How are architects shaping the future?

By 2050 the human population is expected to reach 10 billion. Architecture has to reinvent itself and take action to address critical thinking on future challenges. We are in an emergent phase, including the decline in natural resources, reducing landmass by sea-level rise, climate change, and rapid urbanization. The future cities will be dense, we will need to live in more compact, sustainable spaces but also think of a healthier life as we can see the drastic climate changes. Some of the niches in the field that seem to be growing in recent years in respect of future needs are – 

Green Architecture

The era we are living in is called Anthropocene- the era of humans. On being the supreme power on earth we have caused a lot of destruction to nature from deforestation to global warming, the development was not always in the favor of the environment. We need to find a solution to make harmony between nature and humans sustain for a longer, efficient, healthy, fulfilling life-cycle. Green architecture is seen as the way to take account of environmental preferences to built surroundings. An example of green architecture is – 

Suzlon One Earth by Christopher Charles Benninger Architects

Titled as the One Of Greenest Corporate Campuses in the world.It creates a positive aura inside out with its design Suzlon One Earth in Pune, India is the eco-friendly, self-sufficient headquarters of the company. Spread across 10 acres it is completely powered by renewable energy, including hybrid wind turbines, solar panels, and photovoltaic cells. Sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, waste management, and onsite power generation make it more energy-efficient and its Office in garden design makes it look greener.

Public-Private Spaces 

In the upcoming years like climate change, urbanization, deforestation, Social sustainability are gonna be a big issue to be undertaken. Architects need to establish an analogy between user and community to promote cultural, social, spiritual stability. In the fast run of daily chores, people are less interactive and socializing. we as an architect can make an impact to the situation, like a strategic approach by BIG architects in one of their project 8 house.

8 house by BIG 

A perfect blend of different typologies on blocks coming together in horizontal layers connected by a wide continuous path giving an essence of urban community and allow being healthier, physically, psychologically, and spiritually as a society. Who said you can’t park your bicycle on the 3rd floor now? 

Integrating Technology

As we can see the world is leaning more towards material comfort. More new technologies are making space in the market Artificial intelligence, Virtual reality, Big Data, IoT sensors making advancements in architecture for making an easy life for humans. With new technologies comes great responsibilities we don’t only need to implement architectural trends, technologies but think towards a sustainable approach. And taking into account such challenges some architects are working on it for example. 

Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi by AEDAS

These two 25 story towers in Abu Dhabi are a perfect example of integrating art and technology to tackle the challenges of Abu Dhabi’s extreme heat conditions. The façades of the tower are responsive to solar heat exchange using advanced software and sensors the shaded analyses changing angles of the sun. Setting 2 meters apart from the façade the shades contrast and expand according to the sun’s positions, decreasing the solar gain by 50% which decreases the need for air conditioning with a sustainable solution.

Parametric architecture 

Parametric architecture is the new trend. It enables us to identify multiple approaches to a design problem so that we can analyze and develop the most efficient one. It is a good blend of energy, envelope, and material when combined with concepts like biophilia, biomimicry, and much more. It helps to understand the function and form more precisely and promotes a human-centric approach. The curves not only make a boon to the aesthetics but also add up to mental wellness. There are many examples of parametric architecture one of it is – 

Guangzhou Opera by Zaha Hadid Architects

The Guangzhou opera house is a blend of culture with contemporary design it is one of the first parametric buildings to be built in reality.

The complex and different curves, the geometry, the façade, and seismic flexibility the calculation of such complex geometry were made possible with the multiple possibilities and results done with the help of Parametric Architecture. In addition, the facade comprises a total of 75,422 pieces of granite to give a pebble-like appearance. 

Interdisciplinary collaboration 

Technological advancements in infrastructure and transportation are leading us to rethink the way cities are developing and change the focus from construction to both environment and human-centric approach. So practices need to be interdisciplinary with professionals from different backgrounds like environmentalists, sustainability engineers, and more to make a systematic approach.

The future seems to hold a lot of challenges with a bunch of opportunities to improvise with the help of technologies to make our lives easier but we have to think about a human-centric approach so that we can lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. What does the Future of Architecture sound like to you? 

reference list 

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