intentionally opposes style, location, culture and budget but is a blank canvas for hybrid cultures. The proposed ‘helix’ propagates infinitely. Babel 4.0 is now available on OpenSea. The infinite-helix inspired Babel 4.0 encourages visitors to explore the entire community tower. Visitors always start their journey at the arrival communal space where they make connections and initial contact with others. Travelling anticlockwise, visitors ascend to exhibition and museum levels where they can exhibit their non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in a virtual museum. The public exhibition spaces are reserved for the members, the 100 initial invited ones, could be extended later.”
Interestingly, Babel 4.0 has no owners. The plots are occupied by members eager to express their culture and share their knowledge and relies solely on autonomous dialogue and exchange between its members. Visitors can dictate how long they stay in the tower by accessing and utilising various time zones and shortcuts. Babel has its own parliament and speaking corner where members discuss and share their thoughts. The information discussed and lessons learned can be used within the Metaverse but also in the real world.
The extraordinary non-profit community provides architects, designers, project managers and suppliers an inspiring space to connect from around the world. Circular movement within Babel constantly reinforces the sense of community. The tower is an infinite ramp suitable for various sensorial travel experiences. Stairs, slides and cables serve as shortcuts whilst elevator and teleportation transport responds effectively to long-distance journeys. The beautiful gardens just below parliament connect Babel 4.0 to the real world. The original Tower of Babel had 100 gates; 25 on each side. Dewan intends to create 100 NFTs as part of the Babel 4.0 collection, which will be donated to prominent academics and leaders in the fields of design and architecture. These NFTs can be used and exchanged for plots in the tower to access various exhibition or presentation spaces.
Metaverse architecture is the logical next step for Dewan. Dewan is developing a dedicated design research lab to support investors and virtual developers entering the Metaverse. By introducing various new elements into the traditional field of architecture such as gaming, hardware developers, coders, VFX specialists, and storytellers, Dewan truly bridges the gap of today’s architecture industry; the physical and the metaphysical.
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Dewan continues to grow with the opening of a new office in Cairo
The Expansion marks the multidisciplinary Architecture and Engineering Firm’s Ninth Office Across Three Continents. Cementing its continued expansion across the Middle East and North African markets, Dewan Architects + Engineers is inaugurating its newest office in Cairo, Egypt on September 1, 2021. Located on the East side of the Egyptian capital in the 5th Settlement area, the new location represents Dewan’s ongoing commitment to designing projects that enrich communities and delivering outstanding client service through the development of key relationships across the region. Dewan’s Cairo office will take on projects with a multidisciplinary approach, focussing on master planning, residential, mixed-use, and hospitality developments, with a number of new projects already underway.
“From redefining skylines to master planning thriving communities, Dewan’s holistic experience in design will positively contribute to Egypt’s burgeoning real estate market,” said Ammar Al Assam, CEO of Dewan. “Our commitment to creative design and sustainable development will further elevate Egypt as a premier destination to live, visit, and conduct business. The new office also represents a milestone in Dewan’s international success, along with its mission to expand its reach across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.”
Dewan’s expansion to Cairo comes at a time of significant growth for the city and the country overall, which is witnessing an increased demand for new developments in the residential and hospitality sectors –– especially as the Egyptian government scales up its investment in the tourism industry. Leveraging its experience designing thriving mixed-use developments, Dewan’s growing local team has already begun to service that need with the recent completion of the first phase of The Estates, SODIC’s latest luxury residential community featuring premium amenities including a spa and nursery, as well as retail space. The firm has also completed projects for one of the country’s prominent developers, Emaar Misir, with the successful delivery of two innovative new K-12 schools within the fully-integrated, eco-friendly community Mivida –– designed to further enhance the existing social infrastructure and promote development across the country.
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In pictures: Mamsha Al Saadiyat project in Abu Dhabi by Dewan
Dewan recently completed the Mamsha Al Saadiyat project in Abu Dhabi. Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District of Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat is a mixed-use development featuring luxurious homes, a family entertainment pier, beaches, parks, community facilities, and a boutique beach hotel.
The development is within walking distance of several world-class museums and luxury retailers, all while situated directly on the shores of pristine beaches. Situated within the vision of the overall Cultural District master plan, the development serves three diverse and critical groups to the region: residents, commercial visitors, and beachgoers. Through this project, Dewan created a memorable sense of place that captures the vitality and liveliness of the up-and-coming area, while simultaneously respecting the tradition of this lively district.
The development seamlessly integrates the public realm and beachfront into a distinct, residential experience while maintaining a private and secure environment. The residential units themselves were designed to promote connectivity with the community and nature; the open, flowing unit designs capture the relaxed character of the beach and the surrounding environment. Key design concepts, such as maximising views of the Gulf and nearby museums from outdoor terraces enhance the luxurious experience of residents.
Dewan’s design testifies to the firm’s ability to incorporate the context of a development’s surrounding culture and environment into the design and function of its structures. The development integrates with the city’s iconic institutions including the District Mall, the Guggenheim, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Zayed National Museum. Also, by incorporating amenities ranging from food and beverage destinations to family-oriented experiences including a park, promenade, plazas, and sikkas, Dewan’s allows Mamsha Al Saadiyat guests to feel as if they’re at a second home.
The Beach Promenade of Saadiyat Island, where Mamsha Al Saadiyat is located, provides a new gateway to the rapidly expanding city of Abu Dhabi. Enhanced transportation elements, including direct connections to Abu Dhabi International Airport and Downtown Abu Dhabi, make travelling to and from the new development seamless.
By designing the property for both residents and visitors to the city, Dewan created a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that accelerates the economic and social growth of the region, supported by both tourism and population growth. Beyond luxurious homes, Mamsha Al Saadiayt delivers numerous public spaces such as parks, plazas, and beaches.
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