Keeping track of trends not only updates us with what’s happening in the current scheme of things, but also puts us a step ahead of the competition. In this elaborate article on architecture trends, Extension Architecture brings to you the latest on what’s boiling the UK architecture scene and why these trends are critical to the next evolution of UK architecture.
The architecture landscape had taken a hit during the Covid pandemic. It was a duel that took a commendable time for architecture trends to find their place in the scape of UK’s architecture. While some businesses were compelled to downsize their operations, some just couldn’t cope with the dreaded hit and fell out to the level of shutting down.Post the pandemic, the architecture industry couldn’t think of a fresh start in the year 2023. The two years lag that occurred courtesy of the pandemic forced many designers to focus more on what was left unfinished. Holistically, from an industry point of view, it was more about repurposing and diversification of existing architecture.In 2024, we were expecting a revival. Now that we are in the middle of it, promises of bustling technological innovations and structural ideas are already seeing the light of implementation. Let’s look at what 2024 has so far brought before us and what to look forward to in the coming days.
1: Adaptive Reuse (Retain and Reuse)
“Adaptive reuse”in the most formal sense is the UK’s most deployed model which as a trend never dawns. This undeniable architecture trend of the UK has always been cherished for its nature that revives & retains structures that echo affluent heritage and rich history. By this approach, buildings of historical significance are breathing a new life and are ensured for long-term preservation that also meets the eye for modern urbanity.
Adaptive reuse for Environmental Impact: Repurposing older buildings by means of Adaptive reuse also implies that there is a sustainable alternative to demolition. This has a direct impact on environmental conservation as it helps reduce significant waste.
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Adaptive reuse restores heritage: As discussed earlier, one of the most important aspects of Adaptive reuse is its inherent nature which impacts the preservation of UK’s rich cultural pedigree. In the UK, the preservation of heritage structures is considered imperative as it underpins a cardinal architectural practice.Structures in the UK that are Adaptive ReuseOne of the notable examples of Adaptive reuse is the Iconic, Tate Modern Museum in London,a discarded industrial power station is now one of UK’s top tourist spotsfor the modern art. The conversion successfully retained the iconic brick claddings, thus epitomizing a harmonious blend of industrial legacy and cultural revival.Below are a couple of more examples of structures that are Adaptive reuse.
The Beams Cultural Center, London
The Aldeburgh Music Creative Campus, London
The Egg Shed Heritage & Community Centre, London
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland, Glasgow
2: Sustainability
The UK’s architecture realm is more and more pivoting towards sustainability. Not that it was unfounded in the past, but the juggernauting challenges such as carbon emissions, increased wastage, and the growing urgency for climate change has only accelerated the cause for a sustainable approach in architecture.To get a better picture, let’s look at a few practices that have found solid prominence in UK’s sustainability driven design initiatives.
Use of Energy Saving Mechanisms: Implementation of energy efficient technologies & mechanisms has been one of the hallmarks of sustainable architecture. Natural ventilation systems, solar panels and heating systems that use geothermal energy have positively contributed towards sustainability, thus minimizing energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions.
Eco-friendly Design: The choice of materials used makes an important case for an eco-friendly design. Use of naturally available renewable sources and recycled materials are contributing factors for a sustainable and eco-friendly design. Some of them include recycled wood, bamboo, cork, cobs, straw bales, hempcrete & Ashcrete.
Use of Smart Materials: Smart materials have been in study and experimentational use for some time now. Smart glass for example is an effective & highly relevant material that responds to environmental changes. They change their form to regulate heat/sunlight entering the building, including reacting to temperature difference and UV radiation. Apart from their effective functionality, smart glass offers sharp & sleek aesthetics to a building. They are a welcome breakthrough in the field of modern sustainable architecture where more stress is placed on the use of natural light, attaining minimalism and reduced energy consumption.
3: Wellness Spaces
While most modern architectures are getting denser and are clogging under the weight of time-bound finishes and the modern urbanist appetite, it has consequently resulted in far from livable & convenient spaces.Wellness spaces have taken over in the form of biophilic designs that promote the use of natural elements. Designing spaces that allow the free flow of natural light, spaces for indoor gardens and accommodating natural materialsincluding natural colours are making their way into the design books of sustainable urban desires.
