What will change the role of an architect by 2025?

Courtesy: Windows on the World (RGS-IBG sponsored project)

“70% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050.” 

The Central Intelligence Agency: The World Fact book, 2010. 

The growing urbanization, the threat of climate change, the growth of emerging countries, uprising of middle east and the ongoing financial crisis; are just a few global phenomenon that is changing our lives faster than ever before. For architects around the globe, it is the time of many challenges as well as many opportunities. It is a time that is calling for a new kind of designer, one that can’t adequately work with the traditional tools only. 

The question is, are we ready for the change? 

While most architects in the mainstream may be slow to adapt, there are designers around the world eagerly carving out opportunities for new kinds of engagement, new kinds of collaboration, new kinds of practice and new kinds of design outcomes, overturning the traditional practices. What are those factors that are making designers re-think and re-organise their profession? 

Here are 5 the potential factors that we believe will change an Architect’s role in the future: 

1. Globalization 

Globalization is a new world order. We do not know its outcome or have a full picture of its nature as we are only in its earliest stages. The development of globalization, both economically and financially, has promoted the flow of both information and people. 

Courtesy: Business & Politics blog

Conference on Globalization and Future Architectures: Mapping the Global Future 2020 Project began with a discussion of the rise of China and India considered as the ‘new world order’. It also explored the possibility of labeling 21st century as ‘Asian Century’ that might be compared with the ‘American Century’ of the past 100 years. 

“Over the next decade, infrastructure construction is projected to grow by 128% in emerging markets, compared with 18% projected growth in developed markets.”- RICS Global Construction Forecast 2010. 

Gradually, technical expertise of developed nations is beginning to synergize with the opportunities in emerging nations. More and more projects are combining consultants, specialists, contractors, suppliers and investors from different parts of the world. The construction industry is truly becoming a global community opening new opportunities for young architects. 

2. Client: 

At the heart of every successful project is a strong relationship between client and architect. We as architects know that the more knowledgeable our clients are, the more likely they are to fully participate in the process and influence design decisions. With easy access to information and increasing financial independence, clients are becoming more demanding and resourceful.

Courtesy: Paul Cox / Southern Accents

The architect’s job is not going to be easy in future. Clients will not only expect good design quality, but also expect a wider array of services. 

“Big clients are moving towards using one-stop-shop global service providers - the profession will have to keep in line with that.” Developer-Large UK-based company 

While many clients don’t appreciate the efforts and constraints of an architect’s design process, they will expect their architect to manage cost, time and quality issues seamlessly. And because architects have the responsibility for realization of the client’s dream, architects will need to reorganize themselves to be able to offer more services and meet more demands of the clients. 

3. ‘Green’ Era

With the rise of increasingly innovative green technologies, architects aren't only experimenting with their artistic visions, but also simultaneously minimize the negative environmental effects of their structures. Environmentally-conscious architecture is beginning to produce more and more complex, sustainable, and awe-inspiring buildings, signifying that green architecture is the wave of the future from both a creative standpoint, as well as out of ecological necessity. In fact, in the most extreme and inventive cases, architects are now not only working to preserve the natural environment, but actually to positively affect, alter and improve it. 

Courtesy: Creativefan.com

The future architectural practice will have to address the environmentally responsible practice. The continuation of practice will evolve the acceptable and appropriate technology, which in turn can ensure sustainable economic and social development. 

4. High tech and smart solutions 

“Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short a time” - quotes Bill Gates 

 Last couple of decades have been a remarkable time in the history of Architecture! The new, state-of-the-art technologies served as springboards for huge advancements in architecture, generating new opportunities for architects worldwide. Architects were able to leapfrog, by re-defining their work using Information Technology and by introducing innovative construction techniques and new materials.

 Technologies such as BIM: Building Information Modelling and advances in construction technologies and equipments; are radically and rapidly changing the way architects work. 

‘Technology’ can be called as a reflection of a new inspiration for humanity - one that links man with mechanization and efficiency. Information Technology presents both opportunities as well as threats. Easy access to all information on design, construction and technology will lead to limitless choices. On the other side, this also challenges the architect to his design monopoly and expertise in the field. Only an architect who has mastered IT management to use technology strategically and powerfully will be able to sustain in a highly competitive environment. 

5. From a master builder to a business leader

“While the future of the practice of architecture as a discrete business is uncertain, the opportunities for architects have never been greater, notwithstanding the current recession. However, to grasp those opportunities architects will need to develop greater financial knowledge and commercial insight, to welcome the integration of their work with others in the wider industry, and continue to work hard to promote the extraordinary benefits which society gains from the design process.” Notes the RIBA report on future for architects 

Architects must be ready to accept in the future that they are not only the designers of the project but also the leaders and managers. Unless they learn the financial and business skills, it will be difficult to communicate and get along with other members of the team. The architects shall also consider redefining their roles to expand their scope of work and services. 

Courtesy: ARKKI

Courtesy: ARKKI

For a profession that brings the beauty of someone’s dreams into reality; the future is full of opportunities as well as challenges for which the young generation must prepare NOW! 

To read more interesting articles about Architectural Management, click Here.