“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” –Frank Gehry.
Architecture is a profession that is evolving daily as new technology is developing. Well, the question remains, how? Let’s take the example of drafting software that has revolutionised and made it faster. Large construction plans that used to take days to draw by hand on sheets can now be finished in an hour.
However, architecture is not only about putting your ideas on paper; architects’ perspectives on the future are evolving too. But what exactly is the architecture of the future? Are all these tall, high-rise buildings or sophisticated green structures? Or will the vernacular methods take over again? And artificial intelligence, which is transforming the entire world and offering an entirely new perspective on everything, will be reshaping the architecture of the future too.
High Rise Buildings- Vertical Cities of Future
A tall skyscraper is an example of a vertical city or a high-rise. The largest issue of our day, overcrowding and overpopulation, can be solved by vertical cities. They can be erected in a vertical tower to preserve the environment rather than destroying swamps and forests to create dwellings and other structures.
Vertical high-rise structure increases the quantity of available living and working spaces, minimising overpopulation’s impact. They require less ground coverage but provide a huge area for the population. People would live, work, and go to schools and colleges in a vertical city. This could be a great concept for a future city with a huge population to be tackled but in a sustainable way.
Intelligent Buildings
So, what is an intelligent building? The question arises of how a non-living entity be termed as intelligent. Complex computerised systems are used in intelligent buildings to increase efficiency in operation and user fulfilment. Thus, being termed as intelligent.
Due to the intelligence that controls everything, energy savings and increased productivity are made possible by the sensors’ connectivity to the building’s key systems. It can improve building operations, lower energy costs, and boost facilities staff productivity. It helps maintain sustainability and improves corporate decision-making. Also, sensors in the system of smart buildings help detect any technical issue or equipment malfunction before any incident occurs. Thus, making it a part of the future of architecture.
Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality
AI has the power to completely transform how people comprehend places and will also make architects and designers more efficient. However, when AI takes over, concerns are also raised regarding the necessity of human involvement in architecture.
AI will help architects and project managers get from point A to point B by giving clients a comprehensive experience and a walk-through of the venues. It will also reform the design for large-scale engagement. AI effectively enhances building design efficiency, operation and maintenance, and more.
Vernacular Practices
How much of a role do true traditional and indigenous practices play in the topic of the future of architecture when we are talking about intelligent buildings and VR? In response to this question, it is important to note that the current ecological crisis has reawakened interest in traditional practices, particularly among architects and designers.
However, numerous instances from all over the world demonstrate how skilled artisans can reuse their abilities. Or it is time to reconsider and reintroduce traditional methods of doing things and vernacular architecture while also taking a close look at how technology is progressing, which also has a solid foundation for the future.
3D Printing
When the word printing is mentioned, a two-dimensional piece of paper with an image printed with ink on it comes to mind; nevertheless, 3D printing in architecture is not what is thought of.
With 3D printing, architects can quickly create real physical models out of finished 3D CAD building models with extremely complicated designs. It has a lot of potential to change architecture in the future. Its benefits include flexible design, strong and lightweight parts, the least waste, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and more. It is ideal for the future of architecture because of these factors.
Parametric Designs
The design industry is being influenced by parametric design in numerous ways. Every aspect of the economy must adapt and change as technology advances. Every day, new tools are developed, some of which have the power to reverse the landscape.
One has no choice if they are a part of that landscape. Either you can ride the wave of change or fall behind.
One of the technologies is parametric design, which offers many advantages like flexible yet beautiful designs; it gives you a clearer view of the model and lets you start with basic items and little to no detail because the entire project is saved on the cloud. You can envision the finished project and make necessary revisions as you go along.
Conclusion
The future may not necessarily be what is anticipated; it could also represent what is needed or sought. It is about more than what possibilities are available in the future for an improved outlook on the entire development in the field of architecture, but rather about what’s effective where and how it could be implemented in various parts of the world. Because the region of the world has unique needs at different points in time, those would decide how architecture will develop there. Architects and designers must anticipate future needs and comprehend and evaluate those needs.
References:
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- ArchDaily. (2023). Pioneering the Revival of Earth Architecture: Egypt, France, and India. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/992851/pioneering-the-revival-of-earth-architecture-egypt-france-and-india [Accessed 9 Jun. 2023].
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- Smartcitiesdive.com. (2019). Sustainable, Connected and Livable Cities | Smart Cities Dive. [online] Available at: https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/.
- www.resonai.com. (n.d.). What Are Intelligent Buildings? A Beginner’s Guide to Digital Facilities. [online] Available at: https://www.resonai.com/blog/what-are-intelligent-buildings.
- TWI (2020). What are the Pros and Cons of 3D Printing? [online] Twi-global.com. Available at: https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-3d-printing/pros-and-cons.
