“ Architecture aims at eternity.” – Christopher Wren.
This quote by Cristopher Wren, an English architect famous for his design of St. Paul’s Cathedral, is like the light at the end of a tunnel when the future seems unclear about planet Earth, people, and architecture. Architecture completes the world. Architecture will exist till the end of time, but what will change is the nature of architecture, its style, and itspurpose. With the ever-changing needs of humans, it is essential to match the pace of the same. Human needs change depending on climate changes, socio-economic changes, geo-political changes, and many more. Considering the current urbanization and advancement in technology, the future of architecture looks like a combination of creativity, sustainability, and technology.
Movies like Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, The Blade Runner, Inception, and Her have inspired futuristic architecture and created societal excitement. All these movie sets conclude one common thing: architecture and technology need to coexist to create wonders. The AEC industry is coming up with various solutions to achieve this relationship. So will the future of architecture look like we see in movies, or is it a mission impossible? The following technologies and styles are considered to be the key elements in paving the way towards a futuristic world.
Sustainable and Green Architecture:
Earth urgently needs sustainable solutions that allow nature and human-made structures to coexist. Considering the rapid urbanization, sustainability is no longer a choice but a need. A sustainably designed building uses quite less energy, water, and natural resources in its construction, thus not adding up to the load in nature. Sustainable solutions are being incorporated into the designs by using passive cooling/heating techniques, local materials, incorporating natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, green walls, etc.
Green architecture has also gained momentum in recent times. Green architecture has a holistic approach to design and construction. It affects the way the building is constructed and the well-being of the inhabitants. Nature has the properties to make the user productive, happy, and positive in his approach. Especially, the commercial sector is taking up this as their go-to form of architecture. Singapore City is setting an example with its futuristic designs and sustainable approach.
The recently inaugurated Surat Diamond Bourse has achieved a world record by being the single largest office building with 7.1 million square feet. The exemplary grandeur of the building is achieved by considering climate-responsive techniques like energy efficiency, passive design strategies, and mutually shading screenings.
Tech-Driven Approach:
Imagine getting to experience a life in the nation of Wakanda. A futuristic approach to design while considering the vernacular architecture can be seen. All the high-rise structures with curvilinear shapes are possible to execute today because of technology like Artificial Intelligence, Building Information Modelling, etc.
Virtual Reality and BIM:
Architects can now imagine their designs in Virtual Reality before they can be constructed. VR allows an architect to immerse himself in a pre-design process where he can get an experience of spatial relationships and massing. This technology will also allow the clients to understand the space.
BIM technology allows architects to design digitally all the aspects of construction from planning to post-design analysis. This technology gives a chance to architects, builders, engineers, technicians, clients, and other associated people to work simultaneously without any clashes.
3D Printing:
3D printing has gained momentum considering the depletion of resources and the increase in pollution and waste levels. This technology allows architects to be creative in unique ways. 3D printing can be the future of architecture considering the pace at which the technology is developing. According to AIA, “90 percent of [architecture] firms anticipate they will be using or increasing usage of AI over the next three years.” These futuristic technologies will shape the future of cities with their ability to optimize tasks and make construction sustainable. However, these technologies can never replace the skills of an architect or designer.
Tecla is the first eco-sustainable 3D printed house using completely local raw earth material in Italy. The architects have combined the vernacular approach with the advanced technology of 3D printing to achieve this marvel.
OuterSpace Architecture:
The curiosity and exploratory spirit of humans have taken them far and beyond. Architects and space agencies around the world have developed various ideas as to how humans can establish their dwellings in outer space. The futuristic architecture aims at stretching its expanse to the space with the help of advanced technology. Designing for outer space has its own nitty gritty. The evolution of technology has given humans hope to build life on planet Mars, considering the nearest distance. Using the artificially curated Martian soil, scientists are experimenting to gain knowledge of topography, climatic conditions, gravitational pull, and many more. Humans can use 3D printing, BIM, AI, VR, and similar advanced software to manifest their desired life in outer space. Architectural companies like Foster and Partners, ZA Architects, Open Architecture, Bjarke Ingels Group, etc. have proposed their version of human habitation on Mars and the Moon.
The European Space Agency chose Foster and Partners to explore lunar habitat designs with 3D printing. The company has come up with solutions which can house 4 people and protect them from various dangers like meteors, gamma radiations, etc.
The need for futuristic designs to be holistic, human-centric, sustainable, and culturally relatable is crucial at this point. Humans can reach the zenith of exploration with the help of new technology. It is highly likely that a future for architecture exists where humans coexist with nature in smart and sustainable homes within universally designed public spaces. The future for architecture and architects is thus green and tech-savvy.
Reference list:
Anon, (2019). SpaceArchitect.org. [online] Available at: https://spacearchitect.org/.
ArchDaily. (2023). Architects vs. AI: Who Will Design the Future? [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1006681/architects-vs-ai-who-will-design-the-future.
Morphogenesis. (n.d.). Surat Diamond Bourse. [online] Available at: https://www.morphogenesis.org/our-works/surat-diamond-bourse/ [Accessed 30 Dec. 2023].
www.aia.org. (n.d.). AI in architecture: Resource or replacement? – AIA. [online] Available at: https://www.aia.org/articles/6648194-ai-in-architecture-resource-or-replacement?utm_medium=website&utm_source=archdaily.com.
