The Grand Egyptian Museummay finally be opened to the public in 2021.
To put it mildly, 2020 has been an eventful year for many of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected our lives in the past year. Thankfully, the worst appears to be behind us now, as the New Year offers fresh beginnings.
In particular, the field of architecture is filled with much excitement as designers continue to think of ways to improve the world. Our pandemic experience has led to the proliferation of contactless technology, antibacterial materials and innovative enclosures. For 2021, various experts have different ideas as to how the built landscape will change.
What do you think 2021 has in store for us? Let us take a look at some of the possibilities waiting for us in this new era.
The modern architecture movement, embodied in the Villa Savoye of Le Corbusier, may find a resurgence this coming 2021.
Design predictions
In the different articles it released throughout 2020, design website Dezeen.com interviewed architects, trend forecasters and business owners who had much to say about the future of our society.
Perhaps the most optimistic one is offered by trend forecaster Li Edelkoort. According to her, the pandemic will be a catalyst for change in society’s values. While the COVID-19 experience did lead to a global recession, it also taught us to find joy in simple things. People traveled less and consumed more wisely since the beginning of the pandemic. Hopefully, this will lead to what Edelkoort calls a “better system to be put in place with more respect for human labour and conditions.”
In terms of architectural styles, Dubai-based studio Roar reports that the pandemic will lead to a rise in escapist architecture, especially in restaurant interiors. There may also be a return to the modern movement, which is characterized by simple lines, geometric shapes and no-fuss materials. It is notable that this early 20th century movement was shaped by past epidemics such as cholera, typhoid and flu.
Lastly, the color company Pantone has announced its choice hues for 2021. Pantone has selected two shades as representative of 2021: Ultimate Grey and Illuminating. The former represents the challenges we faced in 2020 and the latter, a vivacious yellow, represents a bright and hopeful future. These colors will hopefully herald in a great new year, reminding us of past lessons and encouraging fresh beginnings.
The Dubai Creek Tower may be next year’s tallest tower in the world.
Upcoming projects
In terms of architecture, there are several buildings across the world that are set to change the landscape this year.
To exemplify, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, is on target for completion this year. Set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, the structure is a brainchild of Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects. It will feature historical artifacts alongside virtual reality, making it one of the must-see destinations of 2021.
The Dubai Creek Tower is similarly expected for completion in 2021. Engineered by the firm Aurecon and Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it is projected to become the tallest tower in the world soon. Though its final height is yet to be publicly disclosed, project developer Emaar officially states a minimum height of 828 meters. While the building’s construction has been temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, 2021 may still see this magnificent creation being opened to the public.
Ulimate Gray and Illuminating
have been declared as Colors
of 2021 by color company
Pantone.
A hopeful tomorrow
Even if the virus remains in our midst this 2021, there is still much to hope for. In the Philippines, numerous developments continue to push on, signifying that life goes on despite the pandemic.
In particular, Ortigas Land, one of our country’s premier property developers, is set to transform the landscape with its modern residential and office towers. Its projects, such as the Empress, The Galleon, and Maven, are planned to feature innovations such as contactless technology and integrated communities to ease our lives in the coming future. While still in construction, these projects are set to change the way we view condominiums. Beyond urban homes, these are aiming to become the holistic sanctuaries of the future.
Sources:
Natasha Hitti, Marcus Fairs, and Michelle Ogundehin via Dezeen.com; Djehouty, Valueyou and Mkckim via Wikimedia Commons; Pantone.com; Ortigas.com.ph