Design Trends

This year, there is a bevy of new, interesting design trends. Almost all of these trends have three things in common: biophilia, sustainability, and authenticity. These goals are what underlie some of the most popular design trends today, from reclaimed wood to net-zero energy usage.

Architects and designers are looking for new and innovative ways to create spaces that are healthier for humans and better for the environment. They are using design to intentionally create experiences. Some trends borrow on past artisanal methods that hearken back to another time.

One captivating design trend is an increased interest in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of preserving wood by charring it. The resulting wood is a deep obsidian that’s strikingly rich, and it’s become more common in all kinds of commercial settings. As trendy as it may be right now, shou sugi ban is much more than just a design trend. I’d like to show you how an understanding of traditional shou sugi ban is paving the way for a new era of sustainability.

How Shou Sugi Ban Wood is Made

From Architectural Digest: Shou sugi ban involved charring wood with flame and then coating the wood to preserve it

The practice of shou sugi ban dates back to the 18th century, although some more primitive examples of the technique have been used since at least 700 AD. At its core, shou sugi ban is a fire-based wood preservation method that was used for exterior siding. Traditionally, it’s only used with Japanese cedar, which reacts to the fire in a unique way to create the trademark charcoal look.

First, pieces of Japanese cedar are handpicked to ensure the resulting wood is both beautiful and high quality. Next, the wood is burned, blackening the wood itself and creating a layer of char. Traditionally, the Japanese cedar planks were bundled into triangular tubes to create a sort of chimney. The interior was lit for an intense exposure to fire and heat. After burning, the char is brushed off and the wood is oiled. The brushing method determines the final look. Today, many try to create shou sugi ban utilizing blow torches and other species of wood. If used properly, the shou sugi ban technique can preserve wood for years, which means little to no maintenance is required. If traditional methods and wood species are not utilized there can be issues with finish longevity and stability.

From Archilovers: This shou sugi ban exterior adds warmth and style and helps this retail space stand out

The process itself provides an insight into the popularity of shou sugi ban. Builders are constantly seeking out materials and methods of creating built environments that last. Having to renovate or update a space every few years is costly and consumes lots of energy. It’s much better for the environment (and design budgets) to develop spaces that are resilient. Since traditional shou sugi ban is durable and requires very little upkeep, it’s a good choice for architects and designers who prioritize lasting and durable siding materials.

That said, while shou sugi ban produces some beautifully unique and memorable woods, depending on the wood and process used, it may not be the most sustainable process. In practice, a deep burn must be achieved or the char on the wood can fall or flake off, dirtying floors or getting onto occupants’ clothing. Loss of the top charred layer not only can create a mess and diminish the look but with it go the functional benefits of shou sugi ban; the pest, fire and weatherproof properties. In an indoor environment, there are also some air quality concerns to consider. Thankfully, there is a convenient and elegant solution to these problems, allowing you to get the appealing looks of shou sugi ban with none of the disadvantages.

Faux Sugi Ban®: A Biophilic, Sustainable Alternative

Enter Faux Sugi Ban®, a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional shou sugi ban. This product line of reclaimed woods has been designed to look like shou sugi ban. Best of all, Faux Sugi Ban delivers on many levels with none of the risks or consequences that come with charring wood. It’s completely biophilic, sustainable and provides an authentic shou sugi ban look. There’s no char to flake off to make a mess, eliminating any air cleanliness concerns. Instead, our finish team has created the unique look using reclaimed wood to provide the charred, detailed look you’d expect from shou sugi ban.

Faux Sugi Ban has been carefully developed for interior and exterior use to mirror many of the benefits of shou sugi ban while keeping sustainability and biophilia in mind. We first select and source the best-reclaimed woods that will provide the shou sugi ban Gendai look, or burned and brushed once. Utilizing reclaimed wood in itself is a sustainable process. The ways in which we source reclaimed wood consume far less energy than traditional sourcing methods. Additionally, all of our woods used for Faux Sugi Ban are FSC-certified recycled.

Next, we use eco-friendly finishes to create a charred appearance on the surface of the wood. Since no flame is used, Faux Sugi Ban bears none of the health risks that are common with shou sugi ban wood. The final product is durable, attractive wood that brings the timeless look of shou sugi ban to contemporary commercial buildings.

