In the age of Big Data and shifting culture trends, architects everywhere must heed the call for better design solutions. While we might not be colonizing other planets or planning for robotic flying cars, there are a few things that need the architectural industry’s attention. Just consider all of the ways the industry has changed over the last few decades. Everything from architectural design to construction techniques has improved.
Today, we have crowdfunding and composting, recycled materials, and more. Architecture is changing at an alarming pace, thanks to technological advancements. Here are the top 5 trends that are transforming the way we see the world.
Immersive Technology Is Changing the Architectural Design Process
Today, architects can experience a design before construction is underway. Virtual reality technology has already transformed the architectural, engineering, and construction industry. VR is a huge leap forward for projects in the conceptual stage. Architects can now see how a design comes together and how engineering comes into play.
Another step in the immersive direction is 3D printing. New algorithms can actually value engineer a structure while helping solve problems with structural resilience and material use. The use of large-scale 3D Printers will help future architects create amazing structures and realize the actual limits of design.
Together, VR and 3D printed construction will significantly expand the limits of architecture and construction.
The Smart Cities Design Trend Focuses on the Future
Smart cities refer to a type of urban development based on sustainability. With a greater focus on renewable energy, transportation solutions, smart home energy management systems, more comprehensive access to health, and public service analysis, these smart cities are built to respond to the needs of institutions, companies, and its inhabitants.
Smart city development will allow architects to make more efficient use of resources, lower energy consumption, and build cities to maximize efficiency. Big data is essential to understanding how people in cities move, energy use, various aspects of infrastructure interact, and much more.
With a focus on the needs of the growing community, architects can develop designs that will last long into the future.
Universal Architectural Design Keeps Everyone In Mind
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Designing for diverse populations is on the top of most architects minds. However, many wonder if it is even possible to create architecture for everyone. Inclusive architecture cares for all populations from the disabled to the elderly to the young and everything in between. It is necessary for architects to understand the barriers experienced by a wide variety of people. Considering a more different picture will help architecture achieve solutions that benefit everyone. Challenge your idea of normal, and the industry will quickly widen the capabilities of well-designed architecture.
WOHA’s Enabling Village (pictured above) takes universal design to the next level by incorporating a disability-focused design. Visitors with disabilities will find many elevators, low-gradient ramps, tactile floor indicators, as well as hearing loops and braille signs located throughout the space. Thanks to its impressive array of all-inclusive features, the Enabling Village was awarded the Platinum BCA Universal Design Mark Award in May of 2016.
Eco-Friendly Architecture
Humanity currently faces major threats, including climate change and limited natural resources. Architects must take on these challenges and come up with better solutions. One way is through sustainable architecture. Only by having an economic focus through multiple facets of the architectural industry can we hope to protect our future environments and climate.
One of the main philosophies behind this trend is reducing waste and recycling space. This includes physical space as well as minimizing energy loss. You can incorporate this trend into your design ideas by looking at three main areas: materials, energy efficiency, and the location. If you look at these main areas and take a greater holistic approach, you can make sustainability part of mainstream architecture.
Going Vertical Is Becoming More Popular As Space Becomes Limited
As the population continues growing, space is limited. Some creative architects are looking into vertical cities as a solution to the livable space shrinkage. If architects hope to address these rising concerns, they must become more space savvy. Not only in terms of commercial and residential space allotment but also infrastructure and public service design.
Working together the architectural industry can learn how design can better accommodate the next generation. Some solutions that might hold the answer to our geographical problems are vertical cities and vertical farming.
Vertical farming has become popular among those in the scientific community as the solution to the negative affects traditional agriculture has on the environment. Vertical cities take high-rise urban dwellings to the next level. Not only will apartments and businesses work in a multi-tier building, but entire communities.
Conclusion
All of these trends are at the forefront of many big thinkers and architectural pioneers minds. If you hope to unlock the key to an environmentally friendly future that lasts for generations to come, consider learning more about these emerging trends.
To learn more about how Think Architecture is using these solutions on our current projects, contact our team. We would love to find out your thoughts on the evolving architectural community.
See How Think Architecture is Already Using Some of These Trends
Think Architecture is at the forefront of architecture design trends and green architecture. View our portfolio and our past projects to see how we have incorporated some of these techniques in our designs.
