The pandemic made us realize the importance of curated environments and their impact on our well-being.
In some ways, the pandemic has compelled us to reassess and radically change our lifestyles. It made the world sit up and realise how we have been ignoring certain softer but crucial aspects of our lives and the importance of curated environments along with their impact on our wellbeing. Being confined in our mundane zones as a result of the epidemic highlighted the importance of addressing mental and physical health amidst the chaos.
The new situation demanded a revolutionized approach to the design of our living spaces. For example, the need for an ergonomic and comfortable work environment at home, a space to meditate and relax, greater focus on sanitation and hygiene practises and so forth.
Accommodating the forced situation to stay indoors, the responsibility to design better spaces is of paramount importance.
A good design can make a momentous transformation in our lives. But what constitutes a good design? To envisage a good design, we at Studio Meraki consider psychometric comfort, aesthetically pleasing, utilitarian, and alignment with the client’s budget. We look at wall and roof materials and features to provide thermal comfort and ventilation; interior surface finishes to create visual coherence that is easy to clean or maintain; and furniture that is both beautiful and functional.
The overall goal is to create an optimal environment by efficient use of available resources.
A wide range of explorations on the built environment have been going on throughout the globe in newer philosophies like minimalism, sustainability, micro-living, prefab structures, 3D printed houses, low-rise construction etc. All of these ideas are based on diverse principles and explore different ideologies, but the overall goal is to create an optimal environment by maximising the efficient use of resources. And these ideas have evolved from the realisation that we have a limited amount of resources to work with, and we must use them effectively. All of these philosophies would acquire popularity at different times in response to shifts in people’s aspirations, socio-cultural attitudes, and lifestyles.
Natural building materials have long been in demand due to their discrete qualities. However, due to their lack of supply, alternative man-made materials have gained prominence. As the pandemic’s aftermath unfolded, there was a more conscious assessment of materials that were resistant to viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These materials are simple to clean and maintain, cost-effective and long-lasting.
New trends and changes will come as we advance as a civilization and architecture will have to adapt to the variations.
Architecture has always been in response to the socio-cultural and aspirational needs of society; thus, the above-mentioned trends will influence the designer or architect to delve more deeply into these new realms. A designer, for example, must now be able to accommodate either a work from home set-up or perhaps a disinfecting space before entering the building.
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