Excited to announce that 🚀 I’ve just applied for Catalyst Fund 13 to bring a groundbreaking project to life: putting architectural data on-chain using #Cardano. I need your feedback and support to make this happen! 🏗️ #Web3 #DePIN

🛠️ The issue: Construction data is fragmented and non-interoperable, causing miscommunication, delays, and inefficiencies. The lack of transparency makes it difficult for stakeholders to collaborate effectively.

🔗 The solution: By using blockchain, we can securely store and share digital architectural data. This will increase transparency and improve coordination for real-world building projects, making construction faster and more efficient. #BlockchainForGood

🧑‍💻 The project will leverage #Cardano’s decentralised infrastructure to create a DApp that tokenises architectural data as NFTs. This will ensure data integrity and accessibility, transforming the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry.

🌍 Why Cardano? With its focus on sustainability, scalability, and a strong community, Cardano is the perfect platform to host this project. Together, we can push the boundaries of blockchain’s potential beyond finance. #CardanoCommunity

💬 I’m asking for your feedback and support to get this funded! Your votes, comments, and shares are crucial to the success of this project. Let’s build the future of decentralised architecture, one block at a time. #CatalystFund

⚡ Follow along for updates on this journey as we revolutionise how architectural data is handled and shared. Please spread the word and help us get the votes we need! Link on button below and in my X/Twitter Bio if you follow me @sharedculture

🌐 #Blockchain #AEC #Cardano

Copy of Submission:

Architectural Data on Cardano

Idea description:

Problem -

Construction data is fragmented and non-interoperable, causing inefficiencies, miscommunication, and delays. Lack of transparency complicates accountability and compliance tracking.

Main applicant:

Adam Winstanley - Founder of ArchFuture Labs

Requested funds in ada:

94,634 ADA

Project duration:

3 months

Solution to the problem:

We will put digital architectural data on the blockchain, enabling secure sharing across stakeholders. This ensures transparency, data integrity and efficient collaboration in real-world Architecture.

Project’s output to be fully open source:

We will bring together stakeholders from the AEC sector to build a proof of concept which delivers a DAPP that can be used for fully compliant Architectural data. This will be piloted with real-world use cases in Scotland. Our project aims to maintain an open-source foundation, allowing public modification and sharing of architectural data. However, to accommodate asset holders with commercial data, a second closed-source layer will be developed for future production, adhering to legal and industry standards. This balance ensures both transparency and privacy for everyone involved.

Proposed solution:

Our solution is to develop the Proof of Concept for a DApp on Cardano that uses NFTs to securely store and verify architectural data, creating an open-source yet compliant ecosystem. Stakeholders will be able to tokenise architectural plans, fostering transparency and ensuring data immutability. We will utilise existing applications and solutions on Cardano wherever possible, such as using IAGON for the cloud storage aspect.

Define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community:

This project will democratise access to architectural data, which have never been published on Blockchains before, benefitting the wider RWA growth on Cardano, encouraging adoption across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Impact will be measured by the number of stakeholder inputs, engagement and endorsement with contracts/partnerships & uploaded datasets and user feedback from pilot projects.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

We have extensive knowledge of the Architectural Engineering and Construction industry, including Architectural practice data from retired practitioners that can be used. The team has the most cutting edge technology in CAD and Building information modelling system as well as close ties to companies, supply chain, authorities and professional networks that will contribute to the trust and accountability of the work.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1 (Month 1):

Initial Stakeholder Engagement & Research:

Conduct interviews with key stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors).

Engage industry professionals and suppliers to assess data-sharing needs and pain points.

Begin the digitalisation of core architectural data to prepare for blockchain integration.

Milestone 2 (Month 2):

Event Participation & Public Feedback:

Host a feedback event with industry professionals and suppliers, showcasing the proof of concept.

Collect feedback from the general public on usability and the broader impact of blockchain in construction.

