The biggest debate in the construction world is how the future of architecture will be? whether it will be a repetition of buildings, or it is going to be more sustainable, or buildings straight out of a sci-fi movie.
This Generation loves science fiction, Which gives them a perspective of more futuristic buildings in the coming future. But on the other hand, climate change is threatening urban settlements. According to the United nation organization By 2050, 68 percent of the total world population will live in urban areas. An increase in settlements in urban areas is leading towards carbon emissions and the extinction of mineral resources. So the real question is: how architecture is going to deal with climate problems while keeping up with new futuristic design trends.
Will it be a Repetition of Buildings?
Repetition of buildings leads to loss of creativity but is more productive when compared to the sci-fi building concept. But this concept of Repetitive building design has very little space in the future amidst new design trends. The upcoming urban model will be more techno-sustainable. Reconstruction, decontextualization, industrialization are few methods to erect the concept of repetitive buildings.
Sustainable?
1987’s Brundtland Report states the definition of sustainable as “Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
But what will be the role of architecture in a sustainable future?
Architecture directly impacts the environment. To eradicate environmental evils, the future of architecture must not be compromised when it comes to sustainable architecture. Sustainable architecture is gearing towards creating functional buildings today that will continue to have a minimal environmental impact and low energy usage to help future generations.
Environmentally conscious design techniques are the way for a whole new kind of sustainable architecture. Apart from less carbon emission and more cooling effects techniques, sustainable architecture also focuses on green spaces around the urban context. The future of architecture is green and renewable.
Straight out of a Sci-fi Movie?
Science fictions take us to a new exciting world that is more progressive and futuristic when compared to the actual world. But is it possible and workable in reality? There are plenty of bold, bizarre, contemporary buildings right here on earth that look like they belong on the set of a sci-fi movie.
Some of the buildings are:
1) 2010 UK Pavilion for World Shanghai Expo
Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, constructed of 60000 fiber-optic rods with seeds implanted at the tips of each rod.
2) The Atomium in Brussels
Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, the concept of this building is an iron crystal cell magnified 165 billion times. The different spheres are accessible to the public.
3) The Milwaukee Art Museum
Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this museum has featured in various films, video games, and television. The wing-like structures open, stretching 217 feet wide, but are closed at night and for chill weather.
4) Galaxy Soho
Beijing’s Galaxy Soho was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, with four dome structures and sixteen floors (offices, retail space, entertainment attractions). The design is inspired by nature. The domes resemble giant pods from the invasion of the Body Snatchers or Alien.
The Future is Techno-sustainable Architecture
Architects are designing buildings with futuristic appearance and sustainable design, generally the mixed concept of Techno-sustainable features. This strategy will help in attracting tourists while promoting sustainability. Some examples are mentioned below:
1) Nanyang Technical University, Singapore
Designed by CPG Consultants, the Glass facade reduces the solar heat gain, which also opens up the natural view to the interior space of the art school. Glass Facade ensures the daylight enters the interiors of the building.
One cannot differentiate the line between landscape and the building, as the curved swirling green roofs end up joining the landscape around the building. The green roofs also insulate the building, cool the surrounding air in the building context, and harvest rainwater for landscape irrigation. The building artistically encourages the purpose of art and media school.
2) Micro-apartments, Hongkong
O-Pod Tube Housing is developed by design firm Hong Kong studio James Law Cybertecture. It is a prototype for low-cost living in Hongkong city. Each tube house has technologies like smartphone locks. Glass panels act as both door and window, maximizing the space inside each unit.
Micro-apartments are sustainable, reduce carbon emission, energy-saving construction with luxury living. It is the best example of the mixed concept of techno-sustainable futuristic architecture.
3) Nanjing green lighthouse, China
Designed by architecture firm Archiland international in Nanjing high-tech zone, Nanjing green lighthouse is a zero-carbon emission building.
The building allows natural daylight to its working space. It is energy efficient. The diffused sunlight increases the well-being and productivity of the users. The exterior appearance gives a futuristic glimpse of the building. It is another example of the mixed concept of techno-sustainable futuristic architecture.
4) Pixel Building, Melbourne
Designed by architecture firm Decibel Architecture in Melbourne, the first carbon-neutral office building in Australia, generating all its power and water on-site. Among its energy-saving features are colorful, eye-catching panels that provide shade and maximize daylight as needed, supports that help process wastewater, a roof that captures rainwater, and a series of vertical wind turbines.