How Faux Sugi Ban Benefits Commercial Spaces

The inspired aesthetic of shou sugi ban is perfect for biophilic design applications. Authentic shou sugi ban is biophilic on its own, but we find that using reclaimed wood as the base for Faux Sugi Ban makes the end product even more beneficial. Reclaimed wood is one of the best biophilic building materials, and it boasts additional advantages that don’t come with shou sugi ban.

From The Wooden Houses: The look of shou sugi ban meshes perfectly with contemporary building design

First and foremost, Faux Sugi Ban is a safe way of incorporating sustainability into building design while delivering an authentic, artisanal look. Specifying reclaimed wood is a choice for reusing current resources, reducing energy consumption and preventing living trees from being unnecessarily cut down.

Conclusion

Ultimately, shou sugi ban’s appearance on the scene points to a love of craftsmanship and need for materials and practices that stand the test of time. Sustainability is of utmost importance in all areas of architecture and design nowadays. More builders are aiming to reduce their energy footprints and improve their impact on the environment while simultaneously implementing the cutting edge of design trends. Faux Sugi Ban is our effort to harmonize the latest trends with groundbreaking sustainable design. With a stunning appearance and a conscious heart, Faux Sugi Ban proves that almost any design trend can become sustainable with just a little work.

The crossroads of aesthetic and sustainable design objectives has always piqued my interest. Aesthetics are not limited by sustainability but it is interesting to view sustainable design as a way to achieve certain aesthetic objectives. Eco-friendly building design is mainstream thinking in the Architecture & Design world, and that juncture offers exciting opportunities to create breathtaking buildings. In this article, I’ll examine how reclaimed wood allows designers to realize their aim of creating beautifully green buildings for the twenty-first century.

How Reclaimed Wood Achieves Environmental Goals

To appreciate the ways in which reclaimed wood contributes to sustainable design, it’s important to review the tenets of sustainability. The Whole Building Design Guide’s site lists six fundamental principles of sustainable design: optimization of site potential, optimization of energy use, protection and conservation of water, optimization of building space and material use, enhancement of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and optimization of operational and maintenance practices.

Optimization of site potential refers to the relationship between a building and its location. Site selection, energy consumption, and renovation of old or historic buildings all fall under the umbrella of site potential. Conveniently, reclaimed wood can help any building maximize its site potential in many areas. A noteworthy use here is to decrease energy use, which is also the second key principle of sustainable design. According to the American Forest Foundation, wood improves energy efficiency. It even stores carbon, which can also increase IEQ. Reclaimed wood also boasts the distinct advantage of being sustainable throughout its lifecycle. Sourcing reclaimed wood uses much less energy and than new wood. Reclaimed wood contributes to geographic, historic, ecological and cultural connection to place based on its story, sourcing location and eco contribution.

From Canadian Architect: The Head Office of STGM Architects optimizes its site potential with reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood also helps optimize building material use. The WBDG emphasizes focusing on long-term sustainability, especially when it comes to materials. Sourcing new wood as a Construction & Demolition (C&D) material requires considerable resource consumption and chemical production. On the other hand, the processes involved with reclaimed wood emit fewer toxins into the environment, save living trees, and prevent usable wood from being landfilled.

From OTJ Architects: Using reclaimed wood is an easy way to improve IEQ

IEQ enhancement is yet another benefit of reclaimed wood. IEQ is defined as “the quality of a building’s environment in relation to the health and wellbeing of those who occupy space within it.” In other words, IEQ can be thought of as a reflection of a space’s biophilia. Reclaimed wood comes in handy here as well. IEQ is determined by a plethora of factors, many of which can be optimized by using reclaimed wood. For example, there are benefits like increased social interaction and productivity associated with reclaimed wood use and typically reclaimed wood is finished with products that have zero or low amounts of VOCs. Contaminant levels can be minimized by selecting reclaimed wood providers who are committed to using finishes, fill or adhesives with low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, occupants will be exposed to fewer contaminants, and their health and performance levels will be bolstered.

