Trends That Would Shape the Future of Architecture

Our surroundings influence our behavior is not an easy statement to say. Whether humans are evolved from apes or created by a supreme being (God), one thing is for sure we have come a long way from taking shelter under mountains to aspiring to build settlements on Mars. It is the in-built de-facto aspiration of humankind to work with or sometimes against the environment to build something out of it for our use. It is the same human aspirations that brought development and growth at the urban level. For the micro-environment level, it can be collectively true that spaces are capable of influencing human behavior but in context to the macro-environment level, it is the human aspirations and problems generated by those that kind of drive the template of living. That is why we plan and it is very much before the formalization of academics and professions, the general intentions being sustaining life forms, accommodating the needs of the growing human population, and curbing the entropy associated with that. In context to this, the future of architecture seems to be dominated by technology. The growing entropy of the human population is creating greater complexities that require technological interventions to fix the adverse effects associated with them. However, other factors like community sentiments and government interventions can also play an important stake in the future of architecture, expanding on the above-stated conclusions following are the trends that could shape the future of architecture - 

Sustainability- Architecture for a Better World

1.Vernacular 

Vernacular architecture is defined by the use of traditional resources, materials, and knowledge. It is the built environment based on the needs of a community and is a direct representation of identity; it reflects traditions, culture, and religion. Vernacular architecture is rooted in a tradition that uses locally harvested and existing materials because of access to limited resources and encourages sustainable practices and principles. As Hassan Fathy says, “build your architecture from what is within your feets”. He truly admires and encourages the vernacular, and its techniques and defines it in one of the most alluring ways that inspire young architects to work on and shape new architectural trends which are sustainable for a long future.

To comply yourself to sustainability while designing a home read 10 Clever Tips to Design a Sustainable and Affordable Home
 

2.On-site Energy Usage Net Plus Buildings 

The emergence of a fast-paced economy is pushing energy as one of the most addressed concerns and this had influenced architecture as well. This has become a new trend to build up a structure that offers more energy conservation or is being rated by the concerned green rating systems in your region. Net plus buildings will incorporate methods that eventually save nature and have a minimum devastating environmental effect.

3.Recyclability or Innovating with New Materials

As technology is evolving, we are inspired to develop newer materials and experiment with their applicability, resistibility, durability, etc. This not only evokes one to think of recycling the resources but also to come up with innovative solutions that will surely bring up climate resilience and shall combat factors like climate change. 

Recyclability is one aspect of sustainability. To get a better understanding of the subject, please read 8 Eco-Friendly Ways to Make your Home More Sustainable

New Design Tools- Designing Beyond Boundaries

1. BIM (Building Information Modelling) 

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It is one of the most advanced trends that are responsible for completely changing the way architecture is being defined. This new technology does all of your work like creating and managing your construction projects throughout their life cycle. Being AutoCAD, a 1-D outdated design tool now, BIM is the easiest and most organized approach toward the new emerging trends in architecture. 

2. Parametric Design 

Parametric design is a design method where features are shaped according to algorithmic processes, in contrast to being designed directly. The components that make up parametric architecture are as follows: rejecting homogeneous utilitarianism by fusing complexity and variation. shared interests in fashion, interior design, urbanism, and the wonder of architecture. The notion of parametric architecture is that each component of a design is flexible and interrelated. This approach will give birth to complex and more exciting design iterations through its popularization in the future. 

3. Generative Design

Generative design for architecture is a new method of design that enables you to discover unexpected novel designs and navigate trade-offs between high-performing designs, sketch constraints, and goals rather than form and co-design between humans and computers. Data, the most important component in the high-tech economy can be a game changer in architecture too. Just imagine the design outputs an algorithm can generate having high-level data constraints as the prerequisites of the project. 

New Building Methodologies- Constructing a Better Future

1. Automation

Automation in architecture would be a revolutionary measure that will lessen the time used in building any structure. The automation will allow a non-interruptive and unhindered pace of work. Using innovative techniques and technology, the construction industry will change remarkably and allow the project to finish within the deadline. 

2. Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence will allow architecture to create complex living and data-driven places known as "smart homes." The next standard will be complex volumes that are highly efficient and not just cubes or cuboids, but also parametric plus kinetic design. With a substantial impact on project management, waste reduction, trash integration, and space planning, it will also help households contribute to the efficient operation of smart cities.

The future belongs to AI and architecture also will not be left untouched. Artificial Intelligence vs Architecture, Will AI Replace Architects?  

3. Robotic Construction 

The use of robotics in architecture and construction was once the stuff of science fiction. Now, it’s not only possible but it’s already being used on sites to create modern and elegant buildings. This technology possesses many advantages such as robots can often perform the same tasks much faster and can even work 24/7 on projects without getting fatigued. The technology is less prone to error; the products robots build are more consistent in shape, construction, and overall quality. They are also capable of performing perform dangerous construction tasks (like demolition or complex crane work), which lessens the risk of injury to human workers.

4. 3d Printer

3d printing has become a really powerful tool to not only develop prototypes of structures but also to develop them at a unified scale. These printers have allowed and contributed to finishing up a project in a minimum time frame. They have also enabled engineers and the construction industry to handle many projects at once allowing greater modularity and more design templates as options for customers.

5. Pre-Fabrication 

Pre-fabrication is undoubtedly the future of architecture when it comes to how we develop products for our architecture setup. It gives a better quality of details applied in a project compared to traditional practices and is more compatible with changing dynamics of machinic construction. 

Problem-Solving Approaches For Efficient and Impactful Architecture

1. High Urban-Density Living 

For now, building skyscrapers and tall structures seems to be a competition for countries around the world but in the upcoming future of humankind’s failure in achieving extraterrestrial living, this trend will emerge as a necessity. Also, in the tough future of elongated economic disparity land ownership will be the biggest contributor. Thus, the scientific concept of vertical villages and clustered units in construction touching the sky is likely to dominate urban living very shortly. Although, the solution to vertical living is a burden on our resources. The concept of usability per space and monitoring how many resources a space is consuming can be probable solutions to this issue. 

2. Plate Farming

With the increase in urbanization, we are losing more and more agricultural land and thus, the possibility to have scarcity of food and vegetation is increasing. Plate farming can be a revolutionary technology that will help grow more vegetation than in a natural settlement in a given space. It is encouraging vegetation on different floors and thereby, promotes agriculture through a truly innovative approach.

3. Circular Economy 

A circular economy entails minimizing the waste to possibly zero. This practice is also doing quite a round in architecture. Architects strictly focus on the smart use of finite resources and decoupling them by designing the second life of wastes generated from them. Modularity, creating materials with longer life spans, and naturalizing the building systems are the steps that can surely incorporate the concept of circular economy in any architecture project. 

The circular economy is just not meant to be a pointer, it should be a lifestyle. A circular lifestyle can give birth to multiple green homes. Read 9 Pro Tips to Build a Green and Healthy Home

Virtual Reality- Transforming Design Experience

1. Metaverse 

Metaverse architecture is the art and technique of designing structures in an immersive digital universe where people can interact with 3D models virtually. In the metaverse, architects typically reimagine existing structures in the digital realm — be it buildings, monuments, or your favorite work desk. This newer approach is specifically designed and customized as per the viewer’s approach and thus, can be interpreted by many different. Meta verse is helpful to make the user feel the importance of his perseverance in any design and the effective ambiance it deals with. 

Real-time Visibility among the Stakeholders involved in the Supply Chain 

1. Cloud Tools 

The global pandemic accelerated the ongoing shift towards virtualization. Through 2020-21, the cloud computing revolution took over nearly every industry, sector, and market worldwide. This shift towards remote working and cloud platforms is only bound to grow in 2022, with companies now adopting remote working as a full-time model. It has many benefits viz., easy operational management, reduced liability, no need for system administration, improved offline experience, lower costs, etc. Enhancing cloud platform capabilities through various technologies and tools is going to be the largest trend in 2022. There will also be multiple new applications for cloud technology that wasn’t possible before. The future would also see implications of data and real-time visibility on AEC, for this cloud computation is the way to go. 

