We had a wonderful 2013, but so did much of the architecture and design world. We saw the emergence of wood buildings, wicked cool designs, and we launched a new project. We’re eager to see what 2014 has in store, and here’s what we are predicting:
More public spaces
In response to issues surrounding climate change, energy efficiency, sustainability and walkability, we believe developers are going to think more about the environment and natural surroundings. Our architect Rosario Varacalli has spoken before about the need for developers and urban planners to build better sidewalks, better plazas and better Urban parks. This is something we are planning to do with E Condos which will connect to an above-ground plaza that’s open to the public and will have wide sidewalks that will promote walkability. In addition, 1 Yorkville will have a 25-foot-wide pedestrian green walkway that will connect Cumberland Avenue to Yorkville Avenue.
E Condos
Queen Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid will continue to reign supreme in 2014, especially with her Hong Kong tower set to open in March and Wangjing SOHO in Beijing nearing completion. We’re anxious to see what else she has in store for us in 2014.
Zaha Hadid’s Hong Kong tower
Recycle and reuse
Mark our words, recycled materials will become one of the hottest trends of 2014. Last year, a pair of Israeli women converted an old public transit bus into an urban chic home, while this Manitoba couple built an eco-friendly home from old tires and pop cans. And in Vancouver, housing made of shipping containers became available to the public. This year we think we’re going to see more of this type of creativity and efficiency.
Vancouver townhome made of shipping containers
Architects that push the limits of design
Over the last few years we’ve seen more daring and bold architecture being built and we’ve showcased a few of them here our on our blog. We anticipate even greater things in 2014 and there are several architects we have our eyes on including, Snøhetta, Bjarke Ingels of BIG, Yansong Ma, David Adjaye and our very own Rosario Varacalli!
Bjarke Ingels of BIG
Will our predictions come true? We’re excited to find out over the next 12 months!