Architecture plays an essential role in distinct aspects, from product invention; building construction to urban planning and design. In the modern days, there is a rise in the growing population, and the future of living standards has a significant impact on the future of architecture. Architecture represents a noteworthy image in the progress of towns and the ever-growing needs of rising population growth despite limited resources of land, water, and food on our planet.
The future of living, standards, and initiation of modern life relates directly to the expansion of cities and urbanization, where new opportunities arise. People settle in urban areas where the growth of facilities, opportunities, and a chance to increase their standard of living are present. Skyscrapers emerged with growing needs of population and scarcity of land.
In today’s world, architects express valuable consideration of biophilic design, sustainability, and technology that are part of emerging trends.
Skyscrapers and Vertical Cities
Building skyscrapers solve the ever-growing population where land is a limited resource. As the cities are coping with accommodating millions of people, infrastructure facilities, roads, power supplies, telecommunications, etc., continue to expand around the metropolis, and there is a substantial decrease in rural areas.
With the development of skyscrapers, materials such as glass, steel, and concrete take their place, and the buildings exhibit contemporary style, minimizing the ornamental details for the structures. We see a significant rise in urban dwellings for vertical gardens, sweeping balconies with lush green plants, terrace gardens, and pools providing atmospheric views.
Biophilia
Since the beginning of ages and until the present day, humans have been connecting and are strengthening with nature. Humans built their shelters in caves and stone structures. Biophilia design is the love and life of living systems and connecting to nature. It affects the human body in fundamental ways, from improving sleep efficiency, reducing stress, and helping in relaxation, surpassing physical, mental health, and well-being.
The biophilia design encourages humans to adapt to nature and build an environment with natural elements and features- water, plants, preserving natural ecosystems, providing open spaces, restoring, protecting, and designing sustained landscape areas, incorporating infiltration systems, offering views to the outside, etc. It is not only for the well-being of an individual’s growth but also develops an ecologically self-sustained environment essential for the future of architecture.
Sustainability
Sustainable architecture is the key to the future environmentally friendly architecture. Only by living economically with the use of resources efficiently and planning for the future can protect the environment and climate sustaining future generations.
The concept behind sustainable architecture is to use resources efficiently, reduce energy consumption to build energy-efficient buildings. Few measures of sustainable design include recycling and reusing construction waste, historical preservation, protecting native vegetation, preserving native neighbourhoods, efficient use of water resources, incorporating high energy-efficient systems, passive solar design principles, etc. A holistic approach towards these sustainable standards is becoming more prevalent in sustaining architecture.
Technology and Innovative Materials
An upsurge in innovative materials and a rise in advanced technology have a direct influence on the standard of living. The impact of positive aspects of technology and innovation on the future of architecture has to be considered while implementing, even though there are negative aspects. Few examples of innovation in materials include:
- Nanotechnology in glass–reduces energy consumption.
- Self-healing concrete – self-sustained concrete with the ability to fill the cracks with the help of bacteria.
- Interactive terrazzo tiles and pavers–activates with light and movement.
- Photovoltaic cells–that use sunlight to generate electricity.
- Intelligent and dynamic facades–technology-driven and control facades as per the responsive system.
We do not limit innovation to these materials, but further research is going on for the techniques which can come at a lower cost even for economically poor people to survive a better future. It also requires careful consideration to examine the negative aspects despite the benefits of using technology-driven materials. These innovations provide not only multiple functions but also versatility and energy-consuming strategies.
The other emerging trends are parametric architecture,3d printing technology. Virtual reality is shaping the future of architecture. The flowing forms of parametric architecture take a design in a more unique way of approach and are incredible.3d printing technology is where layers of materials are added to from 3d to reduce material wastage. Virtual reality is the process where one can visualize and feel the actual space even before it is executed.
Architects are conducting various experiments in different segments to transform the cities with new thinking styles, such as Babel town, representing a science-fiction movie. Experiments on materials, function, and mobility provide distinct design forms; versatility in design is likely to continue until a standard and practical way of approach is possible. It is the responsibility of architects, engineers, governments, and society to work together to further enhance the living standards and life of each present on our planet.
References:
- Sensitile Terrazzo. Sensitile. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.sensitile.com/materials/families/sensitile-terrazzo/
- Breeders, B. (n.d.). 5 innovative materials in architecture construction. Architecture Competitions and Awards // Organised by Bee Breeders. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://architecturecompetitions.com/5-innovative-materials-in-architecture-construction
- Biophilia Design The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life by Stephen R. Kellert Judith Heerwagen Martin Mador (z-lib.org)
- Green building methods and materials.
