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With the dawning of a new decade, it seems people are more excited than ever about the future. Technology is advancing rapidly and we are living in a fresh new world. Things like the iPhone, Facebook and Twitter are fine-tuning our Information Age into a Social Network. This trend is creating “real” opportunities for people to connect and stay in touch, which in turn is creating more opportunities for relationship.
It also seems people are more focused on their health than ever before. With TV shows like “The Biggest Loser”, America’s increase in exercise and the rise of health food stores across the nation, people are beginning to live healthier. They are trading in their processed foods that are high in fat and sugar for natural and organic foods that are high in fiber, protein and antioxidants. This trend toward “real” health and wellness is slower than technology, but is increasing each year.
With the new decade, it seems people are more focused on the environment as well. More people are recycling, driving hybrids, and installing energy efficient systems in their homes than ever before. These items are becoming more desirable and manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the demand. Whether you agree with the effects of global warming or not, people are realizing that the earth is our current home and we need to take care of it.
What does all this mean? Our society is changing. With the deluge of information that is out there, people are sifting through to find the facts. They are seeking honesty, simplicity and authenticity. They are searching for something “real.” It is no different in our built environment. The days of excessive and extravagant building is fading and a new attitude is emerging…
“Faux” is out, “Real” is in.
Many consider our nation’s economic crisis a natural and necessary occurrence to correct the overspending we’ve encountered for the last two decades. It has caused people to reconsider how they spend their money and to focus on value. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, over $900 billion was spent in construction in 2009, which is down drastically from past years. The outlook for 2010 is even worse. The economy is forcing Architects to reconsider how they practice or suffer the dire consequences of closing their doors. Building owners are demanding more for their money and looking for ways to cut costs.
Through this turmoil, the old ideas of Modernism are reemerging and being reinterpreted in new ways. The notions of “less is more” and “form follows function” are once again gaining ground. Bloated buildings with extravagant details are being replaced with efficient floor plans and simple detailing. Fake materials are being replaced with durable, more natural ones. Heavy reliance on artificial lighting and expensive heating/cooling systems are being replaced with an abundance of daylight and the use of energy efficient sensors.
Mid-century modern happened for a reason. The Great Depression was overcome by World War II. After the war, people were rejuvenated and the Baby Boom began. The extravagance of the roaring 20’s that led to the Great Depression was replaced by more meaningful and cost-conscious ideas in the 40’s and 50’s. A rebirth of Modernism is taking place in 2010, but with a renewed focus and global awareness. This modernism is not cold and stark, as many would perceive. It is warm, intelligent and most importantly, sustainable.
Today’s combination of global warming and the crashing economy has placed an unprecedented emphasis on sustainability. Current construction and demolition methods contribute an estimated 135.5 million tons of waste per year – which is approximately 30 percent of our nations waste and the single largest contributor to our waste stream. Buildings are triple polluters: first when they are being constructed, again during their operation, and finally when their usefulness has come to an end and they are hauled off to a landfill.
With these issues, there is a new generation of architects emerging that is more interested in process than form. They are interested in how architecture is made and how it can be created with less – less time, fewer resources, and less money. These architects share a conviction that conventional building methods take too long, waste too many resources, and result in way too much waste. They believe the most sustainable product is the one that is not consumed. Rather than attempting to make our systems “greener”, these architects are rethinking architecture from the ground up. They are focusing on simplicity, order and restraint. They are using technology to build eco-driven solutions with a focus on natural materials.
Materials such as natural stone, concrete, stainless steel, aluminum and glass are here to stay. Corten steel is gaining popularity because of its natural, weathered appearance and new types of concrete are being explored with translucent properties and light absorbing characteristics that glows at night. New glass technologies continue to evolve creating clearer, more durable and better performing windows, which is leading to lower energy costs.
Other materials like faux stone and fake veneers are fading. Wall coverings are being replaced with bold paint colors and expensive floor coverings are being eliminated in favor of exposed concrete or natural wood.
Wood has always been a popular material, but the type and appearance of wood is changing. Bamboo, cork, teak, and ipea (pronounced E-pay) are hot commodities these days due to their durability, weathering capabilities and renewability. The notion of painting or staining wood is being replaced with clear finishes that reveal the natural beauty inherent in wood.
With the new decade dawning, there is certainly a lot to be excited about. A new paradigm is emerging and the possibilities are limitless. A modern approach to architecture is creating smart solutions for the way we live, work and play. Indulgence is out, relevance in.
