DESIGNS FOR INNOVATION

Many design interventions in the construction industry have been building up and making statements this year. There has been the introduction of various elements and solutions in terms of materials, programs and functions. Architectural trends in the last year have seen one thing in common, the commitment to sustainable development and architecture. Society, in general, has been evolving towards environmental commitment as a social trend too. The increased demand for landscaping & incorporating locally available materials is some of the architectural interventions introduced. Addressing the focal ones namely -

Sustainability

Sustainable design is the most crucial challenge faced by architects with the growing population and climate change. Architects are making a conscious effort to reduce waste and carbon footprint by maximising building efficiency. They are also incorporating recyclable materials into the designed structures. Many designers are adapting design ideas to work harmoniously with the environmental surroundings of the buildings. As Atul Shah says, there is a rising awareness of using sustainable materials that aid in a longer life span. Access Architects has incorporated designing buildings in steel structures in more than 10 of their recent commercial and residential buildings. Using steel as a construction material allows the building to have a higher number of floors as per the total height ratio. This is illustrated by the building called 'Rupa Renaissance' designed by Access Architects.

With steel, beams are not required to go as deep as RCC to support the floor plate thereby, producing higher efficiency in structural construction.

Virtual & immersive reality

The advent of 3D design and virtual reality (VR) is the future of architecture. Architects are now able to fabricate immersive reality experiences using wireless sensors and digital graphics. At Access Architects, Atul Shah and the team have always included the use of technology to plan and show their design concepts more vividly. Through VR, it is possible to walk through projects virtually in real-time and visualise the structure before a single stone is laid. The world of 3D virtual engineering is fast-growing and working with immersive reality & 3D printers help understand built environments better. Access Architects is one of the earliest architectural firms to have adopted the use of BIM and 3D modules for an advanced approach towards design.

Vertical design

With the rising population, the future of urban cities will be built upwards rather than outwards. When space becomes premium, vertical design is the answer. Access Architects have contributed majorly to the building of high rises in Mumbai in steel construction. From 'The Ruby', the tallest commercial building in South Asia to the iconic first skinny tower of Mumbai at a height of 185m on a plot of 583 sq. m., 'The Altimo', constant efforts are made to develop cutting edge designs in terms of implementation and innovation. The inclusion of vertical design also offers the users a chance at cleaner, greener cities with attractive units stacked into the sky.

Interconnected spaces

Living spaces are becoming increasingly intuitive with the help of smart design. Smart automation is redefining how one lives, works and plays. This includes smart homes that can adjust indoor temperature and light automatically as well as mould indoor features according to personal preferences.

Apart from home automation, Anuj Shah believes that residences are now needed to be designed as more multi-functional and open. With the unprecedented pandemic, everyone has recognised the importance of functional work zones & family zones. Spaces are being designed to accommodate more than one activity, especially now with the growing trend of a home workspace.

There is also a rising need for the inclusion of small outdoor areas in residences that can connect one with nature while being indoors.

The future of design trends lies in sustainable, organic & intuitive designs while offering the user a fresh take on technological techniques. Jay Shah deems that modern, minimalist designs with a negligible carbon footprint have expanded the architectural industry in producing innovative designs every year. Architecture, through the years, has been a defining force in society. The projects coming up today are answering the needs of the future with inventive design interventions, seeking to represent tomorrow. At Access Architects, the younger generation of architects is being moulded with trends that are on the cusp of innovation and are ready for what lies ahead.

L to R: The company was founded in 1981 by architect, interior designer and urbanist, Atul Shah and is now joined by his son, Jay Shah and his nephew, Anuj Shah as the company's Directors.

Hits: 193