From Chadbourne & Doss Architects: The implementation of reclaimed wood can boost IEQ in any built environment

In short, reclaimed wood is an environmental win. That’s why Architecture & Design firms from all over the world use it extensively especially when working to achieve WELL, Living Building Challenge or LEED certification standards. From workspace floors to hotel walls, reclaimed wood provides builders with an easy route to more eco-friendly design. The work of A&D firms like Perkins+WIll, Roman & Williams, and CallisonRTKL further demonstrates that reclaimed wood is one of the most useful sustainable building materials. And it’s not just good for the earth; it’s also a flexible design tool.

From Roman & Williams: The Breslin in NYC uses post-consumer reclaimed wood flooring sourced from a ranch in the Pacific Northwest

Reclaimed Wood and Aesthetics

The study of aesthetics in architecture first began in ancient Rome with Vitruvius, and there’s still plenty of lively discussion happening today. While design aesthetics have been reimagined and challenged over the years, the same basic tenets remain. The three factors that Vitruvius mentioned––commodity, firmness, and delight––still comprise the backbone of design. Many modern aesthetic principles come from such influential architects and designers as Louis Sullivan, who famously posited that “form follows function” and Frank Lloyd Wright who modified Sullivan’s phrase to “form and function are one”.

The WBDG points out that successful aesthetics in architecture means utilizing an integrated approach, which should result in a space that “achieves useful, humane, and economical results, and…expresses those qualities regardless of style.” Reclaimed wood can realize all three of those goals and thus act as an agent of aesthetics. In Design and Aesthetics in Wood, architect A. Quincy Jones examined the reasons behind wood’s aesthetic popularity, noting that people think of spaces with wood as more habitable than spaces without. Wood is instantly familiar and can lend a sense of welcome to any built environment.

From DTW Architects & Planners: The Duke School in Durham, NC leverages the aesthetics of wood to evoke feelings of warmth and positivity

Recently, this concept of aesthetics has been pushed even further. Now, designers need to not only pay close attention to industry trends but also construct inspired environments that reflect their intended purpose as well as their natural surroundings. This is biophilic design in action. Biophilic design aims to create spaces that connect its occupants to nature and, in doing so, improve their health. Many Architecture & Design professionals have been using biophilia as a way to achieve aesthetic goals, and reclaimed wood is a widely used biophilic building material that engages occupants in many of the 14 patterns of biophilic design.

From Architectural Record: Biophilic design provides universally pleasing aesthetics that satisfy natural human needs

What’s so special about reclaimed wood is its ability to create an aesthetic that is at once natural and contemporary. It simultaneously reminds occupants of the environment and brings forth association with high-end architecture. Post consumer reclaimed wood reflects its age through its unique visual character that’s different with every piece, and in this way, reclaimed wood installations tell a story all their own. The distinct type of weathering that reclaimed wood undergoes and the natural patina it develops over time are beautiful in ways that virgin wood cannot match. Other methods of reclaim wood sourcing, like orchard salvage, industrial fall down or water reclaimed can allow for a clean aesthetic or a unique look.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood in the fitness center and commissary areas produces a pleasing aesthetic at Toyota’s North American HQ

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why reclaimed wood is a modern designer’s dream building material. It’s not only sustainable throughout its lifecycle but also capable of fostering a refined aesthetic. It’s become more important with the growth of biophilic design, and it will continue to be a vital part of Architecture & Design as a whole. When looking for materials that are both sustainable and visually pleasing, reclaimed wood delivers on both fronts.

Over the last several years, certain Architecture & Design trends have risen to prominence and are now widely used. How these trends interconnect is really interesting to me. Sustainability, modular design, minimalism, and biophilic design may seem disparate, but they all have one common thread: intentionality. All of these ideas promote a deliberate, purposeful design approach toward the built environment. To create a desired experience, design must be done with intention in mind.

That ethos is summed up by intentional environment, a holistic way of viewing intentionality in architecture. The idea is to give architects and designers a comprehensive framework that champions health and wellness, and it’s an exciting and innovative step forward in the world of A&D. Here’s why intentional environment is so important.

What Is Intentional Environment?

