#Trends2024: Bhakti Loonawat & Suyash Sawant indicate that the current market is witnessing a surge in demand for alternative materials

Design enthusiasts unite, it’s that time of the year! As we prepare to bid farewell to another rollercoaster year 2023, we can’t help but look ahead and marvel at what’s about to come, prompting us all to cast our eyes forward with excitement for what lies ahead. Understanding upcoming design trends can inspire designers to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. It encourages the exploration of new ideas, materials, and techniques. We reached out to cofounders of Anomalia Bhakti Loonawat & Suyash Sawant to help us gauge some prominent trends of 2024.

Read on to find out more!

What do you see as the most significant upcoming trends in architecture and interior design?

Environments curated as narratives, characterized by a maximal minimalist aesthetic. The trend unfolds at the crossroads of the expansive simplicity of minimalism and the vibrant personality of maximalism. These spaces defy staticity, existing in a perpetual state of flux, their narrative evolving and building over time. Forms, patterns, textures and colour take the centre stage to create layered and tactile environments within the domains of a minimalist aesthetic.

Are there any emerging design styles or movements that you find particularly interesting?

We’re beginning to see people, re-establish their relationship with nature. Irrespective of scale, Biophilic Design is emerging as the leading narrative. Through the infusion of natural greens and the incorporation of materials like stones, wood, and terracotta, along with design elements mirroring the patterns and textures of the natural world, we’re actively engaging the senses of touch, sight, and smell. Biophilic design transcends the surface aesthetics of interior design, delving into a realm where it orchestrates a profound impact on the user’s life—elevating cognitive functions, fostering an enhanced mood, and nurturing creativity.

What eco-friendly materials and practices are becoming more popular?

Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is increasingly gaining popularity. With remarkable structural strength, it actively sequesters carbon throughout its lifespan, and is essentially regenerative. Building materials crafted from agricultural waste are also becoming increasingly popular due to their impressive mechanical strength, cost-effectiveness, diminished environmental footprint, thermal efficiency, and inherent biodegradability. Recycled materials such as recycled plastic panels are gaining prominence, particularly within the realm of public furniture design.

How is technology shaping the future of architecture and interior design?

The design landscape is undergoing a transformation with advancements in material innovation and fabrication processes. New materials are pushing beyond the three-dimensional constraints of traditional building materials, evolving into intelligent and multi-functional building materials. Additive manufacturing is disrupting conventional design and construction methods, ushering in a new era of high-performance structural systems. We are in a time where material innovation and manufacturing processes converge to redefine the possibilities in design.

Are there any specific software or tools that are revolutionizing the design process?

Over the past decade or so, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have played an instrumental role in the immersive perception of design. However, the true game-changer in recent times has been Artificial Intelligence (AI). Tools such as Midjourney and DALL-E have revolutionized the exploration of concept imagery for architecture and design, beginning to influence the design process.

How are spaces being optimized for functionality and versatility?

Spaces are being designed to inherently foster collaboration through open plan layouts, multi-functional spaces, and reconfigurable furniture. Rather than dictating specific usage patterns, architects are crafting environments that present opportunities for conversation, collaboration, and contemplation. Users are empowered with control over how the space accommodates various activities throughout the day. The focus is on flexibility and user agency, allowing individuals to shape the space according to their dynamic needs and preferences.

What color palettes and combinations do you anticipate being popular in the coming years?

With people’s natural inclination towards Biophilic design, natural materials and earthy colour palettes will still be relevant for the next few years, focusing on tactile elements through patterns and textures.

How are inclusivity and accessibility being integrated into designs?

Spaces can be made inclusive and accessible by studying diverse user groups to inform the design. Incorporating tactile flooring tiles emerges as an effective approach to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for individuals with visual impairments. There is an ongoing effort to revise sanitary facilities and standards, aiming to accommodate a broader audience.

How are client preferences changing in terms of design styles, colors, and themes?

Increasing awareness surrounds sustainability, resource efficiency, and the repurposing of furniture through adaptive reuse and upcycling. Clients are becoming increasingly inclined toward a timeless aesthetic and prioritize the longevity of their spaces.

How are professionals addressing the need for sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs simultaneously?

It involves a combination of employing effective design strategies, innovative fabrication methods, and advancements in materials. The current market is witnessing a surge in demand for alternative materials that amplify sustainable design strategies. Architects and professionals are proactively engaging in initiatives to educate themselves about new materials, methods, and practices, contributing to the continuous evolution of the design community.

Can you highlight a recent project that exemplifies current industry trends?

Spanning seven international schools across Mumbai, this office space serves as the administrative hub for the Kanakia International Schools, playing an integral role in its operations. While it is physically separated from the classrooms and campus, it functions as a vital component of the overall educational institution. The area has been cleverly designed to provide a new workspace for school-related ideation and administrative tasks.

Embracing a collaborative ethos, the design of this space harmonizes industrial and utilitarian aesthetics. Two key design principles—facilitating the movement of people and maximizing the diffusion of natural light— dictate the spatial arrangement. Abundant daylight permeates the area through the north and south facades, strategically illuminating distinct areas. Meeting rooms and cabins adjoin the south facade, while workstations bask in the invigorating radiance from the north facade. The space planning is fluid, adapting to the needs of both staff and visitors. Against a monochrome grey backdrop, bursts of citrus-inspired colours enliven the ambiance, infusing freshness and vibrancy into the surroundings.

The reception area, a volumetric insert within the space, exhibits a monochrome scheme with striking accents of orange on the walls and ceilings, complementing the terracotta tiles of the reception counter and floor. The serpentine light detail starts at the reception area and takes you through the two meeting rooms. Utilizing ample clear glass, light traverses the space, forging a refreshing and stimulating environment.

In the workstation area, existing tables are ingeniously repurposed to form larger workstations. The introduction of orange hues revitalizes this space, while intermediate pedestals and u-shaped separators facilitate wiring and cabling, ensuring seamless connectivity for all occupants. These pedestals and separators double as organizers, providing a tidy arrangement for files, books, and stationery. Illuminating the workstation area, the light fixtures incorporate planters, infusing raw freshness into the surroundings.

Adding both practicality and aesthetic appeal, two suspended units serve as versatile storage solutions, visual screens, and platforms for collaboration and engagement. Writable surfaces, such as chalkboards, whiteboards, and back-painted glass tabletops, are thoughtfully integrated throughout the space, facilitating dynamic discussions and teamwork.