Continue digitalising building operational data that will be used post-construction (e.g., maintenance schedules, occupancy data).

Milestone 3 (Month 3):

DApp Testing & Digitalization of Operational Data:

Complete testing of the DApp concept with real-world architectural data from completed buildings.

Finalise the digitalisation of post-construction building data for operational use cases.

Integrate feedback from events into the DApp design for production ready specs, making improvements for future development.

Final Milestone (End of Month 3):

Global Presentation & Developer Handoff:

Host a final event to present the completed proof of concept to the public, industry professionals, and developers.

Showcase the DApp’s capabilities for managing and sharing architectural and operational data on the blockchain.

Provide documentation and open-source code for developers to build on and expand the solution.

Engage with key industry players to explore adoption and future collaboration opportunities for scaling the project.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project lead - Adam Winstanley:

Adam Winstanley is the founder of Where is the Data? Ltd which runs Architectural technology and founded ArchFuture Labs, a forward-thinking company that merges creativity with technological innovation. Based in Scotland, Adam has an extensive background in architectural practice, honed through years of experience working with innovative design and construction solutions. His deep understanding of both the technical and creative sides of architecture, combined with a passion for blockchain and web3 technology, positions him as a pioneer in revolutionising how architectural data is managed and shared.

Adam has been involved in the crypto space since 2012 and has been an active participant in the Cardano ecosystem since 2022. As an engaged community member in the DePIN (Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Networks) space.

Team roles:

Blockchain Developer:

Responsibilities: Developing the DApp design, smart contracts, and NFT integration on Cardano. They will handle the technical side of putting architectural data on-chain, ensuring data security and immutability.

Skills Needed: Experience with Cardano blockchain, Plutus programming, Haskell, and blockchain architecture.

Front-End Developer:

Responsibilities: Building the user interface for the DApp design, ensuring ease of use for architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. They will also integrate the front-end with the blockchain.

Skills Needed: Proficiency in JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular, and experience working with blockchain APIs.

Back-End Developer:

Responsibilities: Managing the server-side logic, ensuring data integrity and security between users and the blockchain. They will also handle user authentication and data retrieval.

Skills Needed: Knowledge of blockchain integration, server management, and experience with Cardano or similar decentralised infrastructures.

UI/UX Designer:

Responsibilities: Designing an intuitive user interface that simplifies interaction with the blockchain. They will focus on making the DApp user-friendly for non-technical stakeholders in the AEC sector.

Skills Needed: Experience in UI/UX design for DApps or complex applications, knowledge of blockchain interaction design.

Legal & Compliance Consultant (Architecture):

Responsibilities: Ensuring that the architectural data complies with building regulations, data privacy laws, and other legal frameworks relevant to construction. This role is key for managing commercial datasets.

Skills Needed: Knowledge of building codes, data protection regulations, and intellectual property laws related to architectural data.

Marketing & Outreach Specialist:

Responsibilities: Promoting the project to the architectural and construction communities, managing public relations, organising events, and engaging with potential users to raise awareness.

Skills Needed: Marketing experience within the tech or construction sector, public relations, event planning, and community engagement.

Event Coordinator:

Responsibilities: Organising events to showcase the project to stakeholders, industry professionals, and developers. They will handle logistics, invitations, and overall event execution.

Skills Needed: Event planning, coordination experience, and strong networking abilities.

Testing & QA Specialist:

Responsibilities: Overseeing the testing phase, ensuring that the DApp functions as expected and that architectural data is accurately stored and retrieved. They will gather user feedback for continuous improvement.

Skills Needed: Experience in DApp testing, QA processes, and working with beta testers.

Data Integration Specialist:

Responsibilities: Integrating architectural data with the blockchain solution, particularly focusing on the digitalization of operational data post-construction. They will ensure that the data is usable in real-world contexts.

Skills Needed: Experience in data management, blockchain integration, and working with building operations data.

