Retail architecture will cater more consciously to general well-being and actively focus on curating unique spatial experiences.
Due to the pandemic, an important shift in architecture will be that large-scale public buildings will be remarkably well-ventilated and spacious. On the retail front, we will have hybrid areas that merge indoor and outdoor spaces, to foster greater connection with fresh air. In the past few years, e-commerce has entered into the everyday lives of people with exceptional ease, developing a sense of trust and guarantee. This has transformed the design focus of the physical retail sector from just providing spaces for shopping to catering to crowds who come to malls for a unique experience rather than just shopping. The focus of retail architecture has shifted from the practice of purchase to the pursuit of new and exciting encounters in a public place.
The focus now is on creating versatile, multi-functional spaces.
In our recent past, lines between home, work and leisure spaces have seamlessly blurred, highlighting the importance of versatile, multi-functional spaces in all design briefs. Hence, design considerations acknowledging these changes are vital for creating effective and functional spaces, like designing offices with generous spaces, homes with dedicated working areas, mixed-use public buildings with lower densities, and more.
In terms of mixed-use architecture, it is particularly important to incorporate forecourts, plazas, and courtyards within the design to create a breathable, multi-purpose, open space. These spaces enable dynamic usages and help keep interior areas well-ventilated.
Sustainability is not only a trend, but also a necessity.
Architects have realised that it is the need of the hour to build sustainably with energy efficient solutions. Furthermore, I think we will see some significant developments in the use of prefabricated structural systems for high-rise buildings. Prefab systems are constructed in a controlled environment, reducing dust release in the neighbourhood, minimising wastage, and consequently using lesser materials. Thus, a sense of consciously using materials and gauging the impact of construction is an important trend that will hopefully gain prominence.
A key choice is to reuse existing materials and design systems to reduce the environmental impact of production.
Moving forward, I think architects can consider looking for alternatives to concrete, or at least use it within a composite environment, instead of relying on it completely. Using composite materials with natural fibres is sure to enhance the structural integrity of concrete as a material. Innovations in new materials like ferrock, which uses recycled materials like steel dust and leftover rock, is an excellent choice. It is a concrete-like material but is carbon neutral and uses less energy to produce.
When building materials start changing, the character of architecture transforms.
Structural systems and construction techniques will have to adapt to sustainable materials, when they become a part of mainstream industry practice. In terms of sustainable architecture, architects have to realise that it is not just a matter of adding external touches to buildings like solar panels or LEED-approved glass, but it is a holistic pursuit towards building low-impact construction.
Architect Mr. Reza Kabul: ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Architecture, as a subject, is always in an ever-evolving cusp of transformation. All factors affecting the built form, such as climate, global trends and technology are in a constant push to adaptation and change, thus influencing the
Ar. Himanshu Patel: 6thdesign studio
As an architect deeply rooted in the ethos of sustainable architecture, I believe that Indian architecture is indeed in a transformative phase, and this transformation is deeply intertwined with our commitment to environmental
Ar. Shruti Dimri, Ar. Madhav Raman, Ar. Vaibhav Dimri: Anagram Architects
In today’s context, the idea of modernity in architecture has shifted towards addressing the pressing needs of society. This includes a strong focus on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, and the well-being of
Ar. Akshara Verma & Ar. Dinesh Verma: Ace Group Architects
India’s unique advantage lies in its ability to blend modern methodologies with traditional craftsmanship, thus fostering a distinct architectural identity. The convergence of these elements serves as a catalyst for innovation within
Ar. Akshay Selukar: Akshay Selukar
The future of architecture will be driven by innovation and a commitment to creating built environments that are environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and responsive to the needs of society
Architect Lalichan Zacharias: Lalichan Zacharias atelier
Yes, Indian architecture is in a transformation phase. Modernisation, Globalization and exposure to International Designs have influenced the Indian architecture to a great extent. Architecture is becoming more and more technology
Ar. (Dr). Harish Tripathi & Jyoti Tripathi: ARHATA
The architecture of any country is deeply rooted in the culture, psyche, economy, and politics, and India’s situation is no different. In addition to this, the advent of new technologies has a profound effect on the thought
Ar. Amey Dahanukar: ARA Designs
In modern India, architects have extensive travel experience, while earlier, travel exposure to different parts of the world used to be somewhat difficult. However, everything is now accessible due to many travel options, and each
Ar. Archana Van Gils: AVG Architects
Being a part of this endlessly mutable field for almost more than a decade, I can attest to the remarkable evolution of the profession in response to global trends and technological advancements, while also adapting to the needs of
Architect Mr. Arpan Johari: AW Design
India has a rich history of building design trends that have cross influenced across borders and have slowly transformed over the centuries. In fact, the transformative phase in Indian Architecture has always been ongoing. Sometimes it