Introduction

Step into the future of housing in India, where traditional customs and contemporary innovations coexist perfectly. The future of housing in India is poised to strike a delicate balance between tradition and modernity as it manages rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. Let’s set out on an exciting journey to investigate important factors that will influence homes in the future.

India’s cities will throb with an expanding urban population in the ensuing decades. The difficulty is in accommodating this increase while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Imagine thriving communities that harmoniously combine residential and commercial areas, enabling local economies to flourish despite the bustle of urban life.

Building for Tomorrow: Tradition, Modernity, and the Future of Housing in India - Sheet1
The design includes sloping roofs that are angled to maximize natural light and feature private as well as communal terraces_https://www.dezeen.com/2018/12/06/mvrdvs-future-towers-low-cost-accommodation-india/

Affordable Homes: A Solution to the Housing Crisis

The lack of affordable housing in India is among the most important issues. However, with new strategies, the future looks promising. Government programs like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) are to provide everyone with access to affordable housing. Imagine living in a society where everyone has a place to call home, regardless of their financial situation.

Sustainable and Green Housing 

Sustainability becomes more critical in housing as environmental awareness rises. Visualise eco-friendly homes outfitted with solar power, rainwater collection, and energy-saving appliances. Numerous green areas, vertical gardens, and public parks allow people to connect with nature even in the middle of busy cities.

Building for Tomorrow: Tradition, Modernity, and the Future of Housing in India - Sheet2
Buyers prefer less populated areas on the outskirts or in townships. Picture Credit- Gamuda Land

Smart Homes and Technology Integration 

Get ready to embrace the exciting wave of innovation as the housing industry merges with technology to create the ultimate smart homes. With this integration, you can expect a new convenience, comfort, and security standard. Imagine a house that follows your voice commands and modifies the lighting, temperature, and security settings to suit your preferences. The technology that offers convenience, security, and energy efficiency is seamlessly woven into every nook and cranny, from automated appliances to connected devices. The future of housing in India cherishes its cultural heritage amid the flurry of modernisation. Imagine historical-inspired architectural styles that adorn modern buildings with courtyards, verandas, and traditional motifs. Craftsmanship and mate 

Building for Tomorrow: Tradition, Modernity, and the Future of Housing in India - Sheet3
Smart cities aim to address environmental concerns such as air pollution and climate change through monitoring and solutions_https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/smart-city

Government as a Catalyst

Government programs and policies will determine how housing develops in the future. A better tomorrow will be possible by continued attention to affordable housing initiatives, urban planning, and sustainable development. The government catalyses change in the housing market by working with architects, urban planners, and the community.

The Future of Housing: Innovative, Inclusive and Sustainable

Compact living solutions are the way of the future as housing demand soars. Imagine a city filled with skyscrapers that contain commercial, residential, and recreational areas. These skyscrapers develop into humming centres of activity where residents can easily move from their homes to workplaces, retail establishments, and entertainment venues—all within a short elevator ride. Such mixed-use developments revolutionise urban living with their convenience and efficiency. There are thriving communities emerging within these enormous buildings. Imagine yourself strolling through a lively lobby, awash in the sight and sounds of people going about their daily lives. The coexistence of homes and workplaces fosters a perfect work-life balance. Professionals’ commute times are cut in half, and their productivity increases because they can easily leave their apartments and walk to their workplaces.

Since these developments include commercial spaces, locals can easily access various retail establishments, from convenience stores to chic boutiques. Just a few steps away are leisure and recreation centres like theatres, gyms, and community areas offering opportunities for unwinding, mingling, and recreation.

The future of housing in India encourages shared spaces and co-living arrangements as lifestyles change. Imagine thriving neighbourhoods where people mingle and share their homes, ideas, and experiences. Co-living areas and communal housing encourage a sense of belonging while offering reasonably priced options for people looking for social interaction.

Building for Tomorrow: Tradition, Modernity, and the Future of Housing in India - Sheet4
Humanscapes Habitat features living spaces, communal areas, and workspaces_https://www.archdaily.com/928779/humanscapes-habitat-urban-living-auroville-design-consultant

Innovation takes centre stage to meet the growing demand quickly and sustainably for housing. Imagine a construction site humming with cutting-edge methods like 3D printing, modular construction, and prefabrication. These techniques make it possible to build homes more quickly without sacrificing quality because they speed up construction, lower costs, and have a minor negative impact on the environment.

Future housing in India will promote inclusivity, ensuring residences accommodate residents of all ages and abilities. Imagine a home with wider doorways, elevators, and ramps to accommodate the elderly and people with disabilities. With the help of inclusive design, everyone can live independently and with dignity.

These developments’ compact design also optimises land use and encourages sustainable growth. There is less need for sprawling suburbs and protracted commutes because residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are combined into a single building. Reducing carbon emissions and protecting green spaces help ensure environmental sustainability.

Compact living options will transform India’s urban environment as time goes on. High-rise mixed-use communities will become the comfort, effectiveness, and communal living benchmark. Imagine a society where people can socialise, work, and live within these enormous buildings’ walls. The sky is the limit for developing thriving, interconnected, and sustainable communities that improve everyone’s quality of life in India’s housing future.

Conclusion

The delicate balance between tradition and modernity becomes more obvious as we look into India’s future. Future homes will be a kaleidoscope of technological wonders, cultural traditions, sustainable practices, and open-minded architecture. As India moves forward, building homes that honour the past while embracing the possibilities of the future, let’s embrace this thrilling journey. 

In addition to providing efficiency and convenience, mixed-use developments foster a sense of neighbourhood. Residents can connect, form relationships, and promote belonging in shared spaces like rooftop gardens, parks, and common areas. These communities‘ vibrant energy fosters a lively social scene that improves the quality of life for the locals.

Building for Tomorrow: Tradition, Modernity, and the Future of Housing in India - Sheet5
Manufacturers were asked for ideas on new homes that are low carbon, age-friendly, and have high design standards_https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/competitions-landing-page/home-of-2030

References:

R.B. et al. (2021) Affordable Housing in India and Future Outlook, Propacity Blog. Available at: https://www.propacity.in/blog/affordable-housing-in-india/ (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Alyn Griffiths |6 December 2018 Leave a comment (2018) MVRDV’s ‘mountainous’ future towers provides low-cost accommodation in India, Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2018/12/06/mvrdvs-future-towers-low-cost-accommodation-india/ (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Home of 2030 design competition (no date) RIBA. Available at: https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/competitions-landing-page/home-of-2030 (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Ihf.co.in (no date) ihf.co.in. Available at: https://ihf.co.in/ (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Livemint (2023) Future of real estate market in India in 2023, mint. Available at: https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/future-of-real-estate-market-in-india-in-2023-11676368024008.html (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Mudah.my (2021) Has the pandemic changed how we view the housing market? – Mudah Insights, Mudah.my. Available at: https://insights.mudah.my/has-the-pandemic-changed-how-we-view-the-housing-market/ (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Positive news. happy stories. unsung heroes. (2022) The Better India. Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/ (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Shea, S. and Burns, E. (2020) What is a smart city? definition from whatis.com., IoT Agenda. Available at: https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/smart-city (Accessed: 21 May 2023). 

Tapia, D. (2021) Humanscapes habitat urban living / auroville design consultant, ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/928779/humanscapes-habitat-urban-living-auroville-design-consultant?ad_medium=gallery (Accessed: 21 May 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.