5 Architecture Trends That Will Reshape The Industry In Coming Years

What exactly will the architecture industry look like five, 10 or even 20 years from now?

It’s hard to answer this question with 100% accuracy. But looking at the current trends is certainly a good starting point.

Research shows that the field of architecture has grown by about 5.8% annually over the past five years, reaching a revenue of $45 billion in 2018. So, it’s safe to say that architecture is far from a dying industry.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’ll stay the same in the years ahead.

Here’s a rundown on the top five architecture trends that will redefine the way you design buildings and do business in the future.

Let’s get started!

1. Architecture Trends: Starchitecture Will Decline

Starchitecture refers to architecture that features the signature style of a celebrity in the industry.

Industry experts say that this form of architecture will wane in the future simply because people will be more focused on creating a certain experience with architecture versus paying attention to the physical building itself.

For instance, let’s say that your client would like to encourage their employees to spontaneously run into each other at their company. You could design a building where intersections between mapped-out pathways would be maximized to achieve this.

In other words, instead of chasing starchitecture, clients will be more interested in the thought process behind a building design. And architects will have to deliver accordingly.

2. Private and Public Space Will No Longer Be Divided

Architects in the future will certainly need to consider their clients’ needs. But as an architect, you’ll also need to consider what’s in the best interest of the community at large.

For example, you might design a high-rise building to suit your client. But you might also need to create some spaces in the building that the public can access, too — for example, a facility for recycling.

3. Wood May Become the Building Material of Choice

Timber panels that are cross-laminated are gaining ground, so don’t be surprised if you begin to see more of these used in the architecture space.

These timber panels are designed to be more resistant to fire and stronger than your traditional wood. Therefore, architects will be able to build increasingly taller buildings with timber in the coming years.

4. More Collaboration Will Take Place

With clients being more inclined to think outside of the box when designing their buildings, we’ll likely see more architecture-related collaboration in the future.

For instance, architects may collaborate more environmental scientists and social anthropologists to create meaningful, nurturing and sustainable environments.

Policy makers will likely also collaborate with these teams to effect change related to the built environment on a broader scale.

5. Architecture in China Won’t Stand Out As Much

Architecture in China has traditionally been known for being tall and unusual looking.

However, the market in this country should start to trend more toward designs that are more sophisticated as the nation urbanizes and sees a stronger real estate industry.