We have seen the effects of the pandemic in architecture and building products as a change in scale and the appreciation of outdoor space. At least the demand for high rise buildings has decreased, for now.
Architectural change in the upcoming period
First of all, I think it’s too early to talk about the post-pandemic period. We still don’t have a normal life; many continue to work from home and lockdown measures are put into words again. In addition, we have not yet seen the permanent effects of pandemics, droughts and forest fires in summer on our lives. However, we experienced during this period that a simple, more selective and multicentric architectural production could be made. We have seen the effects of the pandemic in architecture and building products as a change in scale and the appreciation of outdoor space. At least now the demand for high rise buildings has decreased, for now. Dysfunctional spaces in the city, such as the undefined space between the masses, gained value and we all spent more time outdoors. All of these are issues that have the potential to radically change the entire physical space setup and the pressure of rent. Architecture, on the other hand, needs to be constantly open to innovations and in contact with the world for better quality design, local conditions and a sustainable future in this dramatic change.
It seems very difficult for an office with employees who do not speak a foreign language to keep up with this change. Another issue is that communication is now decisive at every point. Even the most accurate design may have to change when meeting with its investor or user if there is no good communication. Flexible solutions, timeless designs, structures designed with materials that are easy to construct and maintain, and their integration with the environment will come to the fore, especially at a time when change is accelerating. Architectural offices, on the other hand, started to turn to a more efficient, multi-stakeholder and risk-sharing organization by getting more outsourced services, and this will continue to increase.
