The fine line between art and craft, creativity and functionality, personal expression and societal or industrial demands is one that architecture navigates with great care. This duality is increasingly shaped by the urgent need to address environmental challenges. At the forefront of this evolution are materials and construction systems, the essential building blocks of design and execution. Historically, architecture relied on natural raw materials like wood, stone, and metals, which defined built spaces but often strained ecosystems. Today, the discipline seems to be undergoing a profound transformation, shifting beyond mitigating negative impacts to actively fostering the planet's regeneration.
From regenerative materials that integrate biology and engineering to circular economy principles redefining resource use, and hybrid approaches that blend traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, these innovations are reshaping the blueprint for the built environment. In this article, we recap the year's key advancements in materials and construction systems, showcasing how they are driving architecture toward a sustainable future. Whether through carbon-sequestering materials, systems designed for disassembly and reuse, or technologies that merge nature with engineering, these developments underscore the essential role materials and construction systems play in creating a regenerative, resilient, and resource-conscious world.
Regenesis: Building With Nature
By Eduardo Souza
Architecture is evolving beyond simply minimizing its environmental impact—it's beginning to give back. Regenerative materials are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling buildings to adapt: breathing, regenerating, and contributing to ecological balance. These advancements, which might once have seemed like science fiction, are now a reality, blending cutting-edge research, technology, and sustainability with innovative design. From photosynthetic façades that clean the air to mycelium-based compounds that grow into functional forms, these materials bridge the gap between engineering and natural ecosystems.
Take mycelium, for instance. This biodegradable, fire-resistant material, derived from fungal root structures, is already beginning to replace traditional construction elements in modular building blocks. And it's not limited to cutting-edge projects—examples already exist where it is used in affordable insulation, acoustic panels, or even self-grown furniture that can be fully composted when no longer needed. Or consider algae-based façades—living walls that capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, transforming buildings into "urban lungs" and silently and effectively working to combat urban pollution. Hygromorphic materials also offer fascinating possibilities, designed to naturally respond to changes in humidity, opening and closing automatically without any energy input, creating naturally ventilated and energy-efficient homes and schools. Even small structures could dynamically adapt to weather conditions, improving comfort while reducing energy use. Bio-cements self-repair cracks, extending the lifespan of structures, while lab-grown wood or cement offers a renewable alternative to deforestation. Together, these advancements not only address local challenges but also provide scalable solutions for a more sustainable future.
However, the widespread adoption of these materials still faces challenges, such as high initial costs, technological limitations, and the need for better integration into construction supply chains. Even so, pioneering initiatives are already demonstrating that experimental materials can be turned into viable solutions, especially in projects that combine governmental support, scientific research, and the growing demand for sustainable practices. Far from being a distant promise, these materials represent a tangible and gradual transition toward living architecture—buildings that not only coexist with the environment but actively regenerate it, not just redefining architecture, but rethinking how humanity can harmonize with nature in every aspect of life.
Rising to the Circular Challenge
By Enrique Tovar
Circular economy has shifted to more sophisticated approaches, paving the way for new paradigms in technological integration and a deeper understanding of material processes and composition, avoiding unhealthy compounds like microplastics. This progress fostered a rigorous analysis and detailed documentation through material passports describing their source, content, and possible future uses. In light of this, the concept of "infinite lifecycle design" has been consolidated as a key principle, prompting a continuous reflection: How many times can something be upcycled? While the coming year is unlikely to provide a definitive answer, many projects embrace refurbishment and dynamic reuse strategies as foundational pillars, fostering an informed and sustainable approach to managing existing materials and buildings rather than demolishing them.
Demolition processes will transform into strategic operations, rather than disappear entirely. In the coming years, architects will prioritize designing structures optimized for prefabrication and easy disassembly, relying on zero-bonding systems that use adhesive-free techniques, mechanical fasteners, or magnetic connections to enable smart deconstruction processes. This shift is driving the emergence of a new market: materials "thrifting", driven by technologies like AI-driven materials mapping and supported by hubs dedicated to circular material management.
As we step into the future of architecture, our workflows must evolve, guided by a beyond-construction mindset. The traditional deliverables—plans, technical sheets, and sustainability reports—will no longer be enough. We must forge a comprehensive framework that anticipates almost every phase of a building's lifecycle. This approach could include preemptive demolition plans and robust categorization systems. Can we foresee how timber will be repurposed in a building 60 years from now or how the majority of the materials in a building block will be reused? Could this lay the foundation for a future where materials never become waste?
Ultra-Low Energy, High Urban Impact
By José Tomás Franco
Reducing embodied energy in buildings to ultra-low levels is a key objective for cities of the future, where rapid industrial construction and economic efficiency are expected to remain the primary drivers of urban development. In this context, low-impact materials are proving pivotal. Materials such as wood, rammed earth, bamboo, and even hemp already offer sustainable alternatives due to their renewability and minimal processing requirements. Unlike today's most commonly used materials—concrete, steel, and plastics—they do not depend on high temperatures or energy-intensive chemical processes, significantly lowering their environmental impact. However, are their current iterations scalable enough to meet the demands of such a fast-paced industry? For these materials to gain relevance in an industrialized environment, ongoing research, and innovation are essential to facilitate their widespread adoption. Environmental certifications, despite occasional concerns over their accuracy and effectiveness, must become an integral part of supply chains, supported by robust national regulations. This will help establish global networks of recycled and renewable resources, reducing dependence on energy-intensive supply chains and imports.
