Architecture Consumer Insights

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.

Trend - Auto brands are having an effect on the aesthetic and functional decisions in architecture and interior design projects. While some car companies are directly partnering with an architectural practice, others are serving as a strong point of inspiration.

Insight - When it comes to their lifestyles, contemporary consumers are always looking for ways to instill equilibrium and be consistent—whether that is about balancing work and play or facilitating stronger connections between their personal preferences. As a result, many are placing an emphasis on aesthetics as a means of remaining "on-brand." This, in turn, allows individuals to be more confident in their self-expression.

Trend - Dentist offices are differentiating themselves by taking on an informal and modern look. This comes as young people today seek out products and experiences that specifically reflect who they aspire to be.

Insight - Millennials tend to be aesthetic-driven when buying products and services, whether that's for home items they purchase or choosing which restaurants they frequent. Much of this is driven by social media trends, where young people present curated images of themselves and their lifestyles in a way that's tied to the identity they'd like to project. Thus, these aesthetic shifts are impacting even the most unlikely spaces.

Trend - As remote work becomes increasingly common, some homeowners are investing in prefab office spaces that function as extensions to their houses. This shift serves consumers who prefer some form of isolation when working in order to enhance their productivity.

Insight - Remote work is on the rise as professional industries move the majority of their operations online. For people who are tasked with remote work, one of the limitations is creating a productive environment at home. These individuals look for ways to segregate personal and professional matters at home by seeking products and services that enable this process.

Trend - With climate change's impact now visible and only set to worsen over time, schools and other children's centers are aiming to better prioritize eco-friendly designs and programs in order to reduce their impact.

Insight - Consumers, especially those who are parents of young children, are looking to better prepare Gen Z to deal mitigate and deal with climate change, as their generation will be the most affected by its consequences. Making choices that alleviate the impact of global warming not only appeal because they align to this group's values, but also because they help alleviate the guilt experienced by these consumers as a result of ecological anxiety.

Trend - Designers creating micro-climate infrastructure, whether in the form of contained structures or in added features to existing structures, are aiming to promote eco-friendly construction and living. These spaces set a precedent for how the future of design can coincide with solutions to climate change.

Insight - As the personal and global impacts of climate change become more known to consumers, they're seeking out ways to learn more about solutions to the problem. With Millennial and Gen Z consumers being particularly drawn to experience-based branded experiences, designers that prioritize experience while shining a light on climate change are most appealing to these demographics.

Trend - Social and cultural hubs made from shipping containers offer eco-friendly alternatives to more traditional architectural forms. These communities offer elements of retail, nightlife, entertainment and spaces for start-ups.

Insight - Today's consumers having shifted expectations for the products and services they choose to buy into. For many, eco-friendliness and unique experiences are two motivators for why they'd purchase something. Businesses that are able to merge the two appeal to modern consumers with high expectations for how brands speak to them and their interests.

Trend - Offering more than environments designed for fun and physical activity, modern playgrounds are incorporating art and educational elements. Ranging from sound-modifying sculptures to sensory playground designs, the focus towards more aesthetic architectural designs adds visual and cultural appeal for children and adults alike.

Insight - Many Millennial parents are looking for thoughtful play products that not only provide entertainment for their children but also engages and challenges them physically, mentally, and culturally as well. Their holistic view of childcare is influenced by their more progressive understanding of how children are best served in their recreational and educational experiences.