The fourth dimension ‘time’ an important factor to think about while designing is directing architects to build a future that is sustainable and will suffice for our generations to come while minimizing environmental issues. While architecture has a lot to offer in terms of design and science moreover building better places to live and fulfil the growing needs of the population is the priority.
When we look back it has come up with solutions like high rise buildings to fit in the population but that did not stop there, to cater for the environmental issues and give better life architects came up with the revolutionary idea of vertical farming and vertical gardens to make the spaces more livable.
The unprecedented change that the whole world faced because of the pandemic changed the dynamics of architecture. After being locked in our homes for months we saw an inclination towards healthy, flexible, spacious, sustainable designs etc. Sustainability was already being adapted but the pandemic showed us how nature got its freedom and bloomed while we were locked in our homes this certainly got many of the designers to think more than ever into sustainable manner and design which will benefit mother earth and us, humans, in the present and future as well.
As architects, we have a huge responsibility towards society and we play a major role in shaping the future of mankind. In the same way, architects are responsible for the success and failures of architecture and climate change is one of the major fails mankind is facing. To rectify and avoid the same mistakes in the future today we will see a lot of sustainable architecture growing around us. People are bringing up new concepts to minimize the consumption of natural resources leading to a sustainable approach. Sustainability is no longer an option but a default requirement towards architectural design.
Earlier the roads and walkways that we used to walk are also being built in a way where the energy generated by walking is been stored and used in the form of electricity all this is because of a phenomenon called piezoelectricity. An emerging trend used in self-sufficient landscape architecture. Solar roofs, solar street lights are smaller steps towards a sustainable future. Technology playing the part in is the root of these innovative techniques.
Building materials
A major step towards a sustainable future in architecture is the innovation of new building materials a solution to lessen the carbon footprint, adapting the ‘R’ of sustainability reuse, recycle, repurpose has changed the design standards and brought the new architectural style into the picture. A number of variations in the commonly used building material ‘concrete’ to improve the air around is being used in buildings according to the need and utility changing the aesthetics.
The comeback of timber as a building material has magnificently brought a change in architectural design earlier it was mainly seen in small scale one storey residential projects but with the use of technology, it is now being used for high rise structures as well. There is an impressive escalation in the use of timber as a building material with more strength, fast installation, detailed work because of new construction techniques it is also being used compositely with steel and other material which is only adding to the structure’s beauty.
Smart cities
Smart cities are an example of collaboration between technology and nature-based designs with safe and high-end design solutions for transportation design, residential, commercial, public structures with efficient energy management. Better access to public needs with the right use of technology and proper resource management. This is an advancement to make our cities sustainable and self-sufficient.
Types of buildings in future
Tiny homes are an emerging trend that we see on every social media page related to architecture. Designs that are beautiful and save space and provide everything you need with minimum resources. One of the best ways to cater for the problem of space crunch. Homes on wheels have similar design approaches only to differ is the idea of moving the house as you travel. Many such ideas that are trying to provide an abode with basic needs fulfilled can be proved revolutionary and be the next architectural marvel.
However, architecture does not stop at creativity it is a combination of science and creativity and the future will witness the same. The future of architecture will see sustainable designs with technological advancements to provide shelter to each and will see taller sustainable buildings to meet the need of the hour. Many are already working on these principles and building wonders defying the old mentality and prejudice. Change is constant and leads to innovation and adaption and that will lead to the future of architecture.
