Illustration: Gando Primary School in Burkina Faso, designed by Francis Kéré.

Trends in Architecture #

What are the most exciting recent trends in architecture? #

Recent trends in architecture reflect a dynamic intersection of technology, sustainability, and evolving social values. These trends challenge traditional boundaries, embracing innovative materials, adaptive reuse, and an emphasis on human experience within built environments. Below are some of the most exciting contemporary movements:

Sustainable and Green Architecture

Sustainability continues to dominate architectural discourse, with a more urgent focus on designing net-zero buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. Architects are experimenting with passive design strategies, natural ventilation, and solar shading to reduce energy consumption. Materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and biophilic designs are becoming popular. Vertical forests, such as the Bosco Verticale in Milan, exemplify the blending of urban living with green infrastructure. The integration of nature within buildings, rooftop gardens, and energy-efficient facades creates a fusion of the built and natural environments.

Parametric Design and Computational Tools

With advancements in digital design tools, parametric architecture has moved from niche to mainstream. By using algorithms and data-driven design, architects are pushing the boundaries of form and function, resulting in complex, organic, and previously unimaginable structures. Notable examples include Zaha Hadid’s curvilinear, fluid buildings, which rely heavily on computational design, and BIG’s CopenHill power plant, which incorporates both form and function, utilizing a ski slope on its roof.

Adaptive Reuse and Circular Design

A growing trend is the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, a response to sustainability concerns and the drive to preserve cultural heritage. Transforming old factories, warehouses, or outdated office spaces into modern, functional buildings minimizes waste and lowers the carbon footprint associated with new construction. The circular design philosophy also emphasizes the use of materials that can be reused, recycled, or regenerated. The recent adaptive reuse of the Battersea Power Station in London into a mixed-use complex is a prime example of this trend.

Resilient Design

As climate change impacts intensify, resilient architecture is becoming critical. Buildings are being designed to withstand extreme weather events, floods, or wildfires, with a focus on creating disaster-resistant structures. In coastal areas, architects are exploring elevated buildings, waterproofing solutions, and structures that can adapt to rising sea levels. The “Amphibious House” in the UK, which can float during floods, showcases a shift toward more adaptive approaches in architectural design.

Human-Centric and Wellness-Oriented Design

There is a rising emphasis on designing for human well-being, integrating elements that promote mental and physical health. Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like light, water, vegetation, and natural materials, fosters a closer connection to nature within urban environments. Architects are designing spaces that enhance airflow, natural light, and acoustic comfort, while also integrating zones for relaxation and social interaction, especially in the context of workplaces or healthcare environments. This trend speaks to a larger societal shift towards healthier living environments.

Minimalist and Modular Construction

Minimalism has moved from an aesthetic choice to a broader philosophy of architectural restraint and efficiency. Paired with modular construction methods, it offers cost-effective, time-efficient solutions to contemporary urban needs. Prefabricated modules allow for quicker assembly, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact. Companies like Katerra have popularized modular systems that are scalable and replicable, making it an attractive solution for addressing housing shortages.

Smart Cities and IoT-Integrated Architecture

With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology, buildings are increasingly designed with integrated systems that enhance functionality, security, and energy efficiency. Smart buildings can adjust lighting, heating, and security based on user presence, optimizing comfort and efficiency. In urban planning, smart cities are evolving with digitally integrated infrastructure that uses data analytics to improve urban living conditions. Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative is a prominent example, where sensors monitor traffic, waste, and energy use to improve overall urban management.

Hybrid Spaces and Flexible Design

The post-pandemic era has pushed architects to rethink the functionality of space, especially as the lines between home, work, and public spaces blur. The demand for multi-purpose, flexible spaces has grown, leading to designs that can easily adapt to different uses. Modular furniture, movable walls, and spaces designed to serve multiple functions are becoming more common. This trend reflects the broader societal shifts towards flexibility and the convergence of work, leisure, and domestic life.

Digital Fabrication and 3D Printing

3D printing technology is revolutionizing how buildings are designed and constructed, allowing for greater precision and creative freedom. With the ability to print complex forms at lower costs, this technology offers innovative solutions for affordable housing and emergency shelters. For instance, entire 3D-printed neighborhoods are being developed in places like Mexico to address housing crises, showcasing the transformative potential of this technology in architecture.

Cultural Identity and Regionalism

In an increasingly globalized world, there’s a renewed interest in regional architecture that draws on local traditions, materials, and cultural context. Architects are integrating vernacular building techniques with modern design to create spaces that resonate with their geographic and cultural settings. This trend emphasizes a balance between the global and the local, with a heightened awareness of the cultural significance of place-making.