Intentional environment is the approach taken in the design process so that conditions will be created that will encourage and result in great work. Design and the resulting environment are absolutely connected. The physical environment will affect occupants emotionally and physically; how they feel, act and what they do and how they do it. When the consulting firm, aptly named Intentional Environment, opened its doors in 1997, they properly introduced their namesake term with the goal of creating healthier built environments. The company takes inspiration from myriad design and wellness principles, simultaneously utilizing concepts like sustainability and feng shui to optimize buildings for humans. Founders Damon and Cathy Coyne define intentional environment as building “healthy living and work spaces that support health, well-being and higher consciousness.”

From the AIA: Symantec’s WELL Certified corporate HQ is a haven for workers

Intentional environment can be more specifically defined by considering its various tenets. It prioritizes occupant wellness, conscious design, energy flow, stress reduction, and enhancement of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). In this way, intentional environment is similar to movements like biophilic design. Human health is a prime consideration during the building and design process, and harmony with nature is highly valued.

In practice, intentional environment integrates these many parts into one unified whole. An intentional environment feels good to be in and promotes mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Intentional environment can be broken down into three general constituents: purpose, sustainability, and biophilia.

The Importance of Purposive Design

From Business Insider UK: Facebook’s Tel Aviv office was designed to boost worker health, maximize workflow, and optimize collaboration

Obviously intent is a crucial part of intentional environment, but what exactly does that look like? First, a built environment must be designed to increase human health. In other words, occupant wellness should be a thoroughly integrated focus rather than an afterthought. From the outset, everything from building materials to site layout should be viewed through the lens of human well-being. As Terrapin Bright Green’s Bill Browning puts it, “the real point of buildings is people.”

Second, an intentional environment needs to fully facilitate the kinds of activities and elicit the behaviors for which the space is constructed. The emphasis here is on holistic design. For instance, when collaboration is an important business objective, an office building should naturally allow for work and collaboration to happen anywhere within its boundaries. For a hotel, the design should foster rest and relaxation in every room. A retail store may aim to evoke a specific emotion or sensory experience in order to make customers more receptive to their brand. Gone are the days of limiting activities to specific spaces. Instead, designers are considering the purpose of a building and integrating that purpose into every part of the building.

From Dezeen: Particular Architects in Melbourne designed a modular office that allows for work to happen anywhere

An intentional environment, then, is a built environment that holistically supports human health and activities. Intentional environment architects employ an interwoven web of methodologies and philosophies to accomplish those goals, and sustainability and biophilia are two of the most common.

Sustainability in the Intentional Environment

Intentional environment deals with health and wellness first and foremost, and sustainability plays a large role here. Sustainable design not only benefits the earth but also helps to eliminate building toxins and create a cleaner space. This ultimately results in greater harmony with the earth and improved occupant health. Herein lies the premise behind Building Biology, one of the core concepts of intentional environment design. According to Intentional Environment, Building Biology “strives for methods and materials that create a supportive living environment in balance with nature.” This ensures that buildings nourish their inhabitants and maintain positive energy flow.

From Lammhults Design Group: Sweco Gothenburg’s highly sustainable design nurtures a wellness-first environment for employees

Building Biology is composed of 25 principles that moderate everything from site location to air quality. The principles break down into four categories: site and community design; building materials and design; natural and man-made electromagnetic radiation safety; and environmental protection, social responsibility, and energy efficiency. Each category relies on sustainable practices including net zero/net positive energy, preservation of natural resources, and use of green building materials like reclaimed wood.

From Terrapin Bright Green: Glumac’s LEED Gold Certified Shanghai office features localized and sustainable water, waste, and electricity systems

In intentional environment architecture, sustainability is also applied to site-specific purpose that depends on location and natural surroundings. Architects and designers might think of ways to immediately benefit or protect the surrounding environment. Two excellent examples are rainwater systems that reduce runoff and buildings that are constructed without disturbing trees and vegetation. Safeguarding nature––when combined with other sustainability initiatives––allows a built environment to be conscious of its location, creating the foundation for Building Biology and intentional environment and fostering spaces that humans love to inhabit.

