The next era of tall buildings must future-proof designs and prioritise sustainability, research by insulation manufacturer URSA has found.
The survey of more than 100 UK-based architects found 43% of respondents agreed buildings must be designed with future use in mind – including usage, sustainability and adverse weather conditions – to overcome public cynicism around the structures. Many of those polled said this was equally as critical as the current challenges facing high-rise developments – with structural stability (47%), fire safety (47%) and energy efficiency (44%) identified as the top three key challenges facing the high-rise construction today.
The data also revealed that architects believe future-proofing must go beyond structural integrity and quality. Just over one-third (39%) of architects highlighted the need to design future buildings with social value in mind to ensure high-rise developments contributed positively to communities, while 49% said liveability should be a key planning consideration.
Architects also believe that well-designed high-rises can actively enhance urban life, but that communicating value would be key in overcoming public scepticism of tall buildings. Almost half (45%) said these developments enable cities to achieve more with limited space, while over half (51%) noted that new, high-rise developments must take their wider surroundings into account. Kevin Tolson, UK Business Development Director, Insulation Division at URSA, said: “Sustainability and safety will play a vital role in the buildings of the future – especially with new regulations coming into play. However, it’s notable to see how highly architects are ranking liveability and community as valuable metrics.
“High-rises must be sustainable in every sense – and that includes creating opportunities for social interaction and fostering community as well as environmental, safety and performance credentials.”
URSA has launched the High-rise Hub – a growing platform dedicated to sharing information on tall buildings.