The future of architecture is a timeless journey that has been intertwined with civilization since its inception. It stands as a testament, to our spirit of innovation and artistic expression. Throughout history, architecture has undergone transformations adapting to the needs and aspirations of each era. From shelters that protected humans from the elements to the grand Pyramids of Egypt symbols of strength and divine reverence and finally reaching the awe-inspiring skyscrapers architecture has always reflected the cultural, technological, and environmental context of its time. This tale is set in the future and envisions a landscape where buildings are not just mere structures but are living characters in their own right, each of them with their own story to tell. This narrative talks about how architecture transcends its traditional role, which is a harmonious blend of sustainability, technology, and humanism.
The Emergence of Living Structures
When the lines between nature and architecture blur, the buildings are no longer static entities but act as dynamic living organisms. A tall skyscraper should not just be a lifeless tall structure scraping through the sky but be breathing and living along with the bustling metropolis. (Gattupalli, 2022)
The One Central Park, Sydney Australia, For Example, proposed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel features vertical gardens covering its façade, integrating plant life into the structure. The building’s design, which includes a cantilevered section with motorized mirrors that direct sunlight to the gardens, shows an advanced level of interaction with its environment, akin to a living organism. Essentially architecture which acts as a “living organism” may have a tapestry of bio-reactive tiles, change colors according to the change in weather, or its skin repairs itself much like a living organism. This is the era of biomimicry in architecture, where the structures mimic the adaptive strategies of natural organisms, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. (Saieh, 2014)
The concept of living Structures might sound promising and futuristic, but there is a significant challenge. The complexity and the cost of designing the structure as well as maintaining such a building is high and there is a need for further research and development in self-healing materials and energy efficiency to make these structures more feasible and accessible. Hence, the emergence of living structures marks a significant evolution in architecture as these buildings challenge the traditional understanding of spaces and places, which offers a futuristic vision of how dynamic our built environment will be and how our buildings will be as alive as the natural environment. As technology advances our focus on sustainability intensifies as living structures will redefine the future of the architecture we build, making them more adaptive, resilient, and harmonious with nature. (Gattupalli, 2022)
Weaving Sustainability into the Architectural Fabric
As the narrative progresses, sustainability remains the most important aspect of architectural design, as the future of architecture sees the buildings not as mere occupants of spaces but as urban jungles that contribute positively to the environment, draped in vertical gardens, purifying air, and providing urban greenery. The Future of Architecture emphasizes the importance of green spaces for human well-being and ecological balance. Biophilic, which seeks to connect the occupants of a building more closely to nature. The proliferation of vertical gardens, rooftop farms, and landscaped terraces show how green spaces provide urban oases that improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands, and offer residents much-needed contact with nature. (Lopez, 2023)
The Parkroyal on Pickering Hotel was built by Singaporean company WOHA as an outpost of Hong Lim Park, a recently established green area adjacent to the property in the heart of the city’s commercial core. The architects were able to produce 15,000 square meters of greenery—roughly double the area of the site—and provide every visitor a garden view from their room window by adding plant-covered balconies and terraces around the façade. The curved surfaces that comprise the podium of the building complement these green areas. These surfaces, which are based on the topology of natural landscapes, penetrate the transparent exterior walls and carry on into the ground-level welcome areas. (WOHA, 2013)
In summary, the Parkroyal, on Pickering Hotel in Singapore represents a shift in design, where sustainability is not just an added feature but the very essence of the building. This approach marks an era in architecture, where buildings are seen as living entities that positively contribute to their surroundings. The future of architecture as exemplified by projects like the Parkroyal on Pickering envisions buildings actively enhancing their ecosystems. Fostering a bond, between humans and nature while building a greener and more sustainable world for future generations. (Frearson, 2013)
Sustainability is not just a goal but a fundamental principle that guides every decision for Creating a balance, between buildings and their surroundings using resources wisely and effectively, and prioritizing the well-being of occupants and the community at large—this is the vision of architecture. It’s not merely a notion but a crucial progression guaranteeing that our constructed environment plays a role, in nurturing our planet and its inhabitants.
A Legacy for The Future
In the end, Eco-Futurism in Architecture presents a vision, for the field of architecture. It explores the concept of “living structures” that seamlessly integrate nature and design resulting in eco-buildings. Notable examples like One Central Park in Sydney and the Parkroyal on Pickering Hotel in Singapore exemplify this transformative trend, where buildings go beyond being spaces and actively contribute to their environment. This future vision of architecture emphasizes sustainability, technology, and human connection reshaping our built environment to foster a relationship between people and nature. This shift represents a departure, from principles as it focuses on creating structures that not only exist but also thrive within their ecosystems while nurturing our planet and its inhabitants.
References:
Frearson, A., 2013. PARKROYAL on Pickering by WOHA. [Online]
Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2013/10/10/parkroyal-on-pickering-by-woha/
Gattupalli, A., 2022. The City as an Organism. [Online]
Available at: https://www.render4tomorrow.com/what-is-biophilic-architecture
[Accessed 06 July 2023].
Lopez, P. J., 2023. What is Biophilic Architecture? Seven Main Principles. [Online]
Available at: https://www.render4tomorrow.com/what-is-biophilic-architecture
Saieh, 2014. One Central Park / Ateliers Jean Nouvel. [Online]
Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/551329/one-central-park-jean-nouvel-patrick-blanc
WOHA, 2013. Parkroyal Collection Pickering. [Online]
Available at: https://woha.net/project/parkroyal-on-pickering/
Image 1 One Central Park (Image Courtesy@ Murray Fredericks) 2
Image 2 Parkroyal on Pickering Hotel (Image Credits @ https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/10/dezeen_PARKROYAL-on-Pickering-by-WOHA_ss_14.jpg) 3
