There can’t be any discussion on the future of housing and space design without learning its basic architecture and design. Several design-driven concepts are being tested today as the world is becoming more urban day-by-day, and people prefer living and working in high-rise buildings. Once a revolutionary architectural style that changed the urban landscape over a century ago, skyscrapers are now the part of every metropolis.
Lack of space, demand for housing, and affordable price have increased the demand for such apartments. Let’s discuss some of the futuristic concepts related to the topic. Vending machine skyscraper, attributed to Malaysian architect Haseef Rafiei, is meant for providing studio style houses that deal with global economic uncertainty, real estate speculation, and housing demand in urban areas. In response to the growing global housing demand, vending machine skyscraper is the answer. This concept of adaptive housing units as opposed to static structures would meet the need for micro facilities. These robotic, self-adjusting tailor-made flexible units stored within the megastructure could be designed purely on the fundamentals of form following function; where the spatial unit design could cater to residential, commercial, or business thriving mixed use requirements.
A pod lifestyle
Imagine studio apartments taking the shape of high-rise pods in future. In addition to being cost effective, these small houses have the advantage of less need for upkeeping. Money saved by choosing a smart studio apartment can be used for clever, well-designed furniture that will enhance comfort, convenience, and enjoyment of living in such space. Further people understood the advantage associated with investing in small apartments in a desirable location.
High-rise pods associated with more economically sustainable idea of construction, real-estate value, and housing. Instead of being a static structure, it is a futuristic apartment design that remains compact while it considers the changing requirements of its occupants. The concept of pods may be a new thing but has been explored and designed to serve many purposes. Hotels, co-working spaces, etc., are good examples.
As an architectural design, the theme of pods has worked brilliantly depending on cities and situations. The future holds many possibilities. Japan and Hong Kong are leading players in the segment.
Rising housing needs
High rise pods are self-sustaining designs that help reduce waste and maximise efficiency. Modules, part of the structure design, can help relocate, reorganise, modify, or recycle houses at any given point. Studio apartments are common in upbeat urban neighbourhoods, where space is limited. Therefore, studio apartment is the best option to live in a prime location at affordable pricing.
As the title suggests, pods in high rises could be the future of studio apartments, known as ‘pre-fab,’ ‘modular’ or ‘factory built’. These profited, modular pods signify both compactness and can be fitted with luxurious amenities. The growing trend suggests the need for multi-functional buildings that can accommodate various requirements without sacrificing aesthetics. This could do wonders for cities, such as Mumbai. The challenges for modern architect in accommodating the growing population, with available space, can be addressed with these skyscrapers.
Futuristic design using robotics
There’s limited room for extraneous belongings in an apartment, so architectural design implicitly encourages occupants to streamline and declutter the space. The objective of this cutting-edge design is to use robotics-related ideas to build skyscrapers. Using automation, this plan will relieve the pressure from the construction industry in terms of labour, cost, and time with speed and flexibility to meet the rising demands for the urban housing.
To entice buyers, architects are providing high-tech solutions and making sure they efficiently utilise every inch of space. With a folding bed, sliding doors, large ceilings, and mirrors on the wall, these pod designs can be incredibly practical. Technology that automates, or remotely controls household functions, from lighting to security, will only go mainstream with these studio homes. There is a little doubt that high-rise pods are going to be smart homes as these architectural designs showcase luxury, achieved through energy-saving, improved security, and added convenience.
(The author is the director of APICES Studio Pvt Ltd.)
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