How to Research Trends in Architecture

Architecture is constantly changing. Styles come and go, and new building materials and products are brought to the marketplace each year. If you are not an architect and are not in the industry, it is hard to know the most recent trends in architecture and design. If you are interested in learning about contemporary trends, you can research the field with accessible resources, such as the internet, local libraries, and local colleges and universities.

As you begin your research, understand that there are many different trends in architecture, and many of these do not interrelate with one another. Architects are divided on design philosophy, so there is always lively debate about the best architectural practices among the design professionals. Explore these different viewpoints, and you may find you subscribe to certain trends.

Internet access
Library access
Telephone

Instructions

- 1
  Browse the internet for architecture news sites, blogs, and architectural office websites. Almost all architecture sites on the web will provide a stance on trends and design philosophies. A great site to visit for the latest architecture news and blogs is Alltop. Alltop links to many of the most popular architecture sites on the web. The content is updated daily, and you can easily survey the latest trends in architecture by visiting this site or others like it.
- 2
  Look in architecture and design periodicals available at libraries and bookstores. Local public libraries may have limited resources, but most university and college libraries have a reasonable selection of architecture periodicals. A couple of magazines that are excellent to begin with are Dwell and Wallpaper, although there are many others available.
  
  Browse the text and find key words the author or architect use to describe a structure. Certain key words and phrases are associated with current trends in design, such as "computations" and "modularity" for the trend of parametric design.
- 3
  Request an interview or meeting with an architect or architecture professor. Many architects and professors enjoy discussing the design field with those who are curious. Architects should be licensed and have an active practice. Both architecture professors and architectural history professors will be excellent in describing architectural trends, although the architectural history professors will likely put contemporary trends in the context of their own areas of expertise. Nevertheless, the interaction with architects and professors can provide excellent information about trends and also raise new questions for your research.
- 4
  Attend architectural presentations at your local universities, colleges, and lecture halls. The presentations almost always provide points of views on recent trends, and most lecturers are happy to respond to any questions you might have. To find out more about architecture presentations, join local architecture groups. These groups are often present at lectures, as well as on social media sites. The architecture groups will provide information on upcoming architecture talks in your city. Otherwise, check the websites of your local colleges and universities for information about future architecture lectures.

Different Styles of Mansions

Nominal Vs. Exact Gear Ratio

Architecture