Architecture has constantly shaped and accustomed itself to the developing world. It has evolved radically over the decades and developed into a style that is relevant and adaptable to today’s age and world. A paradigm shift in lifestyle, traditional and cultural beliefs, technological advancement, economy, etc. are the influential factors that determine the evolution of architecture.   

“The architect’s work is intended to live on into the distant future. He sets the stage for a long, slow-moving performance which must be adaptable enough to accommodate unforeseen improvisations” – Steen Eiler Rasmussen    

What would futuristic architecture be like-Sheet1
’Futuristic Architecture’_©Hewden dailymail.co.uk

Architects acquire a vision that is capable of foreseeing the future and designing a better tomorrow. They not only design for the present but also according to the needs and desires of the ages ahead of them. They envision their design to be distinctive and practical enough to be capable of adapting and sustaining to the innovations and technologies and provide an enriching experience to its users in the present and for the years to come.  

With the revolutionary inventions and technological progressions every day, every futuristic architecture is picturized to be even more sustainable, technologically advanced, energy-efficient, and culture-oriented. The thoughts and actions of the new thinkers with being different and sensitive towards the evolving world would leave evidence of their fantasies on paper shaping the future architecture and inspiring the generations to come. 

Sustainable architecture

What would futuristic architecture be like-Sheet2
’Sustainable Architecture’_©RodHunt Illustration Studio

The construction industry, being one of the major consumers of natural resources, is one of the reasons leading to the rapid depletion of these resources and causing environmental issues. Presently, the practice of sustainable architecture is at a nascent stage that needs to be expedited to create a balance between the natural and built environment for a healthy and sustainable future. This practice, in turn, would help the earth recover the damage caused to it by the built environment and provide its inhabitants to lead a healthy life. 

“This is not a moral issue; it’s not a spiritual issue, it’s not a political issue, it is a logical issue.” – Michael Reynolds.

Efficient space planning 

’Energy-efficient Buildings’_©glasgowarchitecture.co.uk

The increasing population and space constraints being a significant concern calls for efficient planning in the forthcoming future. Therefore, ensuring the effective use of the space by correctly planning and allocating them according to the requirements without dissipating it. That would contribute efficiently to cater to the growing population and make use of every space adequately. 

To encourage planning of vertical cities is to build upwards instead of outwards. It enables them to cater to a large number of people within a small area. These vertical structures not only become the focal point but also contribute towards reducing the impact of overpopulation and the use of horizontal space. 

Energy-efficient Designs  

Designing more and more energy-efficient buildings would significantly help to reduce the energy consumption from the external source. The use of equipment for heating or cooling the structure would help to utilize the energy gained or lost by the building envelope itself. These energy-efficient structures would help to tackle many environmental issues like reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and bringing the climate to an optimum condition. Reduction in the use of non-renewable sources of energy would contribute towards a sustainable tomorrow. 

Therefore, architects, by designing high-efficiency structures, can contribute towards a healthy environment and a sustainable future.  

Adapting new technologies and innovations 

Modern architecture necessitates embracing new technologies and innovations adapting to dynamic environmental changes. These innovations bring up new challenges and open ways to creative thinking for the designers to create something flexible enough to adapt to the present and the future technological advancements. 

With the increasing complexities in the technological world, futuristic architecture is envisioned to be even more complex and dynamic that would keep up with the styles and trends. These unknown innovations would lead to unexpected future transformations which may lead to either good or bad experiences. 

The future of architecture is envisioned to bring revolutionary changes and create bold statements with its glamour and dynamic nature. The present style would evolve and be accompanied by all the new technological innovations, sustainable and energy-efficient design requirements, etc., and transform into an unexpected form that would further inspire its preceding future. It is an opportunity for all the architects and designers to efficiently use the available resources and create architecture that would contribute towards balancing nature and the built environment. 

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” – Rachel Carson

References:

  1. Microsoft In Culture. (n.d.). Envisioning the future of sustainable cities. [online] Available at: https://inculture.microsoft.com/virtual-reality-artists-earth-day/
  2. Gorgolewski, M. (2005). UNDERSTANDING HOW BUILDINGS EVOLVE. (SB05Tokyo),pp.27–29.Availableat:https://www.irbnet.de/daten/iconda/CIB4010.pdf.
  3. Journal. (2019). The Future of Architecture: 7 Master Plans That Rethink the Way Cities Work. [online] :https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/the-future-of-architecture-cities
  4. acad.co.in. (n.d.). Evolution In Architecture Over The Years – Acad Studio. [online] Available at: https://acad.co.in/blog/how-has-architecture-changed-over-the-last-100-years
  5. www.isover.com. (n.d.). How to design and build an energy efficient building? [online] Available at:https://www.isover.com/how-design-and-build-energy-efficient-building#:~:text=Energy%20efficient%20buildings%20
  6. ‌Planetizen – Urban Planning News, Jobs, and Education. (n.d.). Vertical Cities: Can Mega-Skyscrapers Solve Urban Population Overload? [online] Available at: https://www.planetizen.com/blogs/101788-vertical-cities-can-mega-skyscrapers-solve-urban-population-overload.
  7. World Economic Forum. (n.d.). Buildings are the foundation of our energy-efficient future. [online] Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/02/why-the-buildings-of-the-future-are-key-to-an-efficient-energy-ecosystem/.
  8. energyeducation.ca. (n.d.). Energy efficient building design – Energy Education. [online] Available at: https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Energy_efficient_building_design.
  9. Free Essays. (n.d.). Futuristic Architecture: An Overview – 1740 Words | Essay Example. [online] Available at: https://ivypanda.com/essays/futuristic-architecture-an-overview/
  10. https://yourstory.com/2018/12/building-future-sustainable-construction-practices-need-hour/amp
Author

Mahak is a Second Year architecture student who believes that every architecture has a different story behind which needs to be conveyed through a strong narrative. She is an inquisitive person and has keen interest in learning new things everyday.