Content Writer & Documentation Specialist:

Responsibilities: Writing technical and user documentation for the DApp design, ensuring that developers and end-users can easily understand and use the system. This role will also handle public-facing content like blog posts and press releases.

Skills Needed: Strong writing skills, experience in technical documentation, and blockchain familiarity.

Adam Winstanley will endeavour to reduce the above role involvement to keep the budget low and since the app is a design, proof of concept, there should not need to be extensive time spent in development at this stage. Therefore we should be able to coordinate resources from contributors and save time and money.

[BUDGET & COSTS]

Development Costs:

Blockchain Developer: £16,845

Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer, UI/UX Designer

Legal & Compliance:

Legal Consultant: £1,944

Marketing & Events:

Marketing & Outreach Specialist: £5,183

Event Coordinator

Testing & Integration:

Testing & QA Specialist: £5,831

Data Integration Specialist

Content & Documentation:

Content Writer & Documentation Specialist: £1,000

Adam Winstanley’s Time & Company Expenses:

Project leadership, coordination, and management: £6,479 - Oversee the project, liaise with contractors, and ensure timely delivery of the proof of concept.

IT & Hardware: £2,592 - Costs related to maintaining and upgrading IT systems, software, and hardware required for the project.

Telecoms: £1,296 - Expenses for phone, internet, and communication tools used during the project.

Transport & Travel: £1,944 - Transportation costs for attending meetings, events, and other related travel.

Office Expenses: £2,592 - Rent, utilities, and other overhead costs.

We will be working with trusted partners, consultants and contractors that we have used in the past and local business to streamline and reduce costs. Where possible I will utilise Cardano Network contractors whom we have been working with on projects and App development in the past. I will use only reputable and established businesses for all the Architectural, Engineering and construction roles and tasks.

We will have a full budget breakdown and project management system published throughout the project which will clearly explain how each component and how this supports the project’s objectives. This will show value for money and effective use of the funds for building, testing, and scaling the project for future development as well as reduce risk of overspending.

As the project is priced in UK GBP and current ADA price, then we may be able to do more than expected, should ADA value increase before project start in 2025. Should this happen we will ask the contributors and community where extra resources should be spent.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The project will benefit the Cardano community and foster innovation, aligning with Fund 13’s goals for long-term sustainability and potential for growth. It will also open up collaboration with other RWA projects and infrastructure related to the property & land market, as well as manufacturing and supply chain in materials.

Innovative Use of Blockchain for Real-World Problems:

By bringing architectural data on-chain, we are tackling a widespread, real-world issue in the construction industry: the inefficiency and lack of interoperability in data management. This use case expands Cardano's potential beyond traditional financial services, demonstrating blockchain’s capabilities in solving industry-specific challenges.

Scalable and Repeatable Solution:

The proof of concept is designed to be scalable. Once established, the solution can be applied to various sectors of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry globally. The groundwork laid by this project will enable further development without needing excessive future funding for similar efforts, maximising the initial investment's impact.

Lean, Proof of Concept Approach:

We’ve strategically kept costs low by coordinating contributors and minimising role involvement where possible, while ensuring high-quality outputs. This lean approach provides value without overcommitting resources, allowing us to deliver a functional proof of concept with lower overheads.

Long-Term Ecosystem Impact:

By focusing on transparency, security, and decentralised data management, this project aligns with Cardano’s vision of building systems that provide value to users and developers. The use of Cardano’s blockchain infrastructure enhances its reputation for sustainability and scalability, encouraging wider adoption of blockchain technology in non-financial sectors.

Community Engagement and Open Source Contributions:

This project will involve the community throughout, from feedback events to open-source contributions. Engaging with the Cardano community ensures that the project evolves based on user needs, while also providing developers with a platform to expand upon. The open-source components will allow for future growth, adding value to the ecosystem as others build upon this foundation.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read the proposal, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback.

Let's bring Architecture to Cardano!

Adam Winstanley - Founder of ArchFuture Labs.