The buildings we see being constructed today are mostly being planned and built in the same way they have been for many years. But what does the future hold for the way we construct buildings and do we need to adapt to changing needs? How might we need to construct buildings in 100 years’ time?
These changes could be quite dramatic, revolutionizing the way our urban centres look and operate. The tough part is to predict what these changes need to be and how quickly we can adapt to putting them in place. The cost of this innovation and new technology will also need to be factored in.
There are multiple routes that the construction industry can take to reach the vision for the future but not all will bring the world the same kind of benefits. So, what are the long-term goals for future construction?
These include ideas like:
- Zero net sustainability for every new build
- Smart building technology
- Multi-functional design
- Automated systems
- Better relationships with buildings and the environment
- Healthier work/life/learn environments
- Increased productivity
- Technical cooperation
All buildings are unique, of course, supplying different purposes and needs. Factory facilities, schools and residential properties will all need to evolve differently to satisfy their purpose. For example, our homes are expected to become increasingly connected for greater convenience. Energy efficiency is already a significant trend in this sector and there will no doubt be further innovations in terms of smart lighting, heating and a myriad of other important functions. Connected homes will evolve to be more secure and smarter, controlled digitally from the property or remotely. If you’re looking for Building Services then visit a site like https://www.piggottandwhitfield.co.uk/building-services/
For commercial buildings, it is predicted that they will evolve to become more multi-functional and adaptable, helping them to increase their longevity. It is important to gather comprehensive data about the cost of building ownership and its life cycle. Only then will it become possible to assess the benefits and costs of innovative technology for future application.
In terms of zero net sustainability, we might not have to a century to see this being introduced as we already have the technology to build like this. Return on investment is however, seen as the biggest hurdle to introducing change in the industry. On the positive side though, just a couple of decades ago energy efficient building was deemed as expensive and uncommon but now this practice is part of the norm and it feels like it was never any other way.
The vision of the future seems very much to focus mostly on absolute sustainability and ever more connected and intelligent systems to make our buildings really work for us and the environment in which they are situated.
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