What are the new generations looking for
A wave of green architecture arrived to our cities at least half a decade ago. It was also a cultural response taking on responsibility towards the natural environment and our future as a species.
This new ‘green’ is layered in some instances with Sustainability and lately Health at the core, surprisingly becoming a way of new luxury, away from the traditional meaning of luxury(expensive materials). Although requiring an initial investment, the ROI may be paramount with a growing interest in the upend market as final users are much more informed.
Historically, perhaps laying the ground for green architecture, there have been iconic architects that have had an appeal to nature and it is reflected in their life work. Two good examples may be Frank Lloyd Wright and Antoni Gaudi, pioneers in their own time.
A reference of organic architecture led by Frank Lloyd Wright (Wisconsin 1867-1959), https://franklloydwright.org/organic-architecture-and-the-sustaining-ecosystem/, was based on a series of principles :
Simplicity and repose are qualities that measure the true value of any work.
A building should appear to grow easily from its site and be shaped as if it was itself created by nature for and from that landscape.
Color should derive from fields and woods to fit with these natural forms.
The nature of the materials from which a building is constructed should be expressed freely.
Buildings must be sincere, true, gracious, loving, and filled with integrity.
A different approach to design inspired by nature is found in the work of Antoni Gaudi ( Spain 1852-1926), able to create PLACES to wander and stay in 'nature'. He still the best ambassador of the modernista style, best known for masterpieces like Sagrada Familia, still unfinished, Casa Mila or Park Guell.
Organic architecture principles like Frank Lloyd Wright’s or architectural experimentation like Gaudi’s were forward-thinking architectural expressions of design with nature, where perhaps form does not follow function or vice versa but ‘form and function are one’ and the physical environment is a translation of the human experiences.
Today, underpinning two geniuses' work, we understand the positive impact of nature on the human experience, thanks to multiple research studies.
Furthermore, more exciting research lines are already informing disciplines like urban design, architecture, and interior design and becoming part of this new understanding of luxury, as the general public is more demanding and savvy.
· Neurodiversity. Neurodiversity refers to the range of neurological differences found in the human population. These differences include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dementia, etc. When it comes to design, prioritizing neurodiversity means creating spaces that are welcoming, accommodating, and functional for everyone, regardless of their neurological makeup as opposed to the negative effect of the boxes the general population lives in.
· Biophilia: Nature has a profound impact on our well-being. Being in natural environments can; Generate wonder and awe, putting our worries into perspective; Enhance attentiveness to our world and relationships; Provide restorative experiences that allow us to escape daily demands and perceive vastness; Improve cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue, even when we simply view natural scenes in films or photographs.
· Intergenerational Design: The understanding of the role of design to cater for the impact of the stages of life, from early childhood to later life, and how spaces are perceived by the different generations. Developmental theories play a crucial role in intergenerational design.
In our experience, a well-informed population is looking for design and development to be accountable and work for people’s health and well-being, which is ultimately becoming a new type of ‘luxury’.
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