Future architecture will have to cope with massive changes in the digital age. These changes will make the future of architecture even more uncertain than it is already. Think about it: How will architecture look in 20 years?
The digital revolution has changed how we live and work in so many ways. It has also made architecture even more unpredictable and challenging.
Reading texts about the future is a dangerous pastime – because anything can change with time. But just from looking at the current rate of change in the built environment, we can already see plenty of hints about where architecture is heading in the future. Read on to see if your favorite topic is still relevant and how it might change in the years to come.
Smart Architecture
If you want to know what the future of architecture will look like, you have to look at how the present is changing. The blockchain and its capabilities as a digital infrastructure make this a perfect time to examine the state of architecture.
In particular, blockchain technology is changing how we think about trust in the digital world. As an infrastructure technology for building trust, it is particularly relevant to what architects might create in the future.
During the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of experimentation in smart architecture. The most popular use case at the moment involves the sharing economy.
The sharing economy has taken advantage of the blockchain as a mechanism for trust. Companies like Airbnb and Uber use smart contracts to facilitate transactions between people that trust each other.
We can imagine how blockchain could change the architecture of buildings too. If a building could provide its smart functionality, it could become a fully operational unit. It could perform critical services like energy generation, provide internet connections and hosting, or even offer its storage. The company could grant these features to tenants through a smart contract that regulates their usage.
Digital Fabrication
Our current digital age is also bringing a new fabrication level to our architecture. With the increasing availability of 3D printers and the growth of open-source design and fabrication platforms, it’s now possible to produce many components of a building without hiring a construction company.
This change in fabrication has allowed the creation of a lot of genuinely decentralized architecture. You can find a lot of examples of decentralized architecture across the globe. The recent protests against the inauguration of the new US president have shown that decentralized architecture can be a powerful tool for political mobilization.
Architects are also exploring new fabrication techniques that let them use lightweight materials with unusual properties. The use of carbon fiber for construction has allowed architects to create very light but also very durable structures.
This combination of lightweight and durability makes it possible to create many structures that are very resistant to natural hazards like earthquakes and hurricanes while also remaining very functional.
Sharing Economy and On-Demand Services
The most popular use case for the sharing economy right now is accommodation. Airbnb and other platforms have created an enormous industry centered on people letting their spaces out for travelers.
It is an undeniable use case for the sharing economy. It makes perfect sense that there would be a massive demand for such a service. However, it might not last forever. It could go two ways here. The first will be if Airbnb and similar companies get into trouble with regulators. It could create laws that protect the hospitality industry instead of just letting people rent out their spare space.
The second way the sharing economy could lose its popularity is if it becomes easier to find accommodation through other channels. Many people use social media tools like Airbnb when they are looking for a place to stay. It has started happening in some parts of the world.
Many people are still relying on the sharing economy for accommodation. The downside of the sharing economy is that it’s easy to find an apartment for a short stay. But for more extended stays, you need to find a way to pay for the service.
Self-Storage and On-Demand Services
The self-storage industry is a perfect example of how the digital era has affected the storage industry. Although storage had already been digitalized a long time ago, it was only recently that the digitalization of storage became widespread.
The main driver behind this change is the development of blockchain technology. It has made it possible to create a reliable digital system for storing physical assets. This change has affected a lot of industries, including the storage industry.
Using blockchain makes it possible to create a reliable digital system that makes it easier for people to store physical assets. The main advantage of this change is that it makes it easier for people to get access to their assets.
The downside is that it requires effort to store physical assets digitally. It means that the self-storage industry will have to change to maintain its relevance.
3D Printing and Other Forms of Mass Production
The digital age has also led to the development of many new techniques for mass production. In particular, we’ve seen a lot of experimentation in 3D printing.
3D printing has the potential to affect a lot of industries. Architects are not immune to the changes brought by the digital age. In particular, they will have to experiment with more inexpensive and accessible techniques for creating their designs.
This technique includes using 3D printers to generate a lot of the components of a building. It could produce many of the elements of a building at scale. It could also make it easier for architects to create a lot of their designs without hiring a construction company.
Robots and Automation In Architecture
Another change that architects need to consider is the growing number of robotic agents. Robots are becoming more and more prevalent in architecture. It has been happening in big architectural projects.
However, it’s also becoming a popular trend in smaller projects. Architects need to be prepared for the future, and this is one change that will be happening in the coming years.
Automation and robotics are changing the way architecture is created. It could be a good thing, as it could make architecture more accessible to a more significant number of people. However, it’s also a challenge for architects, who need to create relevant designs across a wide range of environments.
Eco-Friendly Architecture
Ecofriendly architecture is already typical in many parts of the world. It’s also a trend that’s very likely to stay relevant. Architects need to keep an eye on this trend.
Ecofriendly architecture is about creating buildings that are as energy-efficient as possible. This trend is already common in a lot of parts of the world. As the digital age continues to grow, eco-friendly architecture will become even more relevant in the future.
Modularization
Another trend that architects need to keep an eye on is modularization. One of the most crucial aspects of the future of architecture is how well we can modularize our designs.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for a building to grow over time. It could happen due to increased occupancy or a new use case. Whatever the reason, the building needs to grow over time.
Architects need to consider modularization when designing a building. A building that is modularized well can grow without disrupting the surrounding environment. It means that modularized buildings need to be more durable.
Vertical Cities
The future of cities will likely feature vertical cities. Architects will likely build these cities in the air or space. They might even build these cities inside of a planet.
Architects are already starting to design buildings that can be built vertically. It could make it possible for architects to create cities with an almost infinite number of levels. It is a trend that has been predicted for a long time.
Conclusion
Architecture is an ever-changing field, facing new challenges and opportunities. The digital revolution has changed how we live and work in so many ways. It has also made architecture even more unpredictable and challenging.
You may think that the architecture of the future will look a lot like the architecture of the present. After all, that’s what we see every day – buildings that look like they belong in the 21st century. The real challenge for architects is innovating in an environment where the future is constantly changing.
