Is the Future of Architecture Sustainable Technology?

Welcome to the future of architecture, where sustainability and technology will rule supremely. As we work to create a built environment that is more reliable and efficient, these two crucial areas are influencing how we design and develop buildings. Their intersection is becoming more and more noticeable. On the one hand, the industry is being revolutionised by technological developments like 3D printing and smart building technologies, which make it simpler and more cost-effective to create original designs. On the other hand, as architects work to design buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially and economically viable, sustainability is rising to the top of the list.

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New Aesthetic-Changi Airport, Singapore _Matteo Morando https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Mattewre&action=edit&redlink=1

Technological advancements | New Aesthetic

The world of architecture, as people know it, is changing due to technology. These technological developments, which include 3D printing, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, are revolutionising how architects create buildings. Architects can automate various previously manual tasks using machine learning, facilitating and accelerating the design-creation process. Technology has created an immersive experience that enables architects and clients to visualize the building before it is constructed. In contrast, 3D printing enables architects to create complex shapes and previously impossible structures. The use of these technologies will undoubtedly influence the direction of architecture and result in the construction of buildings that are more creative and sustainable than ever.

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New Aesthetic-Jockey Club Innovation Tower_Iwan Baan https://www.archdaily.com/505374/jockey-club-innovation-tower-zaha-hadid-architects/

Smart and Sustainable

Building design and construction must take sustainability into account. Architects and builders are prioritizing green building techniques that lessen the impact on the environment, increasing their focus as climate concerns come to the fore. Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar systems and materials. Wind power is part of this, as is the use of energy-efficient systems and materials. By including features like natural light and clean air, green buildings also take their occupant’s health into account. Sustainability will be even more crucial to the future of architecture as the world struggles to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.

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The Co-operative Headquarters, One Angel Square, Manchester_Daniel Hopkinson https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/archive/3dreids-co-op-hq-achieves-breeam-outstanding

Technological developments for Sustainability

Architectural sustainability goals can be attained in large part through technological advancements. By managing lighting, heating, and cooling systems, building automation systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help to maximise energy usage. Geothermal heating and other cutting-edge building techniques and materials can also aid in constructing energy-efficient and sustainable structures. Smart technologies enable architects to monitor and analyse building performance data and adjust over time to increase efficiency and sustainability. Both environmentally responsible and financially viable buildings will be made possible by integrating technology into sustainable design.

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New Aesthetic-Powerhouse Brattørkaia, Norway_Ivar Kvaal https://www.snohetta.com/projects/powerhouse-brattorkaia

Case Study 1: Citicape House in London | New Aesthetic

As part of its most recent project, Cityscape House, a reputable architecture firm Shephard Robson proposed constructing the largest living wall in Europe. The building, situated in a busy area of the City of London, will have a creative façade of more than 400,000 plants that will serve as a natural air filter and produce six tonnes of oxygen. Additionally, the living wall will reduce the temperature around the building by three to five degrees Celsius, capturing more than eight tonnes of CO2 from the air annually and reducing the urban heat island effect. This undertaking is proof of the effectiveness of sustainable design and innovation.

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Citicape House, London_Shephard Robson Architects https://nla.london/projects/citicape-house

Case Study 2: The Crystal in London

Have you heard of the Crystal? It’s a truly remarkable structure located in London that emphasises sustainability and the use of technology to lessen its environmental impact. Visitors can find out more about solar power and rainwater collection systems and other cool sustainable technologies at The Crystal’s exhibition space. The Crystal not only uses these technologies, but it also incorporates them all into the structure itself! Rainwater is collected and used for things like flushing toilets, and solar panels on the roof produce electricity. Even the lighting can be adjusted intelligently based on how much natural light is present in the structure. All of these innovations make The Crystal a more sustainable structure, which is crucial in the modern world. Additionally, seeing all of these technologies in action is just really cool. You should check out The Crystal if you’re ever in London; it’s worth a trip!

