Key Design Lessons From Contemporary Architectural Structures

Contemporary spaces are impacting the way designers perceive architectural adages and enabling them to rethink spatial planning. Contemporary spaces are also open to interpretation and are highly design-centric, which is why planners worldwide relish the idea of working on a contemporary project. There are essential lessons that designers can take away when analysing contemporary structures around the globe.

These lessons range from focusing on flow, introducing sustainability, eliminating waste, and implementing post-modernism, giving designers ample tools to create inspiring spaces. Some of the best architecture studios Dubai based, such as Prasoon Design, focus on implementing the best of contemporary architecture to create innovative and aesthetically oriented projects. These structures form a core part of the region’s aesthetic beauty, as they shine as bright examples of human innovation.

Contemporary architecture is also freeing in many regards, as it does not fit into any specific principles or guidelines. Architects can fully express their creativity and develop structures that are functionally and aesthetically superior. Designs are also highly specific in their approach, which makes them even more so appealing and unique. They also allow interior designers to be even more so creative in enhancing these spaces, using the best available strategies.

Non-conformance to design restrictions

A key tenet of contemporary architecture is the non-conformance to design limitations. Designers are free to imagine structurally sound buildings in any shape or form they deem. This makes spaces stand out within their surroundings and makes them unique landmarks in the region. Contemporary structures are highly defined by their curved lines, rounded forms, free-shapes, larger windows, and asymmetric plans.

Structures such as The Blue Planet, Alcácer do Sal Residences, and Red Pepper House defy the traditional rules of form and function. They are aesthetically ahead of market trends by decades and use sustainable materials and practices. They are also exceptionally unique, making them some of the most desirable spaces to live in around the world. The non-conformance to any specific principle makes them highly inspirational.

Additionally, contemporary designs can accomplish the objective of the project without compromising on aesthetics. It has a clear story to tell through its angular movements, curved lines, and innovative flow. Its emphasis on space, rather than walling, is one of its main characteristics that makes it highly appealing as a design philosophy. Contemporary architecture also continuously borrows from natural and manufactured elements when crafting new designs, which is why they are rarely monolithic or repeating.

Enhancing designs through technology

Contemporary structures often use sophisticated technology solutions to accomplish key goals, such as LED lighting, built-in energy tracking, etc. These technological implementations allow buildings to automate several aspects of the operation, maintenance, and other areas of the structure. Technology solutions are also helping reduce emissions, decrease reliance on traditional energy, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of contemporary structures.

Smarter homes are also more appealing to live in than traditional spaces, which is why many contemporary architects are implementing smart technology solutions to enhance the inherent appeal. Occupants can manage their lighting, heating, cooling, and other aspects from their smartphones while enjoying their contemporary spaces in a relaxed way.

Structural engineers also leverage new materials that are designed using the latest in technological innovation. These smart materials help reduce the dead load of buildings and enable greater flexibility in design scope. They are light-weight and stronger than traditional concrete or steel, making them viable materials for modern projects. This also leads to greater material optimisation and reduced wastage, as the materials are highly functional by design and are sustainable.

Sustainability as a key feature of the design

Architects working on contemporary spaces focus on optimising all aspects of the project, starting from sustainability in design. This includes ensuring that renewable materials are used and that the carbon footprint of the building is minimal. Additionally, contemporary designers are always reviewing new and innovative methods of conserving energy for structures, whether that be through greater insulation, solar heating, passive cooling, etc.

Sustainability is also a vital design philosophy for many contemporary interior architecture Dubai firms, aligning with the region’s goals of being one of the greenest cities in the world. Designers are implementing solar heating, rainwater harvesting, natural orientation, and other critical sustainability-driven practices to reduce HVAC costs and long-term maintenance expenditure.

Architects are also ensuring that materials are sourced sustainably from manufacturers that follow green principles in their practices. Steel, concrete, lumbar, and finishing materials are being procured from suppliers that follow green manufacturing, recycling, etc. This is ensuring sustainable construction throughout the value-chain, as a core part of the design of the structure.

Nature-compliance for longevity

The relationship of buildings with nature is best explored through contemporary architecture. Structures are designed, keeping in mind the natural elements and the balance of natural lighting with indoor air quality. Nature compliance is a key component of contemporary designs, as it allows them to enhance the longevity and liveability of spaces significantly. This also makes spaces increasingly versatile, allowing designers to experiment with different materials and forms.

Native landscaping is another vital part of contemporary architecture, which focuses on leveraging native vegetation to enhance the appeal of structures and spaces. Native landscaping focuses on planting trees and grass varieties that are specific to the local region of the construction. This helps in lowering maintenance long-term as these plant varieties are perfectly adapted to the environment. Additionally, native landscaping allows contemporary structures to be perfectly compliant with natural elements.

Conclusion

Contemporary architecture is an innovative area of planning and design that is continuing to inspire architects to think beyond form and function. While key principles from contemporary design can be implemented in every project, designers should be mindful of the purpose of the structure. Accentuating key features, introducing sustainable practices, and using a wider range of materials, are all key learning lessons that architects can take away from contemporary structures. The relationship of nature, with respect to concrete, is also studied extensively within contemporary architecture.