Today buildings constructions incorporate technology and design characteristics that vary from buildings several years to two decades ago. More and more buildings are powered solely on solar power, and others are prized for the eco-friendly, and, or positive environmental impact.

Despite these efforts, the trends and innovations needed to move us toward the next level are still not progressing at the rate needed to enhance sustainability, or move us forward as a people. Besides the innovations derived with the environment in mind, buildings are being constructed, planned and managed using the same techniques and methods of decades before.

Construction has to start taking significant next steps to deter the inevitable; us becoming obsolete and ineffective. However, what is needed to move us there? What is required to take us to the next level awaiting us in the future? Are net-zero buildings, multifaceted multi-functional designs, smart homes and automated control systems cutting it short? To help ponder on these questions productively, we put together a list showing what features buildings of the future may have.

1.    Complete full interface smart technological buildings

Smart homes coming to life was a big step towards many of us experiencing a Jetson reality. Unfortunately, even such technological advances imply much and leave many unanswered endeavours on the table. To move entirely forward, we need brilliant structures with no aspect or attribute void of technological assistance or maintenance capabilities. This means that buildings will be able to seamlessly interact with us and their environment with no gaps or hiccups. Buildings will be able to recognise the weather outside and manage how much energy output is truly necessary for functionality. For example, if no one is using the 3rd floor of an office building, it will be able to shut down the power on that floor and redirect that energy to another part of a building with more traffic.

2.    All buildings having zero net sustainability

This builds off of the last point in that it emphasises appropriately managing energy according to what is necessary. Zero net sustainability refers to not consuming more than what is produced. This is a vital aspect in that it directly influences the environment and aids in keeping each person accountable for what we put out. Exhaustive outputs take a toll on the things around us. Having buildings responsible for combating our bad habits will save us in the long-run.

3.    Spiffy unique designs and layouts

Already we have interesting and breathtaking building structures popping up that have us scratching our heads.  With all the changes to come, buildings will start to look different by default. Incorporating new technology and aspects on the inside will affect the shape on the outside.