Architecture Consumer Insights

Trend - Brands are creating tiny, mobile, and stationary houses that are designed to be more affordable and sustainable than traditional homes. These homes are often built on trailers or in small lots, and they are designed to maximize the use of space and minimize unnecessary features.

Insight - To combat the cost of living crisis, many consumers have chosen to purchase micro-houses and tiny homes as they are affordable living options for those struggling to afford a traditional home or apartment. As inflation continues to shift how consumers spend money, there is more emphasis being placed on humble, smaller-scale ways of living. As a result, tiny homes are becoming increasingly popular for people who want to downsize or live more simply.

Trend - Numerous companies, especially those in the automotive, engineering, and architecture space, are using IoT and VR-based systems to create precise digital representations of their products and systems. These lifelike models are then tested virtually as a way to guide product development.

Insight - When it comes to large-scale buildings, automotive vehicles, and other complex infrastructure, visualizing and troubleshooting these products during their development phase can be incredibly costly. As a result, a wide range of businesses are turning to digital twin technology to create exact virtual replicas of their products -- whether these be jet fuel engines, electric cars, or sustainable condominiums -- which they can then test and assess digitally.

Trend - The metaverse welcomes more developments as architectural studios begin constructing buildings and other infrastructure to mimic the physical world. These structures are able to push the limits of traditional architecture with physics-bending designs.

Insight - The metaverse is a space where the imagination can run wild and concoct structures that are otherwise impossible in the physical world. Consumers are turning to the digital space for content that fulfills their desire for the fantastical. Digital infrastructure is, therefore, being built using cutting-edge technology to provide visual stimulation and appease the consumer's need for escapism.

Trend - As more consumers prioritize home projects, brands are offering elevated backyard storage solutions that better fit the aesthetic and functional needs of modern consumers. These sheds have contemporary designs and enhance the appearance of backyards, instead of taking away from them.

Insight - The pandemic made consumers spend more time at home, and therefore focus more on home projects and upgrades that they could elevate their space with. The focus on having highly functional, well-curated home environments will continue as flexible work accommodations prevail, even with the pandemic's impact lessening.

Trend - The Pandemic enforced many drastic changes in the education space, with virtual learning as the safest option. Now that most places in the world are no longer enforcing strict distancing rules, campuses can reopen -- however, they must do so with safety in mind. Connectivity and robotics are integral to this "new normal" of higher education.

Insight - This more technology-driven approach to campuses follows a pattern seen in many industries post-pandemic. Despite mandates lifting in many places, the threat of COVID-19 is still present, both physically, and psychologically. Technology is the key to providing safe, but familiar experiences as society moves into the next phase of the pandemic. Additionally, the use of exciting new technologies heightens experiences, making them feel more worth the risk, and ultimately speaking to a new set of needs.

Trend - Cork is an increasingly popular material as its known for being renewable and biodegradable. Thus, the durable material is now being used in construction projects that are aiming to be sustainable.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly expecting that brands and institutions prioritize sustainability as the impending consequences of climate change make themselves known. These expectations go past brand values, with consumers expecting everything from production to brands' charitable initiatives going towards reducing environmental harm.

Trend - Prefab residences are now being designed to account for the consequences of climate change and natural disasters, with everything from designs that accommodate flooding to those that are earthquake-proof.

Insight - Consumers around the world are increasingly aware of how climate change will affect weather patterns in the future. Because of this, many are choosing to invest in both micro and macro solutions that both lessen their personal impact on the environment, and that might protect them from some of the consequences of climate change in the future.

Trend - The pavilion is a popular format for displaying studio projects during biennales, festivals, and expos, spotlighting global collaboration and achievement. Now, architects are entering competitions and launching public designs that emphasize social distancing for the COVID and post-COVID eras.

Insight - Although feeling fatigued by the government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions, many continue to regard public health and safety as a top priority and as a result, uphold rules that call for physical distancing and outdoor socializing. In this space, individuals are creating a demand for public infrastructure that will accommodate their needs—both for being outside, as well as maintaining distancing between themselves, their friends and family, and strangers.

Trend - Designers and brands are working to expedite the COVID-19 vaccination delivery by proposing new formats. Concepts here range from drive-thru convenience to restaurants who are collaborating with health care officials to provide additional space.

Insight - The COVID-19 pandemic has vividly exposed to consumers the shortcomings of healthcare in their region, both in terms of resource availability and service delivery. Aware of the omnipresent importance of this industry, individuals are demanding better preparedness, as well as efficiency and convenience in everyday healthcare. This, in turn, will leave consumers feeling calmer, as well as better supported for the future.

Trend - With sustainability as a top priority, architects and designers are embracing different eco-friendly concepts. "Reversible design" is the architecture of structures that can be easily deconstructed, reused, or where parts can be removed and added easily.

Insight - Contemporary consumers are wary of the impending consequences of climate change and a large number of them are increasingly aware that simply shifting their lifestyle and practicing ecological mindfulness are likely not enough. As a result, many are increasingly demanding that brands and creators take the environment into consideration. In doing so, individuals feel more at ease and proud of their advocacy for a better future.