The world of architecture has always been a creative one, and it will be no less so in the years to come. Understanding possible upcoming trends in architecture should allow you to think outside the box whether you are designing your next architectural project or looking to find an architect to build your new home, commercial building or governmental complex. Here are some trends that may shape the next decade.
Glass will be Everywhere
After the successful construction of the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in China as the highest and longest pedestrian bridge in the world, architects are likely to use glass in many more places. One of the reasons that glass was chosen for this project was that it disappears into the natural environment, and more architects are likely to consider its use now that its incredible strength has been proven.
Creative Indoor Parks
Following the success of the first suspended playground in Singapore, architects are likely to start thinking of even more creative ways to include play space for everyone in their designs. Others may start focusing on creating dedicated spaces set aside for favorite hobbies like the globe for reading located inside the Tianjin Binhai Library.
First Invisible Buildings
Over the next decade, architects are likely to create the first buildings that can be made invisible. For example, architects have already designed the invisible tower in Seoul using a high-tech LED facade system. One of the reasons that this will become so popular is that advertisers can then place advertising and messages on the outside of the buildings allowing the owners to make even more money.
Rotating Buildings
Called the Dynamic Tower, plans are already in place to build the first rotating building where each of the 80 stories will rotate independently. This will allow all tenants to have a constantly changing view of the landscaping. Some buildings may even be designed where tenants in apartments taking up a whole floor can even choose their view based on their mood or other circumstances.
Larger Balconies
Based on buildings like the Aqua Tower in Chicago, architects are likely to start extending balconies to give residents a unique view of the outside. These balconies also serve a cultural purpose to people of Chinese descent who believe it is important to be able to worship with the sky overhead. Others are likely to expand on this idea creating space for people to grow their own food on their balconies.
Building Wraps
While designers have already created three-dimensional building wraps for interior use by apartment dwellers letting them create interesting designs on their apartment walls, entire buildings may soon be wrapped. The advantage is that these wraps may make the building more energy efficient and it will provide great scenes regardless of the building's natural view. Others may start designing buildings meant to be covered in plants as a way to reduce CO2 emissions while adding aesthetics to the design like Thomas Heatherwick's 1000 Trees development in Shanghai.
Recycled Housing
Like the shipping containers that were cut and stacked to make them look like they were collapsing into the street, look for architects to find many creative ways to recycle materials to build homes. People have already used recycled bottles, plastic bottles, boats and pallets to create beautiful homes. This option may be more cost-effective than building new structures while playing on people's desire to take better care of the environment.
Man-made Islands
As people get even more tired of living on top of each other, expect more man-made islands to pop up like The World Archipelago to be created. This area off the coast of Dubai is shaped to resemble a world map with each of the 300 islands being named after a country. Architects are likely to create similar projects for people who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of living in the city. Additionally, more people may return to the countryside, so architects may be designing buildings there that appear to fit into the natural topography.
There is no doubt that architects will move housing, buildings and other structures beyond our wildest imagination over the next decade. If you are ready to start a new project, then think outside of the box allowing you to be a trendsetter instead of a follower.
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