From ZGF Architects: The Randall Children’s Hospital boasts numerous sustainability initiatives and healthy amounts of biophilic design to improve patient wellness

The Role of Biophilia in Intentional Environment

Biophilic design is the last piece of the puzzle that makes up the major aspects of intentional environment. As I mentioned earlier, the goals of intentional environment and biophilic design are identical: to encourage buildings that maximize human health. Specifically, biophilic design operates within intentional environment, using natural elements to realize the goals at which intentional environment aims.

Many of the issues that intentional environment addresses can be remedied using biophilic design. Air quality, which Building Biology prioritizes, can be enhanced with greenery (like potted plants and living walls) and natural ventilation solutions. Biophilia also has the power to foster positive energy in the space by improving mood and social interactions. Design materials from nature, like reclaimed wood, have been proven to do those very things. In addition, a careful balance of physiological and mental benefits is critical in creating the best possible environment.

From Sourceable: The ideas and materials used in biophilic design go hand in hand with intentional environment

Together, biophilic design and sustainable design can also reduce unwanted disturbances such as electropollution and geopathic stress. Intentional environment stresses congruence between a building and its location in order to encourage clarity and comfort, and such disturbances can skew that synthesis. Ideally, the combination of optimizing design for humans and mitigating problems produces InZones™, the name Intentional Environment gives to spaces that support and restore human energy and focus. While forms of this idea have long existed in design––private, isolated spaces for solo office work come to mind––InZones™ go above and beyond, providing areas that replenish and rejuvenate the body and mind.

From Intentional Environment: Intentional environment InZones™ like this conference room provide positive energy that improves focus and clarity

Conclusion

Like biophilia and experiential design, intentional environment reflects the growing emphasis on human-first design within Architecture & Design. It’s a field of study that closely examines the relationship between a building and its occupants, namely insofar as a building’s energy and health affect human wellness. That connection is going to shape the future of A&D as we aim to construct buildings designed specifically to help people feel, work, and live better all day long.

The world of Architecture & Design is the most diverse it’s ever been. Every day, new ideas sprout and old ideas are reimagined. You only have to take a look at some of the latest trends to see this innovation. With so much richness and depth present, and new vocabulary emerging, it’s important to be familiar with the latest terminology. We need to be able to seamlessly converse with one another in the language of Architecture & Design, and this means understanding terms and phrases that have been coined only recently (and ones even some architects and designers may not yet be familiar with). Here are some of the most important terms that everyone in the A&D profession needs to know.

1. Biomimicry

The Biomimicry Institute defines biomimicry as “an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.” It looks to nature for solutions to problems in Architecture & Design. After all, the natural world is the exemplar of sustainability, so it makes sense to take direct inspiration from natural systems and processes.

In practice, biomimicry can take many forms. Many biomimicry designers echo patterns such as fractals and honeycombs that are found in nature, while others construct buildings that incorporate biophilic natural analogues like reclaimed wood, leather or stone. Some built environments have even been designed to emulate animal body shapes.

From Inhabitat: This pavilion in Spain boasts a crocheted wooden exterior that resembles the body of a cicada

2. Biomimetic materials

A biomimetic material is a synthetic material that either mimics a natural material or follows a natural design structure. While Architecture & Design regularly uses natural materials like reclaimed wood, biomimetic materials have a slightly different aim. There are many materials that exist in nature but not in the built environment, and biomimetic materials seek to fill in the resulting gap and improve built spaces. Dr. Peter Fratzl of the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces writes that nature provides lessons “on growth and functional adaptation, about hierarchical structuring, on damage repair and self-healing.” The idea is that as architects and designers, the more we study nature, the better our creations will be.

From Wired: Sea cucumber provided the inspiration for Case Western Reserve University’s biomimetic material

There has already been some incredible progress in constructing new biomimetic materials that may improve our architecture. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have developed a material that is naturally stiff but becomes soft when water is added. This biomimetic material is modeled after the skin of the sea cucumber. Also noteworthy is the research that Harvard University’s Joanna Aizenberg has conducted on glass sea sponges––which can withstand thousands of pounds of pressure––and their wider applications.

