Residential Projects are an important part of Architectural Projects. Residential projects are in high demand and a trending branch in architecture. Residential projects are such a branch that is close to people’s daily lifestyle. So, technology is also changing and improving according to people’s needs and lifestyles with the coming technology. It is art and science, designing and planning, construction of building homes from single-family to multifamily dwellings, duplex houses, bungalows, penthouses, apartments, towers, buildings, and such a living-built entity. Define their day-to-day lives. It’s a specialised field that focuses on creating living spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
While designing, planning or constructing any residential project there are some aspects that should be considered by the architect in the overall project planning process.
Key Considerations for Residential Architects
- Client’s Need –
In any residential project the first stage is to understand the client’s needs or client’s requirements, according to these stages further processes take place. Residential Architects also need to understand the current, latest client’s need for residential projects. Client’s need should be considered as the first priority in all business.
- Building codes –
Building codes are an important aspect of any residential or any type of project. Any type of residential project is absolutely complete according to government building codes, rules, and regulations. Without considering building codes, sanctioning of buildings is not possible. Thus, another critical consideration for housing architecture professionals is building codes. So, any architect or designer should consider all building codes while planning or designing any residential project.
- Safety issue –
Safety issues are an important aspect of any architectural project. If architects follow the local codes, rules, and regulations many possible safety problems involved with residential architectural projects will be taken care of. It’s important to take safety a step further to solve these problems and consider the form and function of any home that the architect designs. Architects should consider real people’s opinions about any unsafe reasons, or any problems that are related to safety, and should take further action by designing ways to solve these safety issues. However, safety is an essential part of any residential architectural project; after all, it is related to people’s lives and lifestyles.
- Functionality –
A home or building or any residential project is totally dependent on functionality. It is one of the most important aspects of residential projects. Functionality should be a strong and flexible factor for any residential as well as architectural project. Functionality defines the internal usage of spaces. In any residential project, people live their lifestyle according to the functions of home spaces. So, it must be correct and easy for people. According to the good and beautiful functionality of residential home spaces, people live their lifestyles with a happy mindset and happy mood.
- Aesthetic Appeal –
The aesthetic aspect should be considered a factor for all types of residential projects, nowadays aesthetic aspect is a high-selling aspect for residential projects because people want their home spaces beautifully decorated and with the use of advanced technology with aesthetic elements. People want attractive elements used in their interior as well as the outer part of houses, bungalows, buildings, etc. Thus aesthetic appeal is an important and most wanted consideration in residential projects.
Current Trends & Innovation in Residential Projects
1. A Shift in Priorities: Bigger Spaces and Home Offices
This shift to bigger spaces and home offices is a very attractive and important change in people’s daily lives and lifestyles. Because bigger spaces not only offer daily living but also fulfil the professional workspace needed in one place. Home offices offer workspace and living space together in one place with proper segregation of activities. The home office concept saves travelling time, money, and physical energy, and because of this people’s lifestyles also changed. People live their lives according to work and living mode together in one place without going to any other place. People make – design their flats or homes according to considering this home office concept in residence planning. This shift is a really important trend and invitation in residential architecture.
2. Technology Integration: Smart Homes and Beyond
Smart home technology offers various 1. Home automation system 2. Smart Lighting 3. Climate control by climate control building planning 4. Security system 5. Entertainment system 6. Appliances. Beyond basic smart integration, it offers energy 1. Energy management 2. Health & Wellness 3. Home Office Technology 4. Home maintenance etc. types of features are provided.
3. Sustainability: A Focus on Eco-Friendly Living
This is the new and central trend of the current lifestyle. It offers more energy-efficient buildings and home designs. Sustainable living is more about energy saving and nature’s nature-connected lifestyle. In eco–friendly living the main factors are recycling, reuse, and reduction. Conserve resources, sustainable transportation, water conservation, waste reduction, etc. factors are followed in eco-friendly living. Benefits of eco-friendly 1. Environmental impact 2. Health and well-being 3. Economic savings 4. Community and global impact.
4. The Evolution of Mixed – use Development
Mixed-use development is mostly needed in urban spaces. This mixed-use development evolution impacts societal values with a growing emphasis on the community and lifestyle of people. This development generally integrates into residential, commercial, cultural, industrial, etc types sectors. The main aim and intention behind this concept is to create vibrant communities where people can live, work, and play without needing to travel long distances. This evolution gives various activities together in one place.
Infrastructure and Urban Development
Urbanisation is a widespread phenomenon that has been gaining traction across the world. Infrastructure and real estate are symbiotic in nature; the development spurs growth in others. Infrastructure projects by improving accessibility and amenity values act as catalysts for real estate growth. Infrastructure development creates and helps in shaping the patterns and peace in urban growth. Infrastructure creates a new skyline for cities which also creates a new identity for old cities with new faces with urbanisation. Urban cities or infrastructures are new and innovative trends in global-level residential architecture.
The better-developed infrastructure, the more people are attracted to urban lifestyles. This urban infrastructure city opens more new job opportunities – income sources, education facilities, and amenities, for a better and easier lifestyle it translates people’s lives into better conditions with new facilities from all aspects. Transportation networks, such as highways, metro systems, and airports work as important mediums for easy and fast connectivity with advanced and new technology in urban cities. All these facilities give new ways to live an easy lifestyle in urban cities.
Smart Urban EcoSystem
The smart urban ecosystem is an innovative and famous trend in residential architecture. It’s also known as sustainable green urban eco-residential architecture. The smart urban ecosystem combines urban residential architecture with natural elements. The ecosystem and residential create both types of environments together. Smart urban eco-urbanization creates a natural environment.
The smart urban ecosystem provides the following features for planning 1. Smart Infrastructure- In this IoT sensors and devices, smart grids, and smart building designs are used. 2. Green Space Planning and Biodiversity- In this green space planning, biodiversity corridors, and urban agriculture are used. 3. Sustainable Transportation- Public Transit, electric and shared mobility, and pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure these used in 4. Water and Waste Management– Smart water meters, rainwater harvesting, green infrastructure, smart bins, recycling and composting programs, waste-to-energy, etc types of systems are involved in water and waste management.
The study of residential architecture trends and innovation reveals that there are a lot of new features, systems, technologies, and concepts about residential project designs involved. According to new and innovative designs, the concept of a new lifestyle is taking place. It provides new comfort to lifestyle.
