Last month several people have asked me to define the latest trends in architectural design. I am not an expert on architecture history or on different movements in architecture, but I do practice design on ongoing bases. Constant research on the world’s greatest projects is a must for me while working on my projects. It’s intriguing to study projects from the perspective of why people are attracted to something more and why other projects lose public interest remarkably fast. It is also fascinating to identify common themes of all contemporary architecture around and to try to predict what will stay and what will go out of favor fast.
Please give me your feedback on my ideas presented here.
“Architectural trends” is a very controversial term. A building style is not as easy to change as it is to buy a new dress or even a new car, buildings stay with us for generations. Various architecture styles have been coexisting for centuries complementing each other in fantastic ways. So whatever style you decide to go with would be ok so long as you create a quality sustainable architecture piece which can continuously grow and change with time, serving its occupants as years go by.
Looking at what’s being built around the world right now, I did see some common new “trends” I could point out. These are just a few trends which I liked personally and that I try using in my designs. Use these wisely and you can produce amazing results on your projects. Don’t forget to tell me what your ideas are of the latest trends in architecture.
1. Being True to Materials
One of the most remarkable characteristics of contemporary architectural design is being true to materials used on the project. If you are building something of wood, don’t hide the beauty of it – make it exposed! You can stain it if you wish, but still show the beauty of the wood species’ grains. If it’s a metal frame supporting your ceiling – show it! Make it an accent of your space. It will give character and save you money on the ceiling finish. This architecture design trend all comes down to using raw materials and not covering them up, consequently using less chemical for finishes or paint and spending less money while still looking sleek!
2. Bold Colors
Be bold with colors! Pick one or two and make them strong. Use your logo colors if you are trying to brand your business space. Bold colors don’t have to be on walls, use them in furniture, lighting or any design elements in your space. Just a note: accent walls are not in style anymore, unless it’s a wall in your lobby with your business logo on it. Making accent walls in your office are dated just as bad as having vinyl base – sounds good in theory but shows bad design taste and your irresponsibility towards environmental and health issues.
3. Images on Glass Walls
Using images or phrases as a pattern on glass partitions have been around for a while. Creating a screen-like feel with words or images produces an intriguing design element while providing privacy and safety as opposed to using clear glass partitions. Also, our subconscious mind will read what you wrote on your walls, so be creative and positive. Images that show from heat or from light is something that appeared later. This type of user interaction with a living space is a trend you will be seeing more and more around you.
4. Pedestrian Friendly
Making everything bike and pedestrian friendly so you would want to walk, not drive – is one of the largest movements related to the environmental impact of driving and our dependency on oil. I personally experienced bad design while living in an apartment in San Francisco where I wanted to drive across the street to a mini-mart. Why? I felt unsafe to cross the street as a pedestrian. The latest changes you will be seeing around are focused on making us feel safe being without our “car armor.” Designing your new building or a business, make it appealing to pedestrians. Read more tips on how to make your business appear more pedestrian friendly HERE.
5. Creating the Mood
The last trend – and not the least – think about how your space, your building design or your house is sending some type of a message on a subconscious level. Humans are animals and react to most things on biological level. So whatever you bring to your space to expose to your clients or guests will create a reaction in their minds without them ever realizing it. It can be that wild color you choose for your lobby, or that dried up plant dying on the sill of your window… What is it saying about your business? This trend is something architects are becoming more and more interested in while seeing how good spaces make people feel good in them. Feng Shui is one of the forms of design manifesting this holistic approach. Read more on how to influence your clients’ behavior HERE.
This text came from the newsletter HERE.
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Also, take a look at “Branding By Interior” e-book, the only book written on this subject at this time. It brings insight on how you can turn your business into a market-dominating competitor by using human cognitive responses.