3. Wabi-sabi

The term wabi-sabi refers to a Japanese philosophy that finds the beauty in imperfections (wabi) and welcomes the weathering that occurs over time (sabi). Wabi-sabi sees old, worn, and even damaged materials as possessing a distinct appeal that’s aesthetically pleasing. This is in stark contrast to many design philosophies that prize immaculate interiors. Proponents of wabi-sabi argue that such pristine design is unnatural and even unhealthy.

Applied to architecture, wabi-sabi embraces simplicity, straightforwardness, and change. Minimalist space design that uses biophilia and the natural patina on reclaimed wood are two prime examples of wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi is often connected with biophilic design, as both schools of thought emphasize a connection to natural systems.

From Corporate Design: The unique character of reclaimed wood brings the beauty of wabi-sabi to the built environment

4. Intentional environment

Simply put, intentional environment is all about creating spaces in which occupants feel their best. Popularized by the consulting firm of the same name, intentional environment is more than just another A&D buzzword. Rather, it’s a humanistic lens through which architects and designers can view the built environment. Like biophilic design, intentional environment focuses on improving occupant health and considers the energy within a space. Drawing from feng shui and building biology, this concept aims to help architects and designers build places that allow humans to thrive.

From Canadian Architect: The Mosaic Centre in Alberta is an intentional environment that promotes wellness and clarity

Intentional environment is determined by many factors, including design materials and aesthetic choices, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), air quality, energy flow, and space usage. Fostering an intentional environment can result in enhanced occupant wellness, higher productivity, better mental clarity, higher employee retention rates, and much more.

From Intentional Environment: Optimized intentional environments provide people with the most ideal indoor spaces

5. Building biology

Another term popularized by Intentional Environment, building biology is “the holistic study of the built environment and its impact on human health and planetary ecology.” Building biology is composed of 25 principles that govern various aspects of design, material use, safety, and sustainability. Much like biophilic design, building biology evaluates the health of a space. The ultimate goal is to foster supportive environments that are pleasant to dwell in.

6.Conscious building

Conscious building is the concept of responsibly building spaces that are fundamentally designed to benefit occupants and the surrounding natural environment. Site location, intentional environment development, and energy flow are a few of the key factors that contribute to conscious building. From using green building materials like reclaimed wood to enhancing the IEQ of a space, there are many ways to implement conscious building into your next project.

7. Electropollution

Electropollution is the idea that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can invisibly “pollute” a space by interfering with the human body’s bioelectrical system. Given that humans use technology more than ever before, electropollution is a concern for many. Thankfully, electropollution can be reduced in built environments by creating areas without EMFs. Think lounge areas without a nearby Wi-Fi network or designated cell phone-free spaces.

From Experience Columbus: At Fox in the Snow Café, the lack of Wi-Fi complements the biophilic design

8. Geopathic stress

Architecture & Design professionals are palpably aware of all kinds of disturbances, but there are some that often fly under the radar. Geopathic stress often falls into this category. Just as radiation comes from technology, it also emerges from the earth itself. Geopathic stress occurs when natural electromagnetic zones are distorted by underground streams, water pipes, electrical lines, and other irregularities that exist underground. Spending time in geopathic stress zones can lead to adverse effects on health, performance, mood, and overall wellness.

9. Bioplastics

It’s no surprise that plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and it’s commonly used for various construction purposes. However, it’s also no secret that plastics are harmful. Enter bioplastics, sustainable plastics made from renewable biomass such as plants and vegetables. Bioplastics are less damaging to the earth and healthier for humans. In addition, many bioplastics are biodegradable. One of the most famous examples of bioplastic design is the ArboSkin pavilion in Stuttgart, Germany. The bioplastics that make up the pavilion consist of over 90% renewable materials and “combine the high malleability and recyclability of plastics with the environmental benefits of materials consisting primarily of renewable resources.”

From Dezeen: The ArboSkin pavilion is a breakthrough in bioplastic architecture technology

10. Invisible architecture

It’s often said that the best design is invisible. This is often applied to website design and was popularized by Jared Spool, who wrote that “when things are going well in a design, we don’t pay attention to them. We only pay attention to things that bother us.” This idea translates perfectly to architecture.

