Building Future: The Latest Innovations in Architecture, Technology and Materials

Welcome to the first edition of Building Future, your monthly source of the latest news and insights on architecture and materials. Our mission is to provide you with curated content that showcases innovative products, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging trends in the construction industry. Powered by ArchDaily and Architonic, we're excited to share our passion for the future of building design with you.

Although it feels like the year has just begun, there is also a sense that we have already been through a lot in 2023. While this year saw the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and their possible impacts in various industries, the world still faces concrete and long-standing problems, such as the housing deficit, civil wars and natural disasters, which require effective responses for construction and reconstruction. Specifically in the construction industry, there must be a shift towards sustainability to minimize its significant impact on the environment, waste generation and resource depletion. Circular economy initiatives are now crucial, with construction being a critical focus area that creates new opportunities for innovation, increased efficiency and economic growth.

We begin 2023 by reflecting on some articles published last year, specifically reflecting trends for the interior spaces of the future. We explore new materials and building techniques, and among the highlights we investigate salt panels developed in France, an abundant and common material that has never before been considered in architecture. In addition, we discussed the aesthetics of the circular economy in our cities, and how 3D printing is transforming the creation of furniture and interiors, as demonstrated in the concept store in Madrid that uses plastic waste. While we look to the future, we also focus on the past to address one of the biggest challenges of building in the future: cooling interiors. We explore traditional cooling methods, such as wind towers, jaali, and the Mashrabiya, and how they might be adapted to contemporary buildings as passive strategies.

So go ahead and dive in to the hand-picked content for our first monthly newsletter. If you would like to continue receiving this, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter. We hope you like it!

Eduardo Souza, Senior Editor, Brands & Materials

Future-Proofing Design: How Interiors Will Evolve in 2023 and Beyond

Through three different approaches –operations, aesthetics and energy–, we provide a forecast of how we think interior spaces will evolve from 2023 onwards.

Could Salt Be a Material of the Future? Innovating with Crystallized Salt Panels

Through salt crystallization processes, it is possible to develop innovative applications in the architecture field while strengthening the local salt industry.

3D Printed Furniture: 12 Designs That Explore Digital Craftsmanship

To inspire architects, designers and homeowners delving into the world of 3D printed furniture, we present a selection of skillfully crafted designs.

The Aesthetics of Circularity: Detachable, Rustic, Light

Analyzing the way architecture is reinterpreting design strategies, the article discusses how circularity and material reuse creates distinctive aesthetics.

Reimagining Air Conditioning: Traditional Cooling Methods for the Future

When we think about the future, is it possible to be inspired by the past and apply ancient cooling techniques to contemporary buildings?

3D Printed Interior with Upcycled Plastic: Reducing Waste, Enhancing Design

Ecoalf has teamed up with Nagami in one of their latest projects: a fully 3D printed interior made with recycled plastics designed to mimic melting glaciers.