Finding ways to promote sustainability and prioritize the environment is crucial in the Architecture industry, as urban expansion and suburban sprawl is gradually eliminating green spaces across most cities. Incorporating sustainable building practices can alleviate some of the pressure put on the environment by new buildings and neighborhoods, while still meeting the typical consumer desires of new homes, new office buildings, and more.
With growing populations and the need for more affordable housing, sustainability had been somewhat of an afterthought in certain expansion and building projects of the past. However, it is being brought back into the foreground with new innovative techniques that can maximize space, reuse materials, and still provide the architectural pieces that the 2024 consumer desires.
Read on to explore some of the changes and adaptations that are changing the Architecture industry in 2024 and beyond.
Biophilic Design and Green Building Practices
Biophilic design is a trend that is revolutionizing both the environmental impact of buildings, and the well-being of occupants. The concept integrates nature and greenery into architecture both inside and outside of a property. This can allude to adding some houseplants inside a workplace, maximizing access to natural light and heat, water features such as fountains or a more involved solution like living walls or roofs.
This trend involves creative architecture that can counteract some of the negative mental effects of urbanization, like stress, anxiety or alienation, all while creating a more sustainable environment. In the workplace, productivity and worker happiness increase, helping to also retain employees more often.
Previously brushed off by many as too high maintenance, this trend is soaring in popularity. Coffee shops, offices, homes, and more are being designed and built with biophilic design in mind. Not only are people happier in these natural, greener spaces, but studies have found that air quality can rise by around 75%, and mental health by 60% just with the introduction of five medium-sized plants to an average living space, according to this Chapman Taylor article.
Adaptive Reuse and Renovation
A common theme in sustainability and environmentally focused architecture projects is adaptive reuse or renovation. This trend focuses on reducing unnecessary waste and promoting projects that require very limited carbon emissions to complete. The concept of adaptive reuse and renovation creates sustainable spaces out of unused buildings and innovative solutions without the need for a full from-the-ground-up project.
The growth of this trend is exponential, with an expected 55,000 apartments scheduled or already converted from unused office spaces in 2024. Due to the general lack of space in many high-populus urban areas, repurposing older buildings is often the only way to add required offices and homes, new greenery or large social spaces.
One of the challenges of this idea is balancing the reduction of waste and energy consumption with the need to honor cultural heritage. Research and time have to go in to assuring the importance and history of important buildings are represented and preserved through their new adaptive designs.
Click aquí to discover five impressive transformations made using adaptive reuse in the United States.
Eco-Friendly and Durable Materials
One of the best ways to promote sustainability and help protect the environment in any industry is by incorporating eco-friendly materials into finished products. Durable materials that can resist wear and tear, while helping limit the pollution during construction processes make a huge difference in the overall emissions of an architectural project.
There are various environmentally friendly materials being used as alternatives in architectural structures, to limit waste and promote sustainability. These include recycled steel, bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood and more.
Relying on durable materials is also crucial to avoiding unnecessary repairs and waste, that can contribute to the carbon emissions this industry is looking to limit. For the premium materials you can trust to keep buildings secure, while allowing for the incorporation of natural and recycled materials around them, choose Central Wire’s plethora of durable alloys, listed here.
Smart Technologies
For many individuals, finding ways to reduce carbon emissions from your home can be somewhat of a difficult or tedious task. The implementation of smart and adaptive technologies, however, can use environmental intelligence and dynamic technology to optimize comfort while promoting sustainability.
Examples of effective responsive technology in buildings include:
- Passive solar heating that controls the amount of energy used
- Natural ventilation systems, relying on wind and the chimney effect to keep a building cool
- Dynamic solar shading systems which automate and control solar shading devices, such as screens or blinds with the use of intelligent building control systems
Using these adaptive technologies can dynamically change lighting, temperature and more in real time, based on environmental conditions or user preferences. This futuristic trend not only gives buildings a modern feel by enhancing the interaction between architecture and nature but also limits unnecessary energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Navigating the early challenges such as initial costs, complexity and privacy concerns will be key to optimizing this branch of architecture and making large strides in promoting sustainability. Check out a few examples of smart and responsive Architecture here!
How Central Wire Builds Trust with Products in the Architecture Industry
At Central Wire Group of Companies, our industry knowledge and vast capabilities make us a trusted source for the products you need for your next Architecture adventure! From structural support, to repairs and more, our product capabilities in this industry include:
- Whether you’re a manufacturer behind an architectural project, or a repair expert, our Welding Wire selection meets your needs. The durability, customization and quality we provide create welds that last, helping turn architectural dreams into reality. Learn more about how best to choose the arc welding technique and alloy for your project in our blog here.
- In any Architecture project, whether it be a brand-new build or an adaptive restoration, structural safety and emergency contingency plans are a high priority. Our specialized Seismic Bracing Cable is a listed, reliable, lightweight, easy to install and cost-effective solution to securing fire sprinkler systems, and a host of other mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations, to limit the risks of floods, fires and more during an earthquake.
- The material options, breaking strength, and flexibility of our Coated Cable product line sets the standard for reliability in architectural cable applications. Keep your modern space secure or add newfound durability to your rejuvenated restoration project. Many of the responsive technologies changing the way homes respond to conditions and habitants also require cables with strength and repeated use capabilities to alter positioning.
The research and innovation involved in modern Architecture has created stunning structures, promoting sustainability and environmental benefits, while increasing well-being and aesthetics. Keep up with these industry advancements with a company that puts the same research and attention to detail into their manufacturing, and Request a Quote with us today to put your next project into action!
