THE NEW ERA OF ARCHITECTURE

BY Sapna

Architecture is most often talked about in the context of space, planning and design. The popular adage “Form Follows Function” seems to have got a new meaning with spaces becoming multifunctional and consumers becoming more informed. The fluid layouts, sustainability and welness are paving the way for a more dynamic architecture, which is also being shaped by a much more aware consumer. What’s more the convergence of various de- sign disciplines, collaborations and technology are further transforming the field of architecture as we know.

SHIFTS IN SOCIETY & INDUSTRY

The demand of society from their built environment is rapidly changing, especially in past few years, healthy living, affordability and livable cities have taken center stage. Architects need to be able to respond to these changes and find ways to take architecture to the bottom of the pyramid.

The field of architecture itself is in a constant flux of evolution, with ever new advancements in materials and construction technologies. The real estate industry with its tightening regulations requires planners, architects and designers to think on their feet for timely deliveries and budgetary constraints without compromising on the aesthetics of the buildings.

The designers are wholeheartedly tackling changes as they come, democratizing the profession, experimenting with materials to make the product and projects affordable and investigating new technologies to increase building operational efficiencies and lifecycles.

Some of the important emerging trends that are reprograming relationship between space and design are driven by consumers reconciliation with traditions, focus on wellness post covid and technology integration preferred by digital nomads.

Cultural Integration: The client no more wants a clone of the building being built in the Western world. Blend of traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics and dis- play of handicrafts & artisanal work within minimalist setup are creating a unique design expression, say architects. The new design language of today, draws inspiration from various global traditions and modern construction. From mixed-use developments to adaptive reuse of cultural buildings, architects are fostering a sense of community and belonging. Sustainability For Wellness: The emphasis on sustainable buildings is getting stronger by the day with designers as well as owners focusing on eco-friendly materials and practices. A step ahead is the at- tention to occupants’ well-being through good design, materials, ample ventilation, water quality and active lighting that supports health. Architects are connecting the built environment and human well-being by creating spaces that reduce stress and exposure to toxic materials, offer ergonomic comfort and promote connection to nature.

Technology Transformation: Indian designers are on the path to adopting AI, and 3D printing which are transforming how designs are created. BIM has already become a go-to technology for architects, that remembers hundreds of changes made in the project. Parametric design is helping designers to create rational forms within a set of parameters and constraints, that may be impossible for the average modelling software. Digital twins, the virtual replicas of physical spaces are being used to improve produc- tivity and virtual reality is giving clients immersive experience of the space for better decision making even before the construction begins.

Digital Nomadism: Digital no-mads working from anywhere have become the major influencers for building designs, post pandemic. Blurring the line between live, work, and play, spaces are becoming collaborative and buildings becoming amenity-rich. The way we work is rapidly changing, so are the designers that are creating residential spaces with office spaces to work in private and office buildings with home-like spaces to relax in-between work. From cafes, to hotels and everything in-between the spaces are being designed to cater to the digital nomad's need to work from anywhere.

TESTS & TRIALS

India is a highly diverse market and architects and designers have the opportunity to cater to a wide range of consumers and price points that can keep their creative fires burning. In addition, the growing middle class with increasing disposable income, demand for well-designed products and spaces is on the rise.

The not so good news is the lack of supportive policies that slow down the pace of innovation and regulatory hurdles in implementation of out-of-box design projects. Protecting designs and creative works, given the lackadaisical Intellectual Property Rights in India is a challenge.

Another critical challenge in growth of Indian design industry to the level of global peers is outdated curriculums and rote learning in design schools producing below average design professionals. Collaboration between industry and academia is the need of the hour to ensure the young talent is relevant to industry needs and is buzzing with radical ideas.

RETHINKING ARCHITECTURE

Indian design fraternity has come a long way from just being a noble profession of creating buildings to becoming ‘archi-preneurs’ promoting their work and deliberating on business models. The design discussions today, include terms like ‘scope of service’, ‘collaboration’ ‘visibility & outreach”. Architectural photography which was till now only being used by architects, contractors, interior designers, and others to record the design & construction is now being used to promote projects and the practice.

Online platforms and social media have become essential for de- signers to showcase their work and reach a global audience. Because social media is visual, it also is a great place to showcase the firm’s work. It also gives an opportunity to talk directly with the audience that could be the prospective clients.

Worldwide and now in India, design firms are collaborating with influencers and bloggers through content co-creation and taping into their well-established following to open doors to many new prospects. The good part is, these collaborations and initiatives by architects is democratizing the field of design, propelling understanding of architecture, design process and participation of commoners, making it more accessible.

As expressed by many architects, running a practice is like walking a tight rope -balancing the noble code of practice and service to so- ciety with corporate methods, prof- its and target lines. But they agree that it is not enough to just provide intellectual solutions and wait for the world to know about your work through word of mouth. There are numerous other equally talented designers out there. Creating a buzz about your work has become essential in today’s highly competitive world. And here Indian designers can take a leaf from internation architects business handbook.

“Promoting oneself does not amount to degrading your work or compromising on your ethics as long as there are no kickbacks or favoritism at play," said one of the prominent architects.

“The idea of architecture being a work of art and if you’re good at what you do, profit, fame, etc. will follow does not always mate- rialize," said an interior designer. She added, ‘Running a design firm includes human resource, finance, operations and business develop- ment. But, dedication to our work, makes us often lose sight of this non-attractive aspect.”

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

While, international designers are finding work in India, Indian designers too are gaining inter- national recognition. They are foraying global shores and adding Indian design aesthetics to their work abroad.

One of the reasons for Indian designers becoming world savvy is the technology adoption. The world has become smaller with the integration of new technologies, enabling collaborations cross border and bringing stakeholder together to delve on design ideas, processes and products.

As architects state, there is no doubt, the Indian design sector is poised for continued growth in coming times with a strong foundation of tradition and forward-looking approach. The biggest change in the industry has been the designer’s mindset shift from mere creativity to business growth. They agree that an architect’s work is not only to bridge aspects of art and science, but also to embrace creativity for becoming more entrepreneurial and adaptable.

It is only recently, the subject of business of design has come to the forefront. Designers are considering ways to promote their entrepreneurship while maintaining the integrity of the profession.

Architectural photography has become an essential tool in the kitty of designers to showcase their work and the new forms of media and communication are providing platforms to the new and established designers to reach out to the public.

India is a highly diverse market and architects and designers have the opportunity to cater to a wide range of consumers and price points that can keep their creative fires burning.

The emerging design trends, reprograming relationship between space and design are - people’s desire for cultural elements, focus on wellness, sustainability, technology & fluidity of spaces.

Tags : INDIA ARCHITECTURAL FRATERNITY JUNCTURE ENCOMPASSING DESIGN DISCIPLINES MODERN TECHNIQUES TECHNOLOGIES NEW ERA Architecture