At this time of year, I always think how fast the year has gone, and what the new year is likely to bring professionally for Howarth Litchfield, architecture, and society as a whole
No one needs reminding what a strange two years the last have been. I hope like everyone that a new normal is now here and we must all be positive for the future. So, I thought I would try to make a few predictions, focused on design and buildings – of course. What will the next year and beyond bring? Here are seven areas where I believe change will be inevitable:
1. Evolution of house designs
We are going to see more emphasis on the adaptability of house designs to cope with home/ hybrid working. I am seeing clever use of space in one off-houses, but this is not yet being transferred into estate houses. I would like to see more imaginative and clever spaces that have built-in offices/studies and bed spaces.
2. Energy efficiency
We have just seen the end of the COP26 Climate Conference. It is quite easy to knock the conference, but it is pushing everyone (slowly) in the right direction. I would like to see building control increase the level of requirement for energy performance in buildings so that it is mandatory and not an optional extra. This will help challenge all good designers.
3. Cost of energy
We are going to see energy prices continue to rise, so all clients will look to measures in self-generation and energy reduction. I think building design needs to change to take on this increasingly important issue. Design of buildings must incorporate energy generation features from the outset – not merely as an afterthought.
4. Building changes
Whether a new build or a listed building, we need to look at how buildings can be improved. We need to allow more creative re-use and improvement of existing building stock. In the North East we must review our city centres to encourage occupation by shops, flats and the entertainment industry so that we can ensure the longevity and vitality of our lovely towns.
5. The planning system
I would like to see a faster, simpler planning system that is focused on quality. The current system is struggling to cope, and I have frustrated clients bending my ear daily about the time taken to get over the planning hurdle. I hear there are insufficient planners to cope with demand, so then the system needs to change if we are to encourage development.
6. Howarth Litchfield
We continue to grow the practice and our expertise across multiple sectors, working throughout the region and country. Central to all our work is the need to think sustainably and develop green energy solutions for all our clients. We look forward to exciting commissions across the medical, veterinary, dental, bespoke housing, commercial, industrial, heritage, hotel, retail and education sectors – from nursery schools through to universities.
7. Fashion
It is always interesting to see what is fashionable in architecture and where trends are going. The industrial look is still popular both in new build and old structures. Just as we look back and can identify design styles from certain decades, what will be the defining design elements of this era? I hope the fad of black cladding is short-lived!
Above all else, I hope all sectors in the North East strive to innovate and be successful. We will continue to support our tremendous clients as they push the boundaries of development across the region.