4: Prefabricated Designs
The want and need of time-efficient and cost friendly structures has given rise to the demand for modular design approaches. This involves construction methods that are done off-site in an expansive factory site where sections or modules of a building are prepared. The built sections are then shipped back to the on-site location and are assembled for completion.
Benefits of Modular Means
Faster construction timelines where both on-site and off-site constructions happen in tandem
Optimal use of resources leading to reduced wastage and manufacturing time
Increased quality as it is done in a controlled and supervised setting bereft of adverse environmental or weather impact
5: Community Spaces
The UK is no stranger to community dwellings in the form of semis, cohousing, housing co-operatives or be it the self-help housing initiatives. Post the impact of the pandemic, the need for community-oriented spaces have risen more than ever. The current growing emphasis of community driven spaces is a welcome sign that not only encourages and bolsters togetherness, connectivity & social interactions, but also promotes sustainability thereby reducing substantial use of materials and space.
6: Marriage of Technology and Architecture
We cannot deny the impact of advanced technologies, especially when the result is a fully optimized design. The integration of cutting-edge technologies in architectural design over the years has resulted in significant evolutionary findings echoing that buildings are more than just static structures. They can respond to external surroundings too.What makes buildings responsive is the use and integration of technologies that stimulate a response to changing environmental and social conditions. Incorporating smart systems such as natural ventilations, automated climate control systems, sensors, and smart security systems that respond to dynamic conditions such as weather patterns, air quality, security breach, and natural lighting result in a harmonious and sustainable living environment.
7: Merging Modern & Timeless Designs
Timeless designs have been synonymous to UK’s culture and heritage over years. Repurposing existing structures and adopting delicate restoration measures to add elements of urban modernity will see a surge. This will not only result in the preservation of the historical architectural pedigree but will also lead to more comfortable and seamless living experiences
8: Cosmopolitan Impact
Given UK’s increasingly diverse and multicultural attribute, this year will also see more adoptions of designs that reflect aesthetic diversity.For example, London exudes richness in diversity, and it makes more sense to incorporate inclusive designs that provide a sense of welcoming to people belonging to different cultures. This will mean a more equitable society that enunciates fairness to all groups and communities.Community centres, religious places of worship, restaurants and many residential community dwellings will see imprints of multicultural vibrancy through dedicated architectural styles, materials used and designs. Cities or places embracing such changes will be seen as welcoming cosmopolitan destinations that pay tribute to their diverse cultural and social influences.
9: Maximal Styled Designs
They are expressive, sometimes exaggerated and no doubt flamboyant. Yes, they are coming back. In the modern scheme of things, maximal designs are everything that echoes self-expression and individual centrism. Such designs will dominate this year and add character and vibrancy to spaces with their bold and dominantly stylized patterns and colours
10: Focus on Functionality
The pandemic has impacted in the way of creating our own set of defined and secured spaces. There is no doubt that this trend will continue and evolve. With the work-from-home lifestyle, and the impact of unconventional ideas, along with cutting edge technologies people are at the convenience of modifying their working and living spaces.The evolution will probably be towards creating ultra-private spaces with sound-proofed walls, or temporary spaces with prefabricated makeshift rooms. Emphasis is also on convertible assets such as transforming a guest room or an extra bedroom into a workspace area.
Conclusion:
One of the most interesting aspects of 2024 is that architecture trends are not just aesthetic centric. They also touch upon cultural significance, historical pedigree, the need to socialize and create communities, while also thinking largely about the environment we live in and create eco-friendly design & adopt sustainable practices. We also must thank the pandemic, (fortunately or unfortunately) for making us realize the importance of architecture from a functionality standpoint.The onus is now on architects and the ones desiring to build spaces of their own to keep these in mind and deliver a conscious approach.Whether you are interested in keeping track of all the latest architecture trends and advancements relating to architecture or have any queries on how to incorporate these trends into your dream destination, contact our experts at Extension Architecture and ensure you do not miss or compromise on any of the latest architecture trends and advancements in the course of building your dream place.
Eugene Kim, Founder and Managing Director of Extension Architecture, has led the firm for over 14 years, consistently delivering quality solutions. His dedication has been key to the company's growth and success.
