The architecture and construction industry as it looks like today is anticipated to undergo a drastic change in the future.  The innovation of today is the gift of tomorrow. Every single step, no matter how small, taken towards improvement will lead to a future that is better and brighter. The architectural industry has been subject to a large number of changes; with a constant quest for improvements in this sector.

This industry has become more inclined to adopting greener means to develop the surroundings since it also takes away a large part from our natural resources. This judicious planning is a road map to a consistent and wise mechanism to design and build our future.

Below are some of the trends that will define the future of architecture across the globe.

1. Sustainable Surroundings
A common understanding of the environment states that humans have almost destroyed the nature to an extent that is beyond the farthest limits. The damage done is uncontrollable however possible to be now mitigated. For this revolutionary step to take place, experts have been finding ways to come up with alternatives. There are three overriding concerns when designing buildings with better considerations towards its ecological impact. The materials, efficient use of energy and the location are the concerns that are critical to the impact on environment. All of the three should be inclined towards benefitting the environment and only then will it be sustainable in nature.

2. Parametric Planning
By definition, it is an algorithmic thinking that aligns the design intent with the design response.
A parametric equation is an expression of coordinates of points that make up geometric objects such as curve or a surface hence making it a rational approach that enables a better defining and clarifying of the idea with execution. The two types of parametric planning include the propagation based system and constraints systems that make use of the discrete and continuous variables that are generally dependent on each other. For example “X” and “Y” being two dependent variables and slightest changes in the composition of “X” results in the correspondent changes in “Y”. The Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport’s new Terminal 3, finished in 2013, designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas, used the parametric design support that utilized the technology and mathematical algorithms to sort the design model and apply the analogy to architecture. The parametric equation is just one such example, a more scientific and algorithmic approach is bound to be used more often in the coming times.

3. Building Information Model (BIM)
Considered  to be a primitive model, this has picked up pace in the recent times and is expected to magnify in its application in the next decade. BIM is a digital representation of structures that are put together by means of files uploaded in a software either created and controlled exclusively by designers or large companies. It gives a clearer understanding of what the structure would look like. By means of data captured in the files that are hosted and maintained by an admin, BIM enables a fairly detailed display of the physical features like refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, bridges, ports, tunnels, etc.  The BIM is an extended version of the 2D layouts and technical drawings that intensively studies the 5 dimensions namely length, breadth, height, time and cost. By generating an output, BIM provides various delineated views of the building and helps in understanding the different attributes of designs.

The applicability of the BIM Model is vast and indispensible in facility operation, construction management and projects execution for this is the basic model to understand effectiveness of the structure. Use of such models and the BIM itself is sure to add more efficiency and transparency in the construction industry going forward.

4. Virtual Reality 
The world of 3D virtual design and engineering is a fast growing field and there’s some serious forward thinking happening in these fields. Imagine viewing a design that is tangible with a close to real look and feel factor associated to it. This particular trend in architecture will certainly make the industry a better place to function and help better educate the client on design in the initial stages of any project.

The more we move towards automation, the better the world becomes. We must have a strategic vision to simplify and better represent our designs in front of the consumer. The focus should remain towards keeping it simple. The industry is diverse and so should be the ideas to make this a reality. Regular use of these approaches and platforms is sure to further improve the sector at large.