Looking Ahead

What comes to mind when you think about the future? Are visions from post-apocalyptic, sci-fi movies all that you can picture? Does ‘Love, Death + Robots’ feel all-too-familiar? This may be our reality in 100 years or even sooner. With billionaires planning to colonize the Moon, we are living in an age where technology develops not in years, but in a matter of days. As society evolves, the definition of architecture is changing constantly. The real question though, is what are the factors that drive this change? 

The future mainly rests on 3 chief factors: Technology, Sustainability & Natural resources. With new fields of study emerging continually, architects are exploring collaborations with professionals from diverse fields, like scientists, innovators, psychologists, etc., to create practical solutions that will stay workable for many years. A look into some upcoming trends could give some insight into what our future holds.

Technology is a Bullet Train

One such technological advancement that is on the verge of changing the modern age is Virtual + Augmented Reality. While VR offers immersive, life-sized project experiences, AR enhances real-world visualization at the click of a button. As these technologies become more accessible, traditional 3D renderings and walkthroughs are giving way to interactive, gadget-driven simulations that let users experience future spaces firsthand.

Architects are increasingly adopting BIM (Building Information Modeling), which has been gaining momentum in the field as an important tool when working with numerous collaborators. BIM is basically a 3D model of the proposed design that contains data of materials & technologies used. Each team member remotely updates the model as per his working data throughout the evolution of the project. Working with BIM is often complicated due to the large number of people involved, but proper organization & scheduling can make it highly efficient. BIM gives cost-efficient, accurate design solutions; its only limitation lies in the dependence on one software for the complete project.

Robot Workers

With programs running so many of our day-to-day functions, automation is a major influence in shaping the future. If robots can be programmed to produce 100% workable planning & engineering solutions based on data fed to them, the need for architects could become obsolete. Presently, at an urban level, traffic patterns recorded by cameras are being analyzed & traffic signals are programmed to regulate movement efficiently. While traffic cops are still a common sight in India, many Western countries have long since replaced them with automated counterparts. 

Computerization is not restricted to public spaces alone. Smart homes are the new norm, offering a customizable living experience for users; with voice & sensor-controlled devices, Bluetooth-connected security, etc. Smart buildings could eventually extend to offices & market places; businesses could be conducted without the necessity of human presence or interaction. Robotic labor forces are being considered as an economically viable alternative to manpower in the construction industry. Although technology is in the nascent stages of its evolution, it is yet to be seen if there will ever be a robot with limitless creative vision, that only humans possess.

New Peaks of Urban Density

As more people flock to urban areas, population density patterns show an increase in urban densities, thereby reducing the per-unit livable space. ‘When many people dream of the same space, the space for dreaming becomes scarce’ rings familiar to people sequestered in cramped up apartments. With major cities across the world already facing huge space shortages & rent costs shooting up, architects are coming up with innovative solutions to optimize small apartment spaces. Multi-use furniture and open planning can go a long way in tackling space constraints in the future. 

Comfortable living conditions are a basic human right, and urban planning plays a major role in ensuring accommodation for everyone: in cities such as Singapore & Mumbai, where there is a limit to available land, vertical development is the go-to solution, often incorporating green roofs, facades, and rooftop forests to offset the loss of natural space. In contrast, countries like the U.S., with abundant land, see cities expanding outward, consuming nearby towns and increasing commute distances—contributing to pollution and climate change.

To address overcrowding and environmental strain, innovative solutions like Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Smart Cities, Line Cities, and Floating Cities are being explored. The future depends on designing inclusive, efficient, affordable, and self-sustaining urban environments today.

Tapping into Resourcefulness

It is no secret that Earth’s natural resources are dwindling. With the current supply unable to meet humanity’s ever-growing greed, we are facing acute shortages all over the world. Studies show that the construction industry consumes 50% of our resources (Bimhow, USGBG) and is a major contributor to air, noise pollution, climate change & waste production. An action plan for better management and the faster invention of sustainable materials to reduce strain on existing resources is crucial. Materials like polymer concrete, laminated timber & wool brick have long-lasting benefits when compared to conventional materials. Builders & architects should update themselves about market trends and consciously curate methods that leave smaller carbon footprints, starting from the conceptual stage of the project itself.

Sustainability is a concept not limited to materials but extends to lifestyle choices as well. If all our future buildings could sustain themselves using renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, recycling & reuse systems, waste & sewage treatment, while at the same time creating spaces that foster health & safety, we would create the perfect symbiotic balance between humans & nature.

Definition of Society in the Future

All architecture is shaped by societal values. The following is a brief look at the characteristics likely to define future societies—and, in turn, influence the built environment:

1. Inclusive, public & collaborative spaces that are not divisive
2. Change in family structures, impacting spatial planning
3. Sustainable tourism changing the way hotels & resorts are designed
4. Impact of Covid on work practices redefining offices & home office zones
5. Reduced commutes & increased use of public-private hybrid transport systems
6. The popularity of vertical farming 

Addressing problems that plague society in the present can go a long way in determining the path ahead for design as a discipline, and the world in general. Architecture is more than the project or clients; it has a larger responsibility to the community. Our buildings are an extension of our lives and routines. They are the channels through which we can pass on information to future generations about society’s practices. A large number of designers are doing great work in this space, but to truly make a better future, we have to raise awareness & work together as a society. A human race that cares for its environment would be an unstoppable force. Therefore, when we think about the future, we must first think of how to shape the present, thereby setting the tone for the direction architecture takes in years to come.