The biggest architectural design firm globally, Gensler, has recently published its annual report on the built environment’s worldwide trends for the year 2024.
Seven major trends that are influencing the Middle Eastern construction sector are revealed in the report and are as follows:
Sustainability
Globally, the use of sustainable building practices has become imperative. The Middle East experiences similar difficulties due to major environmental issues like drought and climate change, which drive efforts to create a more sustainable environment.
There are numerous approaches to achieving sustainability in the building industry, including:
- Using sustainable materials, such as recycled wood and clay bricks.
- Improving energy efficiency, such as using solar or wind energy systems.
- Reducing water consumption, such as using efficient irrigation systems.
Artificial Intelligence
Ideas and innovations in the construction industry could move very quickly thanks to artificial intelligence. New, sustainable materials, improved energy and resource efficiency, and more imaginative and flexible designs are all possible with artificial intelligence.
Numerous applications of artificial intelligence in construction exist, such as:
—utilising artificial intelligence to increase the effectiveness of building design, for example, by locating and orienting buildings to maximise energy efficiency.
— Using artificial intelligence to create new, more sustainable materials, such as using artificial intelligence to design building materials that can absorb carbon dioxide from the air.
— Using AI to create more innovative, more flexible designs, such as using AI to create buildings that can adapt to climate change or changing population needs.
Twenty-Minute City
The goal of The 20-Minute City is to provide for everyone’s basic needs in 20 minutes or less. In the Middle East, as cities grow and get denser, the idea is becoming more and more appealing.
There are many benefits of the 20-minute city, such as
- Improving the quality of life for residents, as they can easily access everything they require.
- Reducing traffic, as residents do not need to travel long distances for work, shopping, or entertainment.
- Reducing pollution, as traffic and energy use are reduced.
Future Expectations
In the upcoming years, these trends will keep influencing the Middle Eastern construction sector. The area wants to create a future that is more comfortable, brighter, and sustainable.