From EOA Architects: The Pinnacle at Symphony Place in Nashville is a stunning example of the power of invisible architecture

Invisible architecture is the notion that architecture should be inherently functional and serve its occupants without drawing unneeded attention to itself. That’s not to say that aesthetics don’t matter. Rather, the aesthetics should contribute to the purpose of the space and help to create an intentional environment. As artist James Turrell put it, “The qualities of the space must be seen, and the architecture of the form must not be dominant.”

From EOA Architects: The Pinnacle’s interior is a different sort of invisible as a result of its intentional design

11. Starchitect

The word “starchitect” is a portmanteau of the words “star” and “architect,” so naturally it refers to a famous architect. Starchitect can refer to either a solo architect or a firm, and it’s been used to describe celebrity architects like Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei, Norman Foster, and Bjarke Ingels. Consequently, the term “starchitecture” was coined to describe the works of starchitects.

12. Farmscrapers

“Skyscraper” has long been part of the A&D lexicon, and it’s seen many adaptations over the years. One of the newest is “farmscraper,” or a skyscraper that also serves as a self-contained ecosystem. The idea comes from the European firm Vincent Callebaut Architects, who plan to construct six farmscrapers in China’s Shenzhen province. The sustainably designed farmscrapers will feature suspended gardens, vertical farms, wind turbines, and solar cells.

From the Daily News: This rendering showcases the proposed “Asian Cairns” farmscrapers

Conclusion

These terms I’ve shared represent the cutting edge in Architecture & Design. These concepts and trends are constantly innovating and pushing the industry forward. Understanding and being aware of these terms help us to stay current and can inspire our thinking, so it’s smart for anyone in the A&D profession to tune in to the latest terminology.

Reclaimed wood is a popular design trend today. This versatile building material has quickly gained momentum with some of the top designers and architects, and you’ll see it gracing commercial buildings across the globe. Fittingly, reclaimed wood has a long and storied past. The reclaiming of wood stretches back to the early twentieth century with methods evolving over time. Here’s an abridged history of reclaimed wood and a look into its impact on contemporary architecture and design.

The Growing Need for High Quality Wood

Over the centuries, wood has nearly always been the building material of choice. Dating back to about 8,500 BC, wood is the world’s second oldest building material, predated only by brick. Wood consumption was particularly high during the Industrial Revolution and further increased in the period following World War II. As a result, by the mid-twentieth century, old-growth wood, wood from trees that grew naturally for over a 100 years, became increasingly rare. Old-growth wood is still sought after today because it’s extremely durable. As a tree ages, its wood grows denser and stronger, which is ideal for building.

From The Architect’s Newspaper: The renovated Green Building in Louisville, Kentucky uses beautiful old growth wood that is original to the building

While it makes for a great building material, living old-growth wood is almost nonexistent in the United States. According to the United States Forest Service, there’s only about 3 percent of old-growth forest left. However, old-growth wood still exists in many buildings, especially those built in the early twentieth century. Since this wood is so valuable, it’s often reclaimed from older buildings that have fallen or been demolished. When architects are in search of high quality wood that will serve as a visual and load bearing component, they often seek to spec reclaimed old growth wood.

Reclaimed Wood and Sustainability

Reclaimed wood delivers on aesthetics, but there are two central reasons why reclaimed wood has surged in popularity, sustainability and depth of supply. Architects and designers are seeking to create buildings that contribute more than they consume from the earth. Choosing reclaimed wood utilizes an existing resource and eliminates the need to cut down living trees. When builders elect to use reclaimed wood, it is a sustainable option that further protects living old-growth trees from being unnecessarily cut down.

From TerraMai: We source our reclaimed wood from all around the world using a variety of sustainable methods

Over time, there has become more awareness of full impact cost for materials, and commercial architects and designers have become more tuned in to energy costs that come with sourcing new wood. During the cutting, processing and transport of new wood, much energy is expended in various forms. Reclaimed wood requires fewer resources and thus, consumes less energy in the process.

