The challenges of architecture and interior design for 2018

The year 2017 was full of changes (both economic, political and social). Of course, architecture would not go untouched by so many transformations, so the Archdaily portal separated 9 challenges, trends and discussions that should be on the agenda of professionals in the field.

The much talked about millennial generation has made it clear to everyone that their lifestyle is very different. Couples have children later, if at all. Living in big cities and demanding practicality at all times, millennials have brought new ways of understanding and occupying the space.

Compact, practical and multifunctional homes for one or two people have become the object of desire for young people. This type of construction allows the same space to accommodate several activities, a flexibility that is very characteristic of this generation.

2. Architects facing the construction of their own works: the need to be on site

Although universities can offer theories, much of the knowledge that determines a professional comes from experience and practice. Being present on construction sites is the challenge that defines architecture.

3. The difficulty of contemporary architecture in approaching the rural context

When Alejandro Aravena won the Pritzker Prize in 2016, it was the culmination of what is known as “social architecture.” In the years that followed, his projects became known and praised for their emotional backstories rather than their architectural quality.

The pendulum swing is something natural for any avant-garde. After a while, it becomes empty of ideals and falls into the mainstream.

5. The post-digital era enters the timeline of architectural graphic representation

Just like the path of visual arts – from figuration to abstraction – graphic representations in architecture also evolve. Despite the availability of new tools to create realistic models, renders, and even 360º videos, many contemporary professionals choose to combine old techniques with current, to create visually richer images.

6. Women in architecture

The year 2017 was marked by gender equality movements. Inequality in working conditions and rights is a fact and no profession is exempt from it.

In architecture, professionals mobilized to put their demands in the spotlight and empower their career colleagues.

7.Learn from Bamboo

Bamboo is an ancient construction material. From tropical to cold regions, it was chosen for its versatility and ease of work. Bamboo is slowly ceasing to be associated with poverty and is being praised for its sustainability and beauty.

8. A glimpse into the direction of post-earthquake architecture

In 2014, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban won the Pritzker Prize for his work designing and building (using unconventional materials such as paper) homes for people displaced by natural disasters. Last year, a reconstruction project in Guangming by the University of Hong Kong and Kunming University was named building of the year by the World Architecture Festival (WAF). In Mexico, restoration and housing projects following the September 2017 earthquake received honors.

Even though this movement should not be called a “trend”, as that would be a very superficial term, these buildings show a direction in architecture that points to efforts in places of extreme need.

9.Political architecture: creativity as a means of confrontation