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Gamification is the implementation of game-like elements such as points and achievements to a traditionally non-gaming environment. One of the most popular uses for this method is the interface for electric cars that give the driver a score based on the fuel economy of a trip. The hope is that such changes can mold the driver’s behavior to be more efficient and sustainable. Even MindMixer, the site hosting Open Source Office, uses a scoreboard to distribute prizes and promote competition.

As Jane McGonigal proposed in her book "Reality is Broken", people dedicate billions of hours to video games each week, time that could be spent solving world problems. Architecture needs to utilize this new resource to solve problems and make architecture fun for the public.

For those who are skeptic about applying a gamerscore to a building, I'll give one great example of how gamificaton has made a difference: A group of scientists researching protein folding created an open-source game called "Fold-It". The goal was to simplify the science into a gaming platform to provide an educational tool for science classrooms and to crowd-source research. The game has already found new, more efficient protein structures and is providing a great learning tool for the sciences.

Gaming could also apply to professional life. One of Jane McGonigal's pinnacle examples of gaming in the workplace involves biking and health insurance costs. If your firm makes a game revolving around sustainable lifestyle, you can accumulate points from biking to work which in turn reduces your health insurance costs.

SketchUp is already like the popular indie game “Minecraft”, let’s take this concept to the next level!