Top Architectural Design Trends for 2015

Architectural design is one of those industries that remains somewhat consistent from year to year but sees a few notable game-changers with each passing season. Here are a few of the building trends that have caught our attention so far in 2015.

Supertall Buildings

Architects and engineers haven’t grown tired of tall buildings, and in fact, they’re continuing to grow taller every year. China leads the world in supertall buildings, and the country is scheduled to complete even more supertall buildings in 2015.

Collaborative Workspaces

In today’s economy and technological age, more employees are working remotely – on the road and at home – which has created a greater need for collaborative workspaces. Rows after rows of cubicles just don’t cut it in the modern work environment, and the fine lines between public and private spaces are becoming blurred. Accordingly, clients are thinking more outside-the-box in terms of office space so architects need to keep up with innovators in diverse fields.

Hypoallergenic Materials

As employees and tenants become more health conscious, they demand healthier buildings to live and work in. Health conscious materials that are hypoallergenic and chemical-free are now being chosen more frequently than their more harmful counterparts for paints, upholstery, and insulation. There are many safe building materials available to choose from if owners are willing to invest in some research and short-term cost.

Net Zero Energy Buildings

“Net zero energy” is a hot buzz phrase in both commercial and residential construction, as energy efficiency becomes an even greater priority in 2015. Homes and office spaces that can boast of the “net zero energy” title have proven feasible and sustainable, therefore increasing the demand in major cities and rural regions.

Passive Construction

Rather than working against the environment, passive buildings work with it by cutting external technology and boosting self-sufficiency. Engineers make buildings more passive by installing large windows to utilize the sun’s heat for warming and designing roofs to facilitate wind power and solar energy. Overhangs, insulation, and glazing are trends that are popular in modern buildings for this purpose.

Weather-Resistant Structures

As climate change continues to take its toll on Planet Earth, the need for weather-resistant structures is as great as, or even greater than, ever before. Natural disasters are nothing new, but creative designers and engineers are continuously finding new ways to keep people safe from harm’s way. Need an example? Check out Dionisio Gonzalez’s hypothetical blueprints of futuristic concrete structures to protect beach dwellers from hurricanes.

3D Printed Everything

The other hot buzz word that the design industry can’t get away from is 3D printing. 3D printed interiors will likely be the way of the future – from walls to furniture and accessories. This technology seems to know no boundaries, as it is already beginning to infiltrate the fields of engineering, medicine, and environmental preservation.

 

Photo credit: Chris and Kevin Dooley via Flickr