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2025 Trends Shaping Architecture & Design

Writer's picture: Timothy LoprestiTimothy Lopresti
Oct 9, 20244 min read

As 2025 approaches, architects and designers are adapting to an evolving landscape shaped by sustainability, digital innovation, and urban resilience. These trends not only reflect a response to climate challenges but also represent a push for improved human experiences within built environments. As the industry grows more conscious of both ecological impact and aesthetic value, one material is making a comeback that might help them meet their needs —terracotta. This natural and durable material is becoming a preferred choice for façades and sunscreens, perfectly aligning with the key trends that are shaping architectural designs today. Together, we'll explore some trends paving the way in 2025 and how architects and designers can help integrate them into their projects and designs.


1. Sustainable Design Beyond Net Zero

In recent years, there’s been a significant push toward achieving net-zero energy buildings, but now architects are looking beyond that, aiming for regenerative architecture that positively impacts the environment. Regenerative buildings not only minimize energy consumption but also contribute positively by filtering air, absorbing CO2, or increasing biodiversity.1


Within this shift, terracotta has emerged as a powerful ally for sustainable design. Made from natural clay, terracotta is environmentally friendly, recyclable, and has a low carbon footprint due to its long-lasting properties. Furthermore, the thermal benefits of terracotta cladding can assist in reducing energy demands by providing a natural temperature buffer, keeping buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.2,3 Utilizing recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood or metal, can also significantly reduce environmental impact. These materials lessen the demand for new resources and add unique character to designs. Buildings constructed with reclaimed wood have lower embodied carbon compared to newly harvested timber.4

2. Resilient Urban Planning and Climate-Responsive Materials

With cities around the world facing increased risks from climate change, architects are prioritizing designs that promote urban resilience. This includes everything from green roofs and permeable landscapes to the integration of natural materials that respond well to fluctuating weather conditions.5


Terracotta rainscreens are gaining traction in these resilient urban plans. Known for their high resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and excellent durability, terracotta façades are ideal for areas with extreme weather patterns. Additionally, the ventilated cavity in rainscreens allows for natural moisture drainage and ventilation, making them a strong solution for cities prone to heavy rainfall.3


Another material to keep an eye on is bamboo. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable material that is both lightweight and strong. Its use can be explored for construction in areas prone to natural disasters. Bamboo’s flexibility allows structures to withstand seismic activity, showcasing its potential for resilient design.

Vinata Bamboo Pavilion / VTN Architects. Image © Hiroyuki Oki

3. Biophilic and Wellness-Centric Design

"Biophilic design incorporates natural elements such as light, vegetation, water, and natural materials into architecture and interior design to create environments that nurture and inspire." - John Wolstenholme, AIA, LEED AP

Designing with wellness in mind is no longer a trend, but an essential aspect of architecture. In modern architectural projects, terracotta façades and sunscreens can be used to help achieve this integration. The natural, earthy tones of terracotta bring a sense of warmth and connection to nature, while its perforated and patterned sunscreens filter natural light into interiors, creating calming, sun-dappled spaces.


Materials like granite and limestone may also provide aesthetic appeal and connect people to nature through their textures and colors. Incorporating these materials into designs can promote tranquility and health.


4. Advanced Digital Tools in Architecture & Design

Digital tools in architecture and design are transforming the industry, with trends like generative design, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and digital twins leading the charge. Generative design utilizes algorithms to explore a multitude of design options based on specific parameters, allowing architects to identify optimal solutions that may not have been initially considered. AR and VR enhance visualization and engagement, enabling stakeholders to experience designs in immersive environments before construction begins.


Digital twins are a pivotal development, serving as virtual replicas of physical assets that help architects and designers analyze real-time data and performance. This technology facilitates informed decision-making, optimizing both the design process and the management of built environments. Integrating sustainable materials, such as terracotta, can be seamlessly explored through these digital tools, ensuring that aesthetic and functional choices align with data-driven insights, ultimately supporting a more sustainable built environment. 7


By leveraging these digital advancements, the architecture and design community can enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and drive innovation.

 

As the architecture industry looks toward 2025, embracing these trends will be essential for success. Integrating sustainable practices and biophilic elements will shape how buildings are designed and experienced. Additionally, innovative materials can complement these approaches, offering aesthetic appeal and durability. By staying attuned to these developments, architects and designers can create spaces that resonate with modern needs while drawing inspiration from timeless materials like wood, stone, bamboo, and terracotta.


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