Efficiency and sustainability will shape the future of nonresidential construction, according to a recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) survey.
AIA asked architects about the changes they expect to see in building design over the next decade. Based on their responses, the top nonresidential design trends for the next 10 years are:
- Water conservation, solar and wind power generation will become more prevalent.
- Architects will specify more innovative building materials such as composites and new glass/glazing technologies to allow for more design options.
- The use of natural daylighting techniques and of lighting technology systems, including automation controls and motion-sensor activated lights, will increase.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) software use will increase, along with alternative project delivery methods and lean construction practices that will improve the efficiency of the building design process and throughout the lifecycle of the building.
“Emerging technologies are becoming the dominant force in how buildings are being designed,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Buildings in their own right are becoming far more energy efficient, and certain technologies are increasing both the efficiency of the people using the buildings and the project delivery methods in which buildings are being designed and constructed.”