2. Smart Workforce Integrated into the Construction 

Smart workforces would be a revolutionary change in architecture and the construction industry. Smart workers encourage an efficient work environment and minimum error chances during the execution of any project. These smart forces add other benefits like working 24/7, increasing productivity, reducing the overall cost of the project, ability to perform complex tasks, etc. Though there is an assumption that it will reduce the human workforce and may encourage unemployment.

3. IoT (Internet of Things) 

IoT architecture consists of the devices, network structure, and cloud technology that allows IoT devices to communicate with each other. A basic IoT architecture consists of three layers: perception (the sensors, gadgets, and other devices), network (the connectivity between devices), and application (the layer the user interacts with). These layers will help in the transformation of data into usable information enabling ease in data collection and processing. IoT is a real game changer in monitoring the architectural output for smart planning initiatives. 

IoT is the future and is the consequence of the growing influence of technology on the world. Know more by The More The World Is Growing Technology Is Getting Even Better

4. Blockchain

Among emerging trends toward newly developed techniques, blockchain has been one of the ways which eventually skyrocketed after the covid-19 outbreak. The blockchain architecture consists of various components such as peer networks, smart contracts, membership, events, ledgers, system integration, wallet, and system management. It incorporates and defines the transparency between the architect and the client and allows one to have real-time visibility of the project.

Smart Cities- Sustainable Urban Environments

1. Government Regulations

Contact with the government and its regulation has played a really important role in developing smart cities. The easier and faster action upon any contract has made the authorities to be eager for urbanization. In the Indian context, the norms and regulations by the government have been one of the driving factors in encouraging smart cities and their growth.

Extreme Living Conditions 

1. Interplanetary Living 

Since man first walked on the Moon, humanity has imagined inhabiting other planets, a dream fueled by fiction, architecture, and folk art. Currently, there is a real commitment to begin exploring Mars in the next decade. The architects are now involved with the scientist and the engineers to understand and develop the spaces that will make the human race sustainable on the other planetary object shortly. The aspects like an adequate amount of oxygen, food generation, and building a safer structure are the prior concern that is being studied before letting this happen.

2. Oceanic Habitats

With the rise in population, we are losing land mass at a very fast pace and if we keep constructing the agricultural land it will bring uncertainty to feed the nation therefore, oceanic habitats are considered one of the best ways to combat land loss in the future. Furthermore, with the rise in sea levels, an alternative to the land mass is an emergency for the cities in coastal areas. These oceanic habitats will have their environment, the agriculture methods as well as catering to the basic needs and the most innovative solutions for the same. Some of the emerging techniques include aeroponic farms, using humidifiers, encouraging the growth of corals, etc.

3. Underground Cities

The underground architecture is linked to the history of human beings as it was the first architecture to resort to it in the early days of human life for housing and protection within the ecosystem. However, life soon developed in various technological and construction fields with many disadvantages that contributed to influencing the ecosystem. These cities can now be developed as an alternative to letting the rising population. The recent advancement to the underground can be seen in the NEOM city, being developed in Saudi Arabia. The inspiration or the learning that can be taken from the city is how can we fit in the services underneath the ground and let the surface be used to encourage vegetation and build up places to live and work.

4. Architecture in-between War

Wars possess one of the most important and effective ways of defining architecture the building masses in between after we thought of it in a way that caters to the needs of people and provides them shelter and security at the same time. It is not mandatory did they reflect the architecture and all the elements of that place but instead, they provide and suffice the necessities of the people. The new emerging trends could be developing a structure that does not get affected by war and the weapons being used. They should withstand and be secure during the occurrence of war.

Technology is pushing architecture into a transitional phase. The greater complexities generated by 8.7 billion and growing people on the planet need some quick fixation that can be deployed at a mass scale. This kind of is not possible without the intervention of technology and greater consciousness of “how we architect”. Therefore, the future seems to revolve around the future trends we have discussed in the article. At Planndesign, we aim to create write-ups complying with these problems and their technological solutions. Follow our blogs, so that you don’t miss a bit on trends that could shape the future of architecture.

Lastly, take a read to the 11 Technological Solutions Architects Would be Using in the Future

and Importance of Architectural Skills in Building Construction