New Aesthetic-The Crystal, London_Wilkinson Eyre Architects https://www.archdaily.com/275111/the-crystal-wilkinson-eyre-architects/

The Future of Architecture

Future developments in technology and sustainability suggest that architecture will continue to change and advance positively. Building design and construction will continue to be influenced by new technologies and materials, resulting in more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly structures. With the development of AI, 3D printing, and virtual reality, architects now have new resources to produce ground-breaking designs and speed up the building process. Architecture’s sustainability objectives will be helped by the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced materials, and building automation systems. As people become more conscious of buildings’ effects on the environment, sustainability will play a crucial part in the future of architecture. Green construction, which prioritises energy efficiency and uses renewable resources, will no longer be the exception. There will be a rise in the popularity of ideas like net-zero buildings, which produce as much energy as they use. 

The demand for affordable, sustainable housing will increase as the world’s population expands. A wider range of people will need to be able to access and afford the buildings that architects design, in addition to being environmentally friendly. The future of architecture is exciting and brimming with opportunities for sustainable development and technological advancement. Architects can design structures that are not only practical and attractive but also environmentally responsible by embracing new technologies and placing a high priority on sustainability.

Conclusion | New Aesthetic

As the article has highlighted, the future of architecture lies at the confluence of two crucial spheres: technological advancements and sustainability. The potential for creative solutions is enormous, from green walls that give life to concrete jungles to smart buildings that use solar energy. Future architecture will be more intelligent, environmentally friendly, and sustainably constructed than ever.

Our problems—from rapid urbanization to rising temperatures need bold and original answers. We can design a built environment that is both beautiful and sustainable by investigating the possibilities at the intersection of technology and sustainability. Let’s work toward a future where environmentally friendly architecture is the rule rather than the exception, whether designing a new structure or remodelling an existing one. We have a special opportunity to create a better, more sustainable world for present and future generations as we construct the cities of the future.

References

Citicape House (no date) New London Architecture. Available at: https://nla.london/projects/citicape-house (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Hernández, D. (2014) Jockey club innovation tower / zaha hadid architects, ArchDaily. ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/505374/jockey-club-innovation-tower-zaha-hadid-architects?ad_medium=gallery (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Longzijun, ~ (2022) Architecture: Jockey club innovation tower (Zaha Hadid), artjouer. Available at: https://artjouer.wordpress.com/2021/05/11/innovation-tower/ (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

O’Malley, A. (2023) The architecture of the future: 2022 research, PlanRadar. Available at: https://www.planradar.com/gb/the-architecture-of-the-future-research/ (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Patel, Y. (2020) 3DReid’s Co-op HQ achieves BREEAM outstanding, The Architects’ Journal. Available at: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/archive/3dreids-co-op-hq-achieves-breeam-outstanding (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Powerhouse brattørkaia (no date) Powerhouse Brattørkaia – Snøhetta. Available at: https://www.snohetta.com/projects/powerhouse-brattorkaia (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Sánchez, D. (2012) The crystal / Wilkinson Eyre Architects, ArchDaily. ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/275111/the-crystal-wilkinson-eyre-architects?ad_medium=gallery (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Sambiasi, S. (2019) 7 architectural considerations that are Shaping Future Cities, ArchDaily. ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/927262/7-architectural-considerations-that-are-shaping-future-cities (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Top 7 sustainable architecture and design innovations from 2019 (2019) Springwise. Available at: https://www.springwise.com/innovation-snapshot/architecture-design-sustainability-top-7-2019/ (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Tostevin, P. et al. (2021) 5 of the world’s most sustainable buildings, Savills Impacts. Available at: https://www.savills.com/impacts/environment/5-of-the-worlds-most-sustainable-buildings.html (Accessed: April 30, 2023). 

Author

Shreya is a Mumbai-based architect currently pursuing her Masters in Architectural History and Conservation at Oxford. A book lover and Potterhead, coming to Oxford was like a dream come true. With a passion for movies with stunning cinematography, like Woody Allen's Manhattan, listening to music, and capturing the beauty of charming facades, she brings a unique perspective to architecture. Keep an eye out for her fascinating explorations of architecture and the captivating stories that she uncovers.