Like a chameleon that changes color to blend in with its surroundings, architecture must constantly evolve and adapt to changing demands. A few decades ago, homes were typically associated solely with private life and relaxation, while workspaces were designed exclusively for work.
It was common for each use to be separated into its own room, making closed, rigid spaces the standard norm that architects were expected to follow. That is, of course, until new patterns of living and working blurred these boundaries to adapt to contemporary trends.
Population growth, the breakdown of the nuclear family, tighter budgets, and increased life expectancy have resulted in smaller, more crowded living spaces with diverse programmatic needs. And with the COVID-19 pandemic strengthening remote work and relegating many people to spend most of their time indoors, the quality of these spaces has become even more critical to physical and mental well-being.
How have spaces reinvented themselves to adapt to current social trends?
Ultimately, it's about adaptable, flexible, and multipurpose architecture. Instead of designing spaces for specific functions, more and more architects are creating environments that can serve a wide range of uses.
This explains, for example, the popular open-plan kitchen concept and the rise of modular design, both initiatives that enable a hybrid lifestyle. To accommodate this shift, modern homes commonly feature a bedroom that also functions as a home office, a bathroom that doubles as a laundry area, or a kitchen that serves as a dining room. In this way, unlike conventional homes, whose rigid layout tends to restrict these spatial possibilities, hybrid buildings can integrate a variety of complex functions related to work and leisure.
When it comes to office spaces, architects have faced a significant challenge: creating environments that enhance productivity and collaboration while also being designed for a new reality. At the beginning of the pandemic, the focus was primarily on creating a safe environment with limited human contact to minimize infections. Today, the trend has evolved toward a complete rethinking of the workplace landscape, moving beyond the traditional model to integrate areas for collaboration, leisure, and relaxation through adaptable configurations.
“Interior design is enabling workspaces to evolve,” says Virginie Lasalle, professor of interior design at the University of Montreal’s School of Design. “Now, being more hybrid, they must be designed to meet the specific needs of their users.” After all, as more people work from home and prefer hybrid jobs, it’s imperative that employers provide attractive conditions by fostering comfort, flexibility, and interaction within a single space.
Flexibility is synonymous with sustainability and well-being
For a building to be sustainable, its architects and designers must consider its long-term impact. In fact, this is a key component of programs like LEED, an eco-oriented building certification system that considers, among other factors, long-term commitment as a standard when certifying buildings.
Usability plays a role in this long-term impact, as a multipurpose space will be more sustainable over time because it can easily change and adapt to new needs. Furthermore, by concentrating multiple functions related to daily life, multipurpose environments require less movement and travel, which is always beneficial for reducing carbon emissions.
At the same time, one of the greatest benefits of hybrid and adaptable architecture is the reduced need for new construction. Buildings that cannot adapt to changing needs risk being demolished in the long run, often resulting in enormous amounts of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions. Conversely, hybrid designs that can accommodate different requirements fit the concept of adaptive reuse, which refers to spaces that can be repurposed for a different use than the one for which they were originally built.
As architect Carl Elegante once said, "The most sustainable building is the one that's already built." And, according to Planet Ark, one of Australia's most respected environmental organizations, "Buildings designed for reuse reduce emissions by 88%.".
Similarly, as the European Observatory Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion (ESPON) suggests, "Reusing spaces and buildings can be seen as an effective way to reduce urban sprawl and its environmental impacts, and to keep neighborhoods occupied and vibrant.".
Hybrid buildings, therefore, tend to be closely linked to sustainability, which is crucial amidst an ongoing climate crisis. But beyond environmental impact, adaptable architecture is also linked to human well-being. Homes and workspaces that accommodate diverse functions enhance flexible lifestyles, facilitate human interaction, empower users, and encourage a wide range of activities.
How can spaces respond to a hybrid lifestyle?
Hybrid environments can certainly pave the way for a more sustainable and healthier built environment. But to achieve this, certain criteria must be met. To maximize well-being, for example, prioritizing natural light is crucial; it not only contributes to more inviting spaces but has also been shown to improve circadian rhythms, sleep patterns, productivity, and overall physical and psychological health.
In addition to having an open and flexible structure, multipurpose buildings must incorporate design elements that allow for easy adaptation while maintaining quality, durability, and safety.
Given that we spend 90% of our time indoors, architects have a responsibility to create spaces that foster human and environmental well-being. In this sense, hybrid spaces have become more relevant than ever and have become the new norm in a constantly changing world with diverse needs and complexities.
Source: https://www.archdaily.
Cover photo: https://www.flat.mx/elliving.