There are many approaches to sourcing reclaimed wood, but post-industrial and post-consumer are the most common. At TerraMai, we look for any instance where quality wood is considered a waste product and is slated for the landfill, wood chipper or firewood pile. Working with sourcing partners to salvage this discarded wood ensures our deep and continuous supply of beautiful reclaimed woods. We also like the idea of salvaging wood so it can be used for its highest use potential with the hope that reclaimed wood can have many lives and be repurposed again at some point.

Typically, the salvaged wood is dried, milled, and finished with stain, oil or poly to prepare the wood for its end application. When the character of reclaimed wood is preserved and the material is finished, it’s often the most beautiful it’s ever been in its lifetime. Reclaimed wood can be a utilitarian component as well as contribute charm and a timelessness to a space. It’s a win-win; builders gain aesthetic and functional advantages while preserving trees and what remains of old-growth forests.

From the New York Times: This piece of lumber was reclaimed from a building in Manhattan, where reclaimed wood is seeing widespread use

The use of green building materials like reclaimed wood is also helpful for buildings pursuing various certifications such as LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge. Since reclaimed wood is both sustainable and biophilic, it positively impacts both humans and the natural environment. This in turn satisfies requirements of many building standards.

From Gensler: Etsy’s Brooklyn HQ gained Living Building Certification thanks in part to its use of reclaimed wood

From Trend to Trailblazer

Like artisanal goods, reclaimed wood embodies the essence of craftsmanship and brings an authenticity reminiscent of simpler times. While it first enjoyed popularity as a niche product, reclaimed wood quickly became a standard material for commercial projects. At first, its use was common for businesses like coffee shops and restaurants that aimed to evoke an artisanal atmosphere. It swiftly crossed over to commercial buildings and has since become a favored choice for spaces like offices, restaurants, and hotels. As health and wellness benefit data surfaces, reclaimed wood is finding its way more and more into hospitals, schools and retirement homes.

From Primary Color: Reclaimed wood is a great choice for office lobbies

Appropriately, the rise of biophilic design bolstered the demand for reclaimed wood. All 14 patterns of biophilic design center around a deeper connection to nature, and reclaimed wood is a natural biophilic fit. It excels at fostering a material connection with nature, and its natural patina can connect occupants to natural systems, which creates an environment that is “relaxing, nostalgic, profound, or enlightening, and frequently anticipated” according to Jonce Walker in Terrapin Bright Green. In other words, wood helps people feel better and look forward to being in a space.

This is scientifically backed by numerous studies that have analyzed the complex web of different types of relationships between humans and nature. Reclaimed wood in particular has wellness-enhancing properties that can improve how people feel, work, and interact in a space. The presence of wood lowers heart rates and stress responses, so occupants feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. When used in conjunction with biophilic elements like natural light and greenery, or in spaces meant for refuge or collaboration, reclaimed woods’ effect intensifies, resulting in a built environment optimized for human well-being.

From GB&D Magazine: Reclaimed wood is renowned for its ability to create a calming atmosphere

When architect & design experts realized the benefits of reclaimed wood in commercial projects, word began to spread and reclaimed wood use began to really grow. At this point, reclaimed wood ceased to be a mere trend and became something more significant. The broader adoption of reclaimed wood coincided with the new era of sustainability in A&D. Now, more than ever, the focus on environmental friendliness, biophilic design and occupant wellness encourages builders to seek out greener materials and methods. And, reclaimed wood, while providing an eco-friendly option, can hit a designer’s aesthetic vision.

Today, you can find all types of reclaimed wood in commercial buildings everywhere. From the floors of office lounges to the beams of a five-star hotel, reclaimed wood has cemented its spot in contemporary design. Many designers have gotten especially creative with reclaimed wood implementation.

From Dezeen: Michael Green’s stunning T3 building, erected from reclaimed wood, is largest mass-timber building in the United States

Conclusion

Even though reclaimed wood began as a design trend, it has become much more than a fad. Its sustainable nature and scientifically backed benefits have made it consistently one of the best green building material choices for commercial projects. Reclaimed wood is also a major signifier of the future of the Architecture & Design industry. Building is greener and more health-centric than ever before, and reclaimed wood is one of the many vehicles that have allowed A&D to move forward in a more positive, sustainable direction.