Tell me about computational architecture in more detail? #

Computational architecture refers to the use of advanced algorithms, data processing, and digital technologies in the design, analysis, and construction of buildings and structures. By leveraging the power of computational methods, architects can create highly complex, optimized, and innovative forms that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve through traditional design techniques. This field represents a significant evolution in architectural practice, allowing for a seamless integration of creativity, functionality, and precision.

Here’s an in-depth exploration of computational architecture, its tools, applications, and impacts:

Parametric Design

At the heart of computational architecture is parametric design, a process where architectural forms and elements are generated based on predefined parameters or rules. Rather than designing each aspect manually, architects define relationships and constraints between elements, allowing the software to generate a wide variety of solutions automatically. These designs can be endlessly adjusted by tweaking the parameters.

Key Features:

Algorithmic Control: Designers input rules (algorithms) into software, defining relationships between various architectural components. For instance, changing the dimensions of a window can automatically adjust the rest of the building’s façade.
Generative Design: Algorithms can explore an immense range of potential solutions by adjusting input variables, leading to more creative and complex forms than traditional methods.
Responsive to Data: Parametric designs can respond to real-world data, such as environmental conditions (e.g., sunlight, wind) or structural load requirements, creating adaptive and efficient designs.
Example: The works of Zaha Hadid Architects are renowned for their use of parametric design. Their fluid, dynamic structures like the Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan would have been nearly impossible without parametric design tools.

Algorithmic Architecture

A step beyond parametric design, algorithmic architecture refers to the generation of architectural forms purely through the application of mathematical algorithms. In this context, algorithms don’t merely modify predefined forms, but actually generate them from scratch based on a set of instructions or mathematical models.

Applications:

Fractals: Using fractal algorithms, buildings can be designed with self-similar patterns that scale at different levels of detail, mimicking natural processes like plant growth or geological formations.
L-systems: These are recursive systems used to model the branching structures of plants, which can be applied in architectural designs that mimic organic forms.
Voronoi Diagrams: A geometric tool that divides a space into cells based on proximity to a set of points. This is frequently used in architecture to create naturally patterned facades or layouts.
Example: The Serpentine Pavilion by architect Junya Ishigami utilized algorithmic approaches to create a delicate, floating roof that mimicked the natural randomness of stone formations.

Form-Finding and Optimization

One of the most exciting aspects of computational architecture is form-finding, where algorithms help generate optimized architectural shapes and structures based on performance criteria like material efficiency, structural integrity, or environmental responsiveness. These algorithms often simulate natural processes like gravity, tension, or fluid dynamics to find the most efficient forms.

Applications:

Topology Optimization: Algorithms reduce material usage by optimizing structural elements based on load paths, which is essential for creating lightweight, efficient designs. For example, the use of perforated surfaces or lattice structures derived from stress distribution analyses.
Structural Analysis: Computational tools allow architects to test the stability and resilience of structures under various conditions (wind, seismic activity) during the design phase.
Environmental Simulation: Architects can simulate sunlight, wind flow, and thermal dynamics to optimize the energy efficiency and comfort of a building.
Example: The Sydney Opera House’s sail-like roof structures were designed using early computational methods to achieve an efficient and aesthetically striking form.

Digital Fabrication and 3D Printing

Computational architecture is deeply integrated with digital fabrication technologies, such as 3D printing, CNC milling, and robotic construction. These technologies take designs directly from digital models to physical reality, often with minimal human intervention. As a result, architects can create highly complex forms with unprecedented precision.

Applications:

3D Printed Structures: Computational models are converted directly into machine-readable code that directs 3D printers to layer materials and create complex forms, sometimes directly on-site. This is especially useful for producing intricate components or even entire buildings in short timeframes.
Robotic Fabrication: Robots can be programmed to assemble structures based on digital plans, enabling highly precise construction and the ability to build in challenging or dangerous environments.
Example: The MX3D bridge in Amsterdam, designed by Joris Laarman, was created using robotic 3D printing technology. Robots were programmed to print the bridge layer by layer, resulting in a highly intricate and structurally sound form.

Generative Design and AI in Architecture

Generative design uses algorithms, often powered by artificial intelligence (AI), to create multiple design options based on a set of goals and constraints. The designer inputs these constraints (such as cost, material availability, environmental conditions, etc.), and the software autonomously generates numerous solutions, often revealing unexpected and novel design possibilities.

