The next generation of designers and architects in India, needs to understand the key differences between impactful and detrimental design practices. They can experiment with new methodologies and drive technology further to innovate on new concepts. The design industry is dynamic in nature, with several stakeholders offering unique perspectives, data, and insights. Designers need to adopt a collaborative mindset to successfully deliver projects that are scalable and adaptable to the local region.
Additionally, there are several areas of challenges that architects will have to overcome as they enter the design world. In India, the importance of aesthetics and sustainability is vital to longevity and durability. The top architects in India, such as Prasoon Design Studio, understand the overall scope of the project and introduce key integrations that significantly reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability. Designers must also understand the role of parametric design to generate highly evolved concepts that capture the scope of requirements elegantly.
The key ‘Do’s that designers and architects should focus on:
Integrating a unique theme and aesthetic
For the next generation of designers and architects to truly succeed, it is important to integrate a unique theme and story behind each design. By understanding core client requirements and expressing them through effective design thinking, architects can solve a major portion of design and planning challenges. A unique design and theme revolve around the core messaging, impact, and story that the structure imbibes.
Key aspects of storytelling, such as narrative, composition, flow, and engagement, are vital to successful design development. Visual storytelling, through the architectural medium, integrates a diverse range of factors to create more meaningful spatial experiences. Occupants and visitors should feel a sense of belonging to a greater visual narrative or messaging when they experience a space.
The architect of the future will become more adept at interpreting the needs of the developer and refining them through creative, scalable concepts. The process of research, analysis, insight derivation, and presentation, are critical to architectural planning, enabling the development of unique aesthetics that inherently draw admiration.
Utilisation of modern materials
Architects need to continuously innovate on designs, especially using modern and technologically advanced materials. The architect’s vision should not be restricted to design excellence or aesthetic output. The use of smart and sustainable materials is vital to longevity in construction while also enhancing the overall appeal of the project.
The strategic use of glass, Kevlar, bamboo, carbon fibre, high-performance concrete, organic materials, and green facades can completely transform the appearance and functional performance of projects. New materials can improve insulation while reducing the reliance on traditional energy sources. Considering the geographical, historical, and cultural roles of the project, the right materials can help structure the realisation of an architect’s vision.
Strengthening focus on sustainability
We live in an interconnected design paradigm, where an architectural specification can determine the outcomes of long-term sustainability and conservation. Designers of the next generation must focus on the role of sustainability as it relates to design output and durability. Architects should not only understand the impact of C&D waste but analyse the role of energy consumption in modern buildings.
Architects should also be familiar with green rating systems like GRIHA, LEED and how they impact building design and architectural practices. International practices in design excellence integrate sustainable solutions via both active and passive strategies. The right orientation, layout, and energy conservation strategies not only optimise site potential but also help enhance the indoor air quality for projects.
Architects should further understand why the following Don’ts are being rooted out
Non-collaborative design for projects
Projects that are designed in silos, or are primarily developed without consultation, may not be as successful as those designed collaboratively. This is because of the technical, aesthetic, and engineering reasons behind why some designs emerge more robust than others. Non-collaboration can also lead to design errors and mismatching in scope requirements fulfilment.
Collaboration can also help introduce new ideas for innovative design. By consulting with various stakeholders, such as contractors, engineers, designers, and developers, architects can create concepts that are aesthetically superior and solve critical construction challenges through design.
Not understanding the local landscape
Understanding the history and local ecosystem of a region is critical to designing durable and sustainable spaces. Designers can also add context to their designs by researching the ecological and historical perspectives that have defined the region over the years. By not understanding the local ecosystem of the region, designs can look out of place and significantly distant from the local landscape.
By also reviewing the regional dynamics of the site, architects can create designs that perfectly fit within the ecosystem. The design, aesthetics, materials and concepts developed by the designer can reflect the local and cultural taste and preferences for projects that are being constructed. Otherwise, architects may design projects in silos that may not fit in with the local geographical and sociological conditions of the region.
Not implementing technology in design
Technology plays a key role in architectural planning through BIM, 5D mapping, drones, etc. Architects are also exploring AR/VR technologies for immersive inspections, presentations, and research. By not integrating technology into design processes, architects can lose perspective and practical applications of innovative design shifts.
3D printing is also a critical technology area for many designers, as it helps to visualise a project through scaled mapping of computational design. The technology helps stakeholders establish a closer connection with a concept through the medium of touch and experience. Not using 3D printing or visual printing methodologies can impair designers in their ability to fully express their vision.
The role of IoT automation within the design should also be explored further in India, as the architects of the future refine their approach via home and industrial automation. Sensor-based automating technologies help elevate the user experience of occupants and visitors, thereby improving the overall appeal of new projects.