Imagine walking through the city where the constructed environment cohesively adapts to the evolving needs of its inhabitants. The architectural envelope is not only an inanimate background for human activity; it is a dynamic, living entity that can respond to the socio-cultural and economic environment in the current and future times. How can architects design space that can work for the current moment of time but also embrace future changes and meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of society?
In today’s constantly evolving world, architects face the challenge of moulding environments to reflect society’s development and changes. Embracing the change means designing inclusive, adaptable, and respectful spaces for both the environment and people. To assure that, it requires a commitment to respond to the socio-cultural and economic change we face daily. Architects and professionals inside the construction field must engage with local communities, anticipate and embrace future demands, and provide innovative solutions that acknowledge populations from different backgrounds, strengthening community bonds.
Architecture is not just about constructing buildings; the constructed environment constantly reflects society’s changes and development, navigating into a dynamic environment where architects should embrace the constant changes to constantly respond to socio-cultural and economic shifts the world faces nowadays, where respect for all forms of living and the environment should be integral to those designs.
To respond effectively to that, architects should engage with the local environment and anticipate future demands. Providing inclusive and innovative design solutions that can serve diverse populations and strengthen community bonds, demonstrating an essential capability of embracing future change.
Recognize the political aspect of Architecture
Behind every project, lies a complex narrative of how that project was developed to transform the environment where it was constructed “representing a symbolic and imaginary field of visibility of a society for itself and others” (Šuvaković, 2014, p. 12). Every building shares a message that subtly transforms the dynamics of its surroundings. As soon as the building moves out of its abstract form on paper, and becomes a physical structure, it impacts the spatial dynamics of the space and can reflect in the power mechanics. This understanding is a crucial aspect of embracing the changes and being capable of answering the local needs.
Architecture can both shape and be shaped by politics and society. Architecture is a powerful political medium, reflecting our social values, power dynamics, and cultural identities; architectural theory has consistently brought into question the fact that architecture, more than any other discipline, relates to politics and the exercise of power (Thoenes & Evers, 2015). It goes beyond construction; it tells the story of our past, reflects our present, and expresses our future aspirations. So on, recognizing the political power of architecture is vital to recognize the power the architectural envelope can provide and contribute positively to societal development.
Anticipate future demands
Alongside the recognition of the political aspect, the architectural field must learn to anticipate future demands and to answer and provide feedback to the constant changes the local society presents. The constructed environment should be flexible and neutral, capable of providing shelter and inclusion to every form of living expression. Embracing future changes can mean adopting and discussing a universal design approach, ensuring accessible and inclusive spaces for every age, ability, and background.
Adaptability should be a key element inside future designs so that the environment can meet the present moment’s expectations and meet future users’ necessities. Necessities can change from time to time, and providing room and possibility can transform a space to be more welcoming and cost-effective in a long-term view.
Fostering Community Engagement
The inclusion of those who will use the space daily is an essential key process to develop the feeling of inclusivity, and safety and create healthy interaction at various scales in the design field. During the design stages, adopting a participatory design process can be many times challenging, but ultimately rewarding, as it can result in the reflection of the aspirations and needs of the users, this approach is integral to embracing future change inside the architectural practice.
The possible inclusion of public spaces and amenities can foster great interactions and gatherings, capable of expanding the inner centre of the building and creating engagement between different groups. Embracing future change means designing space that not only has a functional purpose but also provides community connections and interactions. To complement that, fostering community engagement can embrace cultural sensitivity in design, by acknowledging and incorporating cultural sensitivity. Implementing design elements that reflect different cultural backgrounds is crucial for inclusion. By doing so, architects are capable of designing environments that resonate with diverse communities and embrace the changes of the future.
Embracing future change in architecture requires a comprehensive strategy that includes political awareness, preparation for future demands, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement, in favour of creating an adaptable, inclusive environment, while reflecting the diverse needs of our actual and future society. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that architecture remains relevant and responsive to the continuously evolving dynamics of the world around us. While architects navigate through the challenges of the projects, they should include in the project process the influence that a specific building will generate in its surroundings and advocate for inclusive and sustainable design solutions.
By recognizing the power of architecture to shape social dynamics and the capability of enhancing the quality of life, it is possible to build environments that not only meet current needs but are capable of addressing future needs and adapting to the aspirations of future generations.
References:
Suvaković, M. (2014). General Theory of Ideology and Architecture. In V. Mako, M. Blagojević, & M. Llazar (Eds.), Architecture and Ideology (pp. 2–12). Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Thoenes, Ch., & Evers, B. (2015). Architecture Theory: From the Renaissance to the Present. Taschen.