AI and machine learning are also emerging as powerful tools for:

Predictive Modeling: AI can analyze large datasets related to human behavior, climate data, or material properties to help predict how buildings will perform or how people will interact with them.
Automating Repetitive Tasks: AI can handle tedious aspects of architectural work, like drafting or repetitive design tasks, freeing architects to focus on creative and strategic decisions.
Example: Autodesk’s Generative Design platform uses algorithms to explore a wide range of spatial configurations, structural efficiencies, and environmental considerations, allowing architects to explore thousands of design options in the time it would take to sketch just one traditionally.

BIM (Building Information Modeling)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a critical tool in computational architecture, allowing architects, engineers, and builders to collaborate on a unified digital model of a building. Unlike traditional CAD, which deals with 2D or 3D geometry, BIM integrates data at every level: materials, costs, performance, and timelines, creating a holistic model that reflects every aspect of a building’s lifecycle.

Applications:

Collaboration: BIM models serve as a single source of truth for all project stakeholders, from architects to contractors, ensuring that everyone works with the same data and reducing errors.
Lifecycle Management: BIM is not just for design but also for managing a building throughout its entire lifecycle, from construction through operation and maintenance.
Simulation and Testing: BIM allows for detailed simulations of building performance, including energy efficiency, structural integrity, and even the movement of people through a space.
Example: The One World Trade Center in New York was designed and constructed using BIM, ensuring an unprecedented level of coordination between the many architects, engineers, and contractors involved in the project.

Responsive and Interactive Architecture

Computational methods have enabled the development of responsive architecture, where buildings can adapt to changing environmental conditions or user needs in real-time. By integrating sensors, actuators, and smart materials, responsive designs create environments that actively interact with occupants and surroundings.

Applications:

Smart Facades: Facades that change opacity based on sunlight levels to optimize energy use or reduce glare.
Kinetic Structures: Buildings that can physically move or change shape, either for aesthetic effect or to respond to environmental conditions (e.g., buildings that open up for natural ventilation or close to protect from storms).
Interactive Installations: Spaces that respond to human presence, adjusting lighting, temperature, or acoustics in real-time based on user interaction.
Example: The Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi feature a dynamic shading system that automatically adjusts to minimize heat gain, inspired by traditional Arabic latticework, but made possible through computational control systems.

Computational architecture represents the future of architectural design, blending human creativity with the precision and efficiency of digital tools. Whether through parametric design, algorithmic generation, AI-driven solutions, or advanced fabrication techniques, computational approaches are enabling architects to push the boundaries of what is structurally possible and aesthetically innovative. The ongoing integration of these technologies continues to redefine not just how we design buildings, but how we live in and interact with them.

Regarding “Cultural Identity and Regionalism”, you said: “Architects are integrating vernacular building techniques with modern design (…)”. Would it not make more sense to use modern technique with vernacular design? #

The relationship between modern techniques and vernacular design in contemporary architecture is an important and nuanced discussion, and your inversion of the idea raises an interesting point. In many ways, it does make sense to prioritize modern techniques while maintaining the vernacular design language, rather than the other way around.

Vernacular Design as a Cultural Anchor

Vernacular architecture refers to building styles that are native to a particular region, influenced by local climate, materials, culture, and traditions. These designs evolved naturally over time to meet the specific needs of communities, making them deeply connected to local identity and context.

By using modern construction techniques but preserving the vernacular aesthetic or principles, architects ensure that buildings remain culturally and contextually relevant, while still benefiting from the efficiencies and advantages of modern methods. This approach allows architects to:

Preserve Cultural Continuity: The appearance, proportions, and spatial arrangements reflect local heritage, creating a sense of place and belonging.
Adopt Modern Standards: While vernacular forms might be rooted in historical techniques, modern construction allows for better structural integrity, efficiency, and compliance with contemporary building codes and standards.

For example, a home designed in the style of traditional Japanese houses (using timber frames, sloped roofs, and open interior spaces) but constructed using modern materials like steel and advanced insulation can evoke the essence of Japan’s architectural heritage while meeting 21st-century performance requirements.

Why Modern Techniques with Vernacular Design?

