Architecture trends 2017 – Guide to what to look out for in the coming year
Architectural trends change over time. What was considered good design yesterday, may be viewed more critically tomorrow. While it may be early in the year, it looks as though 2017 will see considerable changes in how we view architectural design.
The Overall Picture
In recent years, we’ve seen a change in domestic architecture, from separate rooms with a specific purpose to open plan design, where a larger space serves a number of different purposes. What pundits predict for commercial architecture in 2017 is that it will follow, and adapt the changes that have taken place in domestic architectural design.
The move to a more integrated approach to commercial architecture has been lurking at the margins for some time. We can see this integration particularly in American owned companies, where relaxation and ‘time out’ facilities are an integral part of the main office space.
Combining Interior and Exterior
2017 looks to be the year when architectural design considers not just the building itself, but the connecting spaces between those buildings. This inside/outside approach can be seen in buildings where the same (or similar) materials are used in the construction of both the inside and the outside of a particular building. Using the same materials outside as well as in can involve some tricky design decisions, and incur significant extra materials costs.
This evolving inside/outside trend is already visible in some public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, and clubs, where patrons prefer a more open and accessible design. Bringing the inside and outside closer together can be a motivating force for employees; some research shows that employees are happier and more productive when they work in a more open space.
Work and Home
In the past, there was a clear distinction between commercial buildings and people’s homes, but this is set to change in 2017. Already there is some evidence of domestic and commercial architecture moving closer together, and this is set to increase in the coming year. Bringing business and home closer together looks to be an interesting architectural trend for the coming year.
The growing togetherness of workspace and home is not a one-way street. An increasing number of people now work from home, at least some of the time, and this has resulted in a growth in the number of home offices/workspaces.
The Eco Factor
The 21st century has seen a growth in the number of people who are ecologically conscious, and this is now making itself felt on the home front. More people are now aware of the ways in which their electricity and home heating are sourced, which in turn has meant a growing trend in the use of environmentally friendly heating arrangements. This growing consciousness is evident in the way builders source their materials and use them in construction. It would seem that this architectural trend for 2017 is arising from of a deeper sense of how we treat the world and what it provides.
Contact our team if you would like to discuss your plans for 2017