Prop-Tech Startup
Creativity and innovation are the true building blocks of creating a better tomorrow.
The story of our next guest displays the creativity that comes with thinking outside the box.
Firstly, let’s talk about MimAR.
“mimAR” is a start-up that uses Augmented (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to help their clients conceptualize a building before its construction. So, a virtual 3D model of their dream building before even a brick is set into place.
Mimar is the brainchild of NUST Alumni, Muhammad Naqi Ejaz, who was an architecture student at the School of Architecture and Design (SADA, NUST) up till 2018.
He wanted to do more than just design and so began his journey, of incorporating AR technology into the Architecture arena of Pakistan. His technology soon became a game-changer in the flourishing Real Estate market of Pakistan.
Their name’s origins lie in the Turkish word ‘Mimar’ which means ‘Architect’. They have also wittingly incorporated AR into their name, summing up their company’s focus. From designing the actual architecture of the building to its 3D real-life visualization to the marketing of a brand, they do it all.
For many decades, architecture has been indeed considered a unique job, even more so, as a field to build a future in.
But with changing times, Pakistanis have embraced not only the architects but also the creation and maintenance of the stunning structures of stones and walls they create.
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Pakistan’s architecture has always been a mix of historic Islamic arch-itecture and clean modern designs, leaning more towards the Islamic style of architecture. We often find our mosques and historical buildings to have more arches, painted glasses, domes, and minarets.
Faisal Mosque might just be the best example if we go looking for the rising Pakistani architecture. The mosque's architect aimed at keeping the mosque modern with a touch of medieval Islamic styles, to achieve a concept that best reflected the Pakistani people's aspirations.
Going and growing with the new times, the people of Pakistan have absorbed the significance of art and how crucial of a role it plays in constructing the identity of a nation. With this being stated, it is quite clear that the scope of architecture is certainly growing as well with each passing day.
Today, Pakistan aspires to become a geo-economic state. An important factor in making this goal a reality would be to have a great tourism market. Tourism and architecture are interlinked. Art has the power to join people across geographical borders and is the face of a country’s people and their culture.
Architects will be furthering the effect by exhibiting our culture’s diversity and displaying the innovative potential of our nation.
Architects are artists, to put it simply. They create, design, and bring to life people’s dreams by building houses, roads, and other unique masterpieces. Creating a structure that people can step on and live in requires a creative streak and in the case of mimAR, an innovative streak as well.
It was Naqi’s innovative streak that has revolutionized the field of real estate in Pakistan. He had the brilliant idea of combining architectural design with augmented or virtual reality.
Incorporating this fast-growing form of technology does not only benefit the process of designing and planning but AR and VR ease and simplify the process, by allowing the designer to make any necessary amendments.
In Pakistan, MimAR is one of the major real estate companies to have adopted augmented reality. Now, to explain their work process a bit:
They begin by taking notes of the customer’s ideal building. Then, they design a 3D animated structure that their clients can visualize through augmented and virtual realities. In doing so, the clients get a life-like experience of what the final result would look like after it gets constructed.
Planning, designing, and constructing buildings is a messy process. It can be financially burdening as well for the client and the contractor. By virtually living through the project, beforehand, mistakes can be avoided and fixed, making the whole process a lot smoother.
Artificial Intelligence is the future around the world. Every field possible from education, health, communication to architecture, artificial intelligence, and different realities are bound to exist. Pakistan is dominating the world because of the tech-smart youth who is diving into the art of utilizing artificial intelligence in every aspect of life.
MimAR, again, is one such example of a brilliant Pakistani who managed to make it big, by thinking ahead of time. One unique aspect of MimAR is that it is a growth-oriented company. Therefore rather than just aiming for profit, they look for new and unique ideas to incorporate into their system.
In a similar search, they’ve been to several start-up competitions around the world. Recently, they attended the Property Expo in Istanbul and then, the Dubai Expo where they showcased their skills, their services and learned from other individuals in their field. The services they provide are still new in the hesitant Eastern market, which gets them positive reception and attention here as well.
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Just like the individuals working at mimAR, Pakistan has many youngsters with amazing brains and ideas, looking for a way to turn them all into reality. As the founder of mimAR, Naqi expressed, “It's not just about ideas and skills alone. It is the will to step up and execute your ideas that makes you successful.”
Therefore, if you are someone with big, bright ideas, step up and you’re sure to find a path. Or you might just pave one for the future generations. We wish you the best of luck!
