Picture the world 50, 100, or even 500 years from now, it could look like a futuristic world powered by advanced technology-encompassing shimmering architecture, clean streets, and flying cars or the opposite, probably on the dystopian end. Every individual has a different postulate about how the future may look like.
Professionals like architects, filmmakers, and writers have helped us visualize by manifesting their fantastic visions of the future. Some ideas drawn from these visions have come to fruition; some ideas continue to inspire people.
We have been dreaming up visuals of future architecture since the dawn of massive civilizations. Architecture is one of the oldest practices, with a radical impact on the built environment of civilizations around the world. Architects and engineers have been coming up with various innovations and technological developments since the beginning of time due to a desire to improve built structures and a curiosity about new concepts.
With the rapid advancement of technologies and their integration into architecture, the limitations in the design and form of the built structures have drastically reduced. Furthermore, new demands and needs are developing with the proceeding innovation that has shown a fast change in the structure of creation and trends in architecture.
The rate of technological migration into architecture is rapid. Extensive research and proposals for new emerging concepts such as Mars colonization, smart cities, futuristic architecture, and so on are in the process of being developed. These concepts are unique and exciting to explore, and they can be beneficial in improving the current situation.
Looking at these concepts, one can paint a picture of how exciting the future of architecture could be. Well, we might not be going through with them anytime soon as it may take years for the technology to advance at such a level that these concepts can be put into force without any hassle.
Immersive technology, a boon to the design process
Given how the architectural industry has evolved over the last few decades, it is safe to say that everything has improved, from design to construction techniques. Today, architects can experience the design before the start of construction through immersive technology.
One of the aspects of this technology is virtual reality, which allows architects to see how the design is coming together and how engineering fits into the picture. The other is 3-D printing. Architects can create amazing designs with the help of large 3-D printers that have no design limitations. Immersive technology can help expand the boundaries of architecture and construction.
Building a sustainable future
One of the most important concepts to consider when discussing the future of architecture is sustainability. Climate change and the depletion of nonrenewable resources are current threats to humanity. These problems require the immediate attention of the architects. This concept has been popular for over a decade, and its main philosophies are waste reduction and space recycling. The incorporation of this concept has to be mandatory in the design of every space.
The smart cities design trend is a type of development based on sustainability, and it focuses on the cities’ future. This development will allow architects to make better use of resources, reduce energy consumption, and build more efficient cities. By focusing on this concept, the architects can create an eco-friendly design that will last long into the future because smarter equals greener.
More the vertical, the better
Overpopulation is a major issue in today’s urban environment. As the population keeps growing, the space becomes limited for dwelling. Vertical cities have been proposed as a solution to this problem by many architects. The architects need to become more space-savvy in their designs and the architecture community must collaborate to accommodate the next generation better. Along with living in vertical cities, vertical farming can be practiced to help reduce pollution.
Vertical farming has been proposed as an alternative in the scientific community to reduce the negative effects of agriculture on the environment. Vertical cities can solve problems caused due to urbanization and can take the high-rise urban dwelling to another level. Future buildings will be taller, smaller, and more efficient. These future skyscrapers will incorporate vertical farming, wood materials, and glass to promote sustainability. Hence, the future of architecture is up.
To conclude, the architecture of the future is more likely to reach the sky. There will be significant usage of sustainable materials and the spaces may get tighter. The parameters within which architects must work will be determined by current problems like population growth and the importance of environmental impact.
To quote Ar. Chitra Vishwanath: ”Future of architecture lies in it being ecologically sensitive wherein it incorporates water, waste, energy, biodiversity, food and resources to build with.”
The architect wishes to convey through this quote, the importance of green practices and how they will improve the future. With all the new technology at an architect’s disposal, there will be a change in how the architecture looks and how quickly it can evolve. Visionaries are already imagining the future and are using cutting-edge techniques. Only time will tell which trends will endure and which will fade, but one thing is certain: we will need to build smarter.
References
Ketchell, M., 2014. Past visions of future cities were monstrous, but now we imagine a brighter tomorrow. [online] The Conversation. Available at: <https://theconversation.com/past-visions-of-future-cities-were-monstrous-but-now-we-imagine-a-brighter-tomorrow-29188> [Accessed 15 May 2021].
Wakefield, J., 2013. How will our future cities look?. [online] BBC News. Available at: <https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-20770518> [Accessed 14 May 2021].
Building Design + Construction. 2019. What is the future of architecture as a profession?. [online] Available at: <https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/what-future-architecture-profession> [Accessed 14 May 2021].