Efficient design principles, often easier to implement in smaller projects or regional contexts, are gradually evolving to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization. Prefabricated systems, with their quick-design kit format, extend these benefits on a small scale, particularly when each unit or module incorporates locally sourced or certified materials and efficient assembly processes. When managed effectively, these optimized modular systems enable rapid construction while minimizing waste and reducing carbon emissions, especially when combined to create larger complexes that offer enhanced comfort and added value for their inhabitants, as demonstrated by BIG's Sneglehusene Housing and Homes for All – Dortheavej Residence projects. Passive strategies, such as natural cooling and optimized ventilation, can also be coupled with modularity and scaled using standardized, easily adaptable templates, becoming the norm rather than optional best practices.
To keep pace with the speed and scale of future urban development, a systemic transformation is essential. This involves not only investing in materials innovation but also establishing international standards for circular economies and embedding sustainability into industrial workflows. Such a transformation requires a multifaceted approach, where technological advances and sustainable practices converge to reshape industries. In the coming years, we anticipate increasing exploration, testing, and application, each contributing valuable insights into integrating the localized, specific benefits of "craft"—if you will—at metropolitan scales. Ultimately, this will help harmonize efficiency with sustainability.
Spaces that Feel: Sensors in Action
By Tatevik Avetisyan
Architecture and design are undergoing a profound shift, driven by a growing commitment to sustainability and harmony with the natural world. With a vast range of new technologies at our disposal, buildings are no longer static structures but dynamic, responsive environments that adjust to both our needs and the surrounding ecosystem. Central to this evolution are responsive facades and environmental synching systems, where buildings change in real-time, reacting to external and internal factors in a bid to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
At the heart of these innovations are smart materials embedded with sensors that can monitor everything from temperature and light levels to air quality. These systems allow buildings to adapt automatically, much like how your smartphone adjusts its screen brightness based on ambient light. Indoor environments are equally responsive, with technologies such as motion-sensor mirrors that adjust lighting based on proximity, or toilets that automatically adjust seat position and water flow for a more efficient and hygienic experience.
The trend extends to larger-scale architecture too. Take the Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, which feature triangular shading elements that shift throughout the day to block direct sunlight and reduce glare. This not only improves energy efficiency but also integrates modern technology with traditional design elements. Similarly, the Shiver House, designed by NEON, incorporates a kinetic façade that adapts to environmental forces, turning the building itself into a living, breathing entity that reacts to its surroundings.
In the world of smart buildings, the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a crucial role, with sensors tracking everything from temperature and occupancy to energy usage. These data points enable more efficient management of lighting, heating, and security systems. Technologies like smart glass—which tints automatically to block excessive sunlight—can significantly reduce energy consumption, often by as much as 30%. The result is a new era of architecture that meets our needs while respecting the environment. It's a future where the built and natural worlds move in harmony, creating innovative, sustainable spaces. Crucially, these systems enhance accessibility for people in all their diversity, offering, for example, greater independence to those facing various mobility challenges—an area of untapped potential.
Blending the Best of Then and Now
By Kiana Buchberger
As architecture evolves, combining traditional methods with modern technologies becomes essential for preserving and adapting historical practices. Time-tested materials and techniques offer eco-friendly, locally sourced solutions, fostering a deep connection to the environment. However, to address contemporary challenges, these practices need to be refined and adapted for greater efficiency.
Reimagining natural materials is central to this approach. Hemp, for instance, is being revitalized through hempcrete, a material that offers excellent insulation and carbon sequestration. Bamboo, known for its strength and flexibility, is enhanced with modern steel reinforcement clamps, while straw and timber take on new possibilities in modular, chemical-free wall systems. These materials build upon traditional benefits—sustainability, adaptability, and a connection to nature—while meeting today's needs for speed, precision, and scalability.
Looking ahead, the integration of old and new approaches may redefine the aesthetics of future architecture. Rather than adhering to a minimalist ideal, future buildings may embrace more nature-inspired designs, reflecting both advanced technology and rooted craftsmanship. Innovations like CNC machines and 3D printing offer the potential to reshape traditional materials in ways that were previously unthinkable, allowing for greater complexity and fluidity in design that align with natural principles.
At the same time, emerging technologies are changing the way historic architecture is studied and refined. Tools like 3D modeling, BIM, and other digital tools provide deeper insights into ancient construction methods, such as those used in the Volterra Project, helping preserve and adapt newly discovered historical techniques for future use.
By merging traditional knowledge with cutting-edge innovation, future designs can become more efficient, eco-friendly, and deeply connected to both people and the environment, ensuring that heritage and progress thrive together in an ever-evolving world.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Gira.
Minimalism with character and clear shapes reduced to the essentials. The Gira design lines are suitable for a variety of furnishing styles, in different colours and materials. With the introduction of the Gira E2 light grey recycled material, Gira is setting a strong example for sustainability and innovation in switch design.
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