Ar. Dinesh Verma ACE Group Architects
The year 2021 should see us moving towards net zero where we bridge the gap between the utilities consumed and those produced. We should be looking at technology which helps in reducing the consumption of water for construction and save it for drinking and other important uses.
The design of environments, especially for learning bestows an extra responsibility on architects to design spaces that encourage exchange of knowledge in varied scales.

The sharing of knowledge between various facets of design and construction includes spaces for academics, recreational, administrative, residential and transportation.

Time is also a critical factor in assembling these modules together as one project and making it a whole university or an educational campus.

Sustainability is the key factor. The knowledge compiled and applied in such constructions is not only restricted to power saving and generation, but it treats the campus as a whole - moving towards an overall sustainable environment, one that provides clean air, recycled water self-produced power, green and interactive movement spaces, etc.

In 2021 we look forward to precast technology growing past just wall panels.
Time and cost being a major factor, technologies help in achieving this goal. Precast panels are being used as dividers in place of walls as they provide freedom of change. Post tensioning of long span elements has become common, but in 2021 we look forward to precast technology growing past just wall panels. Large spans are the need of the day; a shift to pre-tensioned construction would save time and be more efficient. With more numbers of precast units coming up at different locations, we expect the time and cost of precast construction to reduce.

Recycle and Upcycle will be the norm while selecting materials.
Materials used for construction are getting a new definition; we need materials that are dependable and last to the age required, and they should be recyclable. 2021 will see more buildings with fluid requirements, since requirements change with time, and we need materials that will adapt to such changes.

ACE Group Architects

Design will incorporate even more forested green covers, courtyards between buildings, informal amphitheaters etc.
Social spaces boost morale and foster a sense of freedom. They allow interaction between the occupants, irrespective of age or community. The importance of such spaces is trendsetting into 2021 where they will increase as the pandemic has made us realize that open spaces are safer for humans.

2021 will see a spurt in technologies and gadgets for safety and protection against viruses etc.
Gated communities like universities and institutions are depending largely on automation for security and safety. Till now, building design focused only on physical safety, but now, design will focus on safety from pandemics with gadgets that kill viruses and bacteria in enclosed spaces. Such technologies and gadgets will be incorporated as regular building elements.

Overall 2021 could become a trendsetting year in architecture and design, where technology will introduce newer parameters in building construction.