Sustainable Design and Why is it the Need for Corporate Spaces

In these difficult times of climate crisis and the ever burgeoning trends in the civil sector, things are definitely not going to be the same like how it was before COVID. In order to get a better idea, we thought to ask industry experts about what trends they envision for the future.

Manifesting on minimalism, they suggested the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling.

Also, not only the themes of eco-friendly choices are worth considering. The comprehensive definition of sustainability is reflected through an increase in equity-minded architecture and healthy businesses. Trends that benefit the planet will become the first choice in the design world in the coming future.

For Recycling

The designer and founder of LikeMindedObjects Elise McMahon says that there will be a surge in the use of recycled materials in products, interiors and buildings. This is infact going to be the best way for designers and entities to be more vocal about their determination to ethical sourcing. With pollution increasing in tandem, and with designers and architects, along with business entrepreneurs become more aware about the hazards of pollution, they will look for tangible ways to limit their contribution to the extraction of virgin materials.

DIY Methods

Cofounder of Montreal-based sustainable home goods company Dans Le Sac says that we could see a revival of upgrading used furniture and people will learn new skills to become more self-sufficient. She says that is will be wiser to reevaluate the furniture that we already own or buy used second-hand furniture. Today, upgrading furniture is a great way to keep yourself busy while also expanding your creative horizons.

Equitable Architecture

Human--centered, equitable architecture will take center stage meaning that the future of construction and design will be more equal when it comes to race, gender, disability, and more. A recent article from New York Times reports on the American Institute of Architects' new ethics rule prohibits members from creating spaces of execution, torture, and solitary confinement in part because such chambers are disproportionately used against the brown and black people. It is an instance of a move towards design that helps eliminate injustices, rather than enable them. The industries are recognizing how they are extending their contributions to the suffering of marginalized people and this will be reflected within architectural design.

Incentives from the Government

Outside of India, there are countries where the government provides tax credits to those who buy solar panels and electric car. Such monetary incentives will soon be offered to persuade the population to purchase large household items that have a positive environmental impact. The challenges posed by climate change are something that the consumers today are mindful of. Jonsara Ruth, the cofounder and design director of Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design aims to raise more awareness about the toxicity of building products and to develop better and healthier alternatives. Today, the people are becoming more aware about the impact our intimate environments have on our health and the connection between the materials we have in our homes and the indoor air pollution. Hence, homeowners today seek clean indoor air, and architects will employ healthier materials for interiors and structures. He said that he will prefer to use materials that originate from nature rather than highly processed synthetic materials.

Minimalistic living

Ibada Uadud, the founder of Lulah and professor at Parsons School of Design transitioned to tiny living, where she moved into a trailer in her friend's backyard in Rockaway Beach, New York. She says that she's adopted a minimalist existence with an indoor camping style and ascertains that such homes will pop up in the coming years.

Very soon we will see the world embracing a pattern of consumption that is rooted in a clear set of core values that honor the earth where the lifestyle of the people will become much simpler. The architects and interior designers in Mumbai are coming up with better alternatives to the standard customary practices of designing corporate and residential spaces in the country as it is high time we value the importance of sustainable living.