Using modern techniques to realize vernacular design brings several advantages in terms of practicality, sustainability, and accessibility:

Structural Integrity: Traditional building methods, while time-tested, often lack the precision or durability offered by modern materials and engineering. For instance, a mud-brick home may not meet earthquake safety standards, but a modern concrete structure finished to resemble traditional adobe walls can combine safety with aesthetic and cultural relevance.
Efficiency and Scalability: Vernacular construction techniques can be labor-intensive or resource-heavy, especially when using natural or handcrafted materials. Modern prefabrication and industrial techniques allow vernacular designs to be built more quickly, affordably, and in greater numbers—making this approach feasible even in large-scale urban projects.
Improved Performance: Modern materials and systems provide better insulation, weather resistance, and energy efficiency compared to traditional techniques. For example, traditional thatch roofs or mud-brick walls may be beautiful and well-suited to certain climates, but they may not perform well in colder, wetter, or more variable environments. A modern building can use these materials decoratively, while incorporating contemporary insulation and waterproofing techniques.

In this case, modern techniques help achieve the vernacular aesthetic without the limitations that may have come with historical construction methods.

Hybrid Approach: Modern and Vernacular Synergies

Of course, the interplay between modern and vernacular does not have to be a one-way street. In some cases, vernacular building techniques themselves are incredibly well-suited to their environment and can be updated with modern technologies or combined with new approaches to create hybrid designs.

For example:

Passive Cooling: Many traditional buildings in hot climates rely on passive cooling techniques—thick walls, courtyards, shading, and ventilation towers (e.g., windcatchers in Middle Eastern architecture). These strategies are environmentally sustainable and can be enhanced with modern technology, like using computer simulations to optimize airflow or integrating solar panels to further reduce energy use.
Sustainable Materials: Some vernacular techniques are inherently sustainable and may still be more efficient than their modern counterparts. Traditional rammed earth, bamboo, and timber constructions are examples of low-energy, biodegradable materials that are making a resurgence in modern architecture due to their minimal environmental impact.

One could argue for blending vernacular techniques with modern design sensibilities in a way that leverages the strengths of both.

Respect for Local Context

Modern architecture, especially in its early 20th-century “International Style” manifestation, often neglected the importance of local context and cultural identity, favoring uniformity and efficiency. However, as architectural thought has evolved, there’s now a growing emphasis on contextual design, where buildings respond to the physical, historical, and social fabric of the places they inhabit. In this sense, modern techniques combined with vernacular design allow for:

Cultural Sensitivity: Building forms can reflect local heritage, connecting communities with their history and surroundings.
Integration with Environment: Many vernacular designs are finely tuned to the local climate, allowing for natural ventilation, appropriate sun shading, or water management, which modern techniques can refine and enhance.

For example, in Africa, architects like Francis Kéré have fused modern construction methods with vernacular forms and materials. Kéré’s buildings use traditional mud brick techniques updated with modern structural reinforcements, and combine them with designs that enhance natural ventilation and light, creating buildings that are both energy-efficient and culturally meaningful.

Avoiding Pastiche

A key challenge in combining modern techniques with vernacular design is avoiding superficial pastiche—a mere reproduction of historic styles without real functional or contextual integration. This can result in buildings that feel nostalgic or inauthentic, especially if the use of vernacular forms is only decorative.

To avoid this, architects must deeply engage with the spirit and function of vernacular designs, not just their appearance. The goal is to create a modern building that resonates with its cultural context but doesn’t attempt to replicate the past in a superficial way. The integration of modern materials and techniques should serve both functional needs and aesthetic continuity.

Case Studies

A few notable projects that successfully integrate modern techniques with vernacular design are:

The Gando Primary School, Burkina Faso by Francis Kéré: This project merges traditional mud-brick techniques with modern engineering, creating a low-cost, sustainable school building. The design is deeply rooted in local traditions but benefits from modern passive cooling strategies and contemporary structural principles.
Kasbah Hotel Xaluca, Morocco: While it adopts the appearance of traditional Berber kasbahs, the structure utilizes modern construction methods, allowing it to be a functional hotel while preserving the vernacular form.
Tsinghua University Library, China by Herzog & de Meuron: The design uses a modern glass structure with traditional rooflines that echo ancient Chinese architecture. This is an example of applying contemporary building techniques while preserving the region’s historical visual language.

Your proposition—that it makes more sense to apply modern techniques with vernacular design—is a strong argument, especially in the context of sustainability, efficiency, and cultural preservation. This approach allows buildings to maintain local identity and responsiveness to climate while benefiting from modern advances in materials, construction methods, and performance. It creates a meaningful blend where the vernacular form informs the architectural expression, while modern techniques optimize and improve upon the building’s functionality. In this way, architecture becomes a conversation between past and present, tradition and innovation, place and performance.