Colorado Real Estate Journal - January 6, 2016
What does the future hold for architecture? We asked architecture leaders from AIA Colorado to tell us what will define architecture in Colorado in 2016 and beyond. When asked what will drive conversation in the architecture community in 2016, our leaders overwhelming responded that the state’s population growth will keep them talking. As thousands of people move to our state each year, we continue to feel the pinch of the housing market. Architects and developers are working together with other state leaders to not only create more housing options, but also make those options more affordable. In the larger metropolitan areas, architects expect an increased focus on transit-oriented development and the need and desire to make the city connected.
In the mountains, architects from Vail and Aspen expect a continued focus on workforce housing, stating it is the greatest challenge as the labor pool in mountain towns diminishes due to the cost of living. With all the focus on growth, some leaders wonder if conversation will shift to the quality and character of new buildings. “Given the boom, I wonder if we have missed by not creating compelling, interesting, 100-year buildings,” said Rick Epstein, AIA, a principal at Studio Completiva. “It feels like we are building a plywood city, not something that has contributed to a sense of place.” There also are concerns about urban planning and infrastructure. “Our industry will continue to talk about how multifamily housing projects are changing the character of our sensitive downtown districts,” said Wells Squier, AIA, with Anderson Hallas Architects. Christy Riggs, AIA, with 308 LLC added, “The conversation we’re having in Colorado Springs is about taking advantage of infill opportunities. There is also a focus on bringing more affordable multifamily housing to the downtown area and how we can make these projects viable for everyone by working on local building codes.” As the population grows, the demands of those living and working here also are changing. Many architects predict community will be the new amenity. Both in the mountains and along the Front Range, architects expect home design will adapt to provide more room for families to gather and stay, and for entertaining at home. “In custom homes, there is distinct trend away from huge showcase kitchens. All of our projects focus on the kitchen being the social hub of the home rather than a place to showcase appliances,” said Steven Perce, AIA, of bldg.collective. Commercial design also will be influenced by different approaches to density, the influence of design on workforce wellness and an increased focus on the integration of a building’s site into its design. “I hope a focus on holistic design and cultural importance will be key design trends for ‘everyday architecture’ and not just big public projects,” said Riggs. “A building with a well-thought-out identity and purpose will always be successful.” Architects also expect design to push beyond sustainability and toward carbon neutrality, energy generation and resilient design. “With the expanded adoption of the International Green Construction Code, I believe Colorado will continue to set the bar for responsible and sustainable design,” said Squier. “We will continue to consider the built environment’s impact on climate change,” said Joseph Vigil, AIA, of Workshop8. Architects in Vail and Aspen also expect weather and climate change will have a huge impact on design and construction. While design trends are one part of the conversation, the cost of the design is another. Many architects agree that labor and material shortages, rising land costs and the rapidly changing market are all driving the cost of bringing good design to life. “We have to prepare our clients for how quickly prices are increasing and work this into our design process,” said Perce. “From the time we start designing to the time we start building, the cost can increase 10 to 15 percent, which is having a huge impact on the final design and finish.” As 2016 brings a fresh start to businesses across the state, there is a renewed sense of urgency within the design profession to think forward. Architects have an opportunity to use design to strengthen our communities, take an active role in addressing sustainability and wellness issues, and create lasting and meaningful places for all Colorado residents. To accomplish this, architects will have to maintain and strengthen partnerships with owners, contractors, legislators and fellow design professionals. By working together, 2016 presents the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on Colorado’s built environment.