High Density Living Architecture Trends in 2016

Each new year brings new technology, new design philosophy and new requirements in any technology. The expected architecture trends in 2016 will be no different and we are now entering an exciting time for high density living, multi family apartment blocks, student housing, retirement apartments – everyone has different housing needs and it is up to architects to deliver. What are the architecture trends we expect for the next 12 months?

Sustainability

By Sardaka (talk) 08:28, 8 July 2014 (UTC) – Own work, CC BY 3.0, $3

It’s not a new concept, but now more than ever we need to be producing the housing of a low carbon future and this is no better seen than in the revitalization of multi-family housing conceptual design. We expect to see greater use of recycled and recyclable material, minimal emissions from every stage from planning, building and while in use. “Green” buildings are here to stay and the feeling is that the home buyer is loving sustainable technology making its way into modern architecture. Green tech is expected to set the agenda of architecture trends in 2016 and beyond.

Simplistic

Copyright Stephen Craven and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

It seems that the modern home buyer is looking for something a little more simplistic in its exterior design too, with bright airy rooms and open interiors for maximum efficiency. Older multi-family homes were often the design concept of the architect and limited to the technology of the day and often required alteration by the owner. As our living spaces become flexible for the owner’s needs, we still want to make the best of what we have and be able to customise the interior for adaptation for the modern family. Bright, colourful and organic – architecture trends in 2016 mean simpler tastes.

Natural Shading / Lighting

Sustainable concepts are also about reducing our carbon footprint. In many parts of the USA, we use air conditioning as a matter of routine. Multi family housing and apartment blocks look to design efficiency in terms of temperature regulation. This means positioning the building to maximize sun exposure for light and warmth, designing the shape of the building for maximum natural exposure or shelter, depending on the topography, and to create opportunities for shading to keep the home cool during the warmer months. Each landscape is different, so this requires adaptability and forethought.

Pedestrianization

Another green concept and one of the new architecture trends for 2016, it is expected that in our area of the industry, fewer buildings will be constructed in isolation and more designed to be linked together or otherwise work in tandem as organic units. We expect to see elevated walkways, cycle paths, pedestrianised open spaces between buildings and more bright, airy public areas to encourage people to get outside and use their own engine to get around. It’s good for exercise, good for the mood, building communities, and always looks inviting to have green spaces around our living spaces, even in urban settings.