With the new year comes new trends. In the world of architectural design, shifts in public sentiment and the impact of the pandemic are both shaping the future of the field. If you’re curious about what’s on the horizon, here is a look at four predicted architectural design trends for 2022.
1. Virtual Reality Project Models
Often, visualizing a new structure by simply looking at plans is challenging. As a result, architectural design professionals are finding new ways to help clients understand what a project will ultimately become by using virtual reality.
With virtual reality headsets, clients can navigate through a digital rendering of a building plan. This helps them understand the size of rooms, placement of doorways, positioning of fixtures, and other details with greater ease. The designs can be displayed at the proper size in a space that clients can explore, allowing everyone to experience the plan firsthand before any construction actually begins.
2. Versatile Combined Spaces
In the years leading up to the pandemic, open concept designs were increasingly becoming the standard. However, once the pandemic occurred and people began spending more time at home, the need to separate work from life was more important, leading to a new trend.
Today, people want to maintain their combined spaces – ensuring rooms like kitchens and living areas aren’t fully separated – while being able to add more privacy as needed. For example, pocket doors or barn doors that can close off larger openings are popular, giving homeowners the ability to treat rooms as one space or section them off as needed.
3. Eco-Friendly Design
Sustainability has been making waves in the architectural design industry for some time, and it will continue to do so into 2022. Whether it’s using reclaimed materials for architectural features like support beams or choosing renewable materials for insulation and flooring, green design principles are increasingly becoming standards.
Other eco-friendly design choices are similarly being incorporated into building and remodeling plans. The addition of solar panels is becoming more common. Green roofs are also more prevalent, as well as greywater systems and rainwater collection mechanisms.
4. Smart Design
Connectivity has increasingly become a priority for businesses and households alike. As a result, “smart” elements are making their way into structures, allowing property owners to control various aspects of their space through devices like smartphones and tablets.
Architectural design professionals have to accommodate the needs of these connected features. Finding ways to blend high-tech devices within the rest of the structure can create challenges. Additionally, it can involve addressing wiring or electrical needs that fall outside of the traditional system designs.
Contact Selectek Today
Ultimately, each architectural design trend is poised to have a major impact in 2022, and a few may remain a factor for years to come. If you’d like to learn more about how emerging trends may shape various industries, the knowledgeable team at Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our staff members today.
