When architecture is designing the future
In these volatile times, the need to improve the way of living in cities is becoming increasingly imperative. The effects of the climate crisis and the population rise in large urban centers are forcing us to redefine architectural design. Creating buildings that combine aesthetics and sustainability is the big bet for today’s architects, who compete in a race to find new ideas and advanced solutions.
Cutting-edge technology is an ally in modern architectural design. Modern architecture rises to the multi-faceted challenges and creates buildings that are not only comfortable and functional, but most importantly respect the environment and improve life in the city.
Smart technologies in architectural design
Nowadays architects have advanced technological tools at hand that allow them to maximize their design creativity and precision. Innovations that 20 years ago would be the subject of science fiction are now shaping every facet in the life cycle of buildings: from design to construction and every-day use.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) – Allows the creation of 3D models incorporating all the details of buildings, such as the materials and systems to be used. In addition, it provides an estimate of required resources and energy consumption.
- Virtual reality (VR) – Offers users the chance to walk inside a digital model of the building before it is built and experience the space as it will be when completed.
- Augmented reality (AR) – Adds elements in the digital environment to help coordinate and supervise the project.
Revolutionary technologies offer abundant choices that fuel the architects’ imagination and help them make targeted decisions in every step of the design process. At the same time, they make it easier to cooperate and reduce construction time and cost.
The architecture of resilience
Today’s architects design for the future. They aspire to design buildings that form sustainable and resilient ecosystems, i.e. buildings with low environmental impact, high value for society and an increased ability to adjust to climate change.
Bioclimatic design is the new trend in construction that is changing the quality of life in modern cities. These buildings adjust to the environment, use renewable energy sources, and reduce the need for heating and cooling. They have a small energy footprint and emit less greenhouse gases. In addition, they offer natural lighting, better ventilation and comfortable spaces, so that residents can experience a healthy and pleasant life.
Sustainable architecture also promotes the financial resilience of residents and businesses, as it limits the operational cost of buildings. With lower utility bills and maintenance costs, residents can use more money in other aspects of their life and businesses can invest more in their growth.
Urban regeneration: From grey cement to futuristic cities
Cities are constantly evolving, depending on the prevailing needs, opportunities and challenges from the external environment. Urban regeneration has been increasingly trending over the last years. It is holistic in nature, encompassing entire districts in large urban centers rather than isolated buildings. The aim is to give degraded areas new prospects, improve social cohesion and introduce a new concept of urban space. Urban regeneration is inextricably linked to progress, which is why it has a strategic aspect.
In this context, architectural design is trying to redefine public space. The new urban landscape includes smart buildings with high aesthetic value that fall under the umbrella of biophilic architecture. Made of sustainable materials and including open green spaces, these buildings are places where we’d all want to live, work and relax. Another priority is green transportation, with bicycle lanes and promenades, bicycle parking spots and electric vehicle charging stations.
The Ellinikon: An architectural technology standard by LAMDA Development
The Ellinikon at the site of the old airport in Athens is the largest urban regeneration project in Europe today. Covering a surface area of 6.2 million m2, a 15-minute city will host one of the largest coastal parks in the Mediterranean, with a beach complex and marina, residential buildings, malls, office buildings and schools, sports facilities, cultural hubs, hotels and restaurants.
Guided by the sustainability model we apply to all our activities, we looked for the most advanced architectural design and innovative technologies in every aspect of the project’s infrastructure. A few examples:
- At the Riviera Tower, the first green skyscraper in Greece, designed by Foster + Partners studio, BIM models and smart building management systems ensure optimal energy efficiency.
- At the Riviera Galleria, the mall designed by top architect Kengo Kuma and inspired by the waves and their motion, modern aesthetics blend perfectly with the natural environment.
- At The Ellinikon Experience Centre, virtual reality (VR) allows visitors to wander around the facilities of The Ellinikon before it is completed and experience how this new way of living genuinely feels.
Sustainability and smart technologies are not a luxury. They are the new requirements that define modern architecture. This is why The Ellinikon is a global architectural point of reference for the future.