Common problems with architecture in 2024

Architecture, the art of designing and building the spaces that shape our lives, is a complex and multifaceted field. Architecture is admired by almost all of humanity. We cross entire continents to see an architectural landmark. Buildings that break all design stereotypes attract the attention of millions of tourists, photographers, and journalists. Small cities become world famous when a new architectural wonder is suddenly born in them. Just think of Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, built in 1997 – a building that changed modern architecture forever. However, few people realize what is hidden behind this beautiful picture: the numerous problems and challenges that architects inevitably face when working on projects, regardless of their type, budget, or experience of the professional. You may not even be aware of some of them. Today, we will shed light on the most common architectural issues in 2024.

Top architectural problems of 2024

While architects strive to create functional and innovative structures, they often face a variety of challenges, some of which can be real endurance tests. So, what are the current issues in architecture? Let’s find out.

Team management

One of the main tasks an architect faces is managing and working with a team. So, if you are an introvert, like to work alone, and dream of becoming an architect, you need to keep this in mind. When developing a large architectural project for a client, architects need to assemble a team of specialists, each member of which should have a specific role. Delegating tasks, maintaining open lines of communication, controlling the process, and monitoring everyone’s work and compliance with deadlines are the tasks of an architect on which the success of the project depends. That’s why a trusted and talented team surrounds every successful architect. Each member must be accountable for their work and report on their progress. Everyone should have a clear understanding of the project goals and timelines.

In today’s world, it has become much easier to keep track of a team’s work thanks to the rapid development of technology and some specialized collaboration tools. However, architects still have to spend a lot of time at the construction site, which, in turn, can require constant travel and even certain security risks.

Achieving effective communication with clients

Architects often face challenges in communicating their ideas to clients: drawings, terminology, all of it seems too complicated. And vice versa, the client may not be quite sure how he wants to see the result, may be unclear in his expressions, or may find it difficult to pick the right words to describe his vision and wishes. That’s why architects need to devote the lion’s share of their time and effort to building effective communication with the customer throughout all stages of project development. Asking questions, offering your ideas and visions, consulting with the consumer before making any changes to the project – all this is necessary to make sure that the architect’s work and the final result meet the expectations.

One of the best tools to overcome any misunderstandings with a client is architectural 3D visualization. Thanks to its many capabilities, it is much easier for architects to communicate their ideas by demonstrating them in the most realistic and understandable way. This powerful tool is also able to offer a variety of design and lighting options, weather conditions, seasons, times of the day, and so on. All the changes that the client decides to make will be promptly displayed on the 3D model and thus it will be easier for the architect and the customer to come to an understanding.

Keep up to date with new software and hardware and have enough resources to master them

The latest technologies have significantly transformed the architecture industry. Many software solutions and tools have emerged that have made the work of an architect faster, more efficient, and more comfortable. Still, this also posed a new challenge to them. In addition to mastering new technologies and combining them with classical design methods and old tools that have been rooted in the industry for decades, they also need to constantly monitor new developments and changes. This is much more difficult than it may seem.

BIM and CAD applications, project management tools, VR and AR – all of these have now become a virtually integral part of an architect’s work. However, learning them requires a lot of effort and time. In addition, many software updates require a powerful computer to run them. Therefore, it is not enough to just buy and install a new popular application – you also need to figure out what hardware it requires.

Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and quickly mastering popular innovations and implementing them in your projects is a challenge for every architect. Much of what you learn today may be outdated tomorrow. Still, now it is the right way to reach the highest heights in the industry.

Budget constraints

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest architectural challenges is budgetary constraints. Architects often face the fact that they have to work with limited resources and allocate them efficiently. They have to take into account the cost of materials, labor, permits, and other expenses throughout the design process. In addition, problems or unexpected changes often arise during construction, which can also result in unexpected costs.

In such conditions, it can be difficult for architects to realize their ideas. It is not uncommon to have frequently changing client wishes that need to be realized, but the budget must remain the same: bolder, more modernized design, larger spaces, or better materials. Architects have to look for new solutions and make compromises and concessions in construction procedures, materials, and operational aspects of the project. This not only affects the design solutions but also creates additional pressure and workload for the professionals.

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Meeting deadlines

As an architect, meeting deadlines is one of the most important and challenging aspects of the job. The design process can be time-consuming, and the more complex the project, the more difficult it can seem. A common problem with not meeting deadlines arises from a variety of factors, such as unexpected construction delays, unforeseen legal issues, or the need to make changes to the design. For example, the iconic Sydney Opera House was originally designed for four years of construction. However, due to unforeseen construction difficulties, lack of funds, and numerous changes to the project, it was completed ten years later than originally planned. By the way, the same example perfectly illustrates the above problem: the budget for the construction was originally supposed to be 7 million Australian dollars; however, in the end, its final cost was 102 million dollars. This significant difference was mostly covered by grants and a lottery.

As with the budget, tight schedules can lead to compromises in design and construction quality. Is there any solution? One of the best ways to deal with deadlines is to have a clear and solid project plan. Start by breaking your project down into smaller tasks and milestones and estimate how much time and effort each will require. Then, create a realistic schedule that allocates enough time for each task, as well as some margin for revisions, feedback, and unexpected challenges. Use a calendar, planner, or software tool to track your progress and deadlines, and update it regularly.

However, careful planning alone will not be enough. The architect also needs to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively. It’s also important to establish clear and effective communication channels with clients, contractors, and all other stakeholders to ensure mutual understanding and timelines are agreed upon. Finally, many time management and progress tracking applications can help prevent this problem.

Industry instability

The architectural industry is forced to constantly face one of the most acute challenges of the modern world – instability. Amid fluctuations in the real estate market and the changing cost of living, architects find themselves completely dependent on the financial well-being of their clients. When housing markets are booming, the demand for innovative building designs increases. However, a downturn can just as quickly lead to a sharp decline in the number of new projects. These financial ebbs and flows turn long-term planning and company growth strategies into something very questionable for architects, who are at constant risk of unpredictable economic shifts.

We all remember well the financial crisis of 2008 when the housing market began to collapse due to rising housing prices, loose lending, and an increase in subprime mortgages, which led to an increase in real estate prices to unacceptable levels. Likewise, there are many promising architectural projects anywhere in the world that have been stagnant for several years due to a lack of funding or changing priorities in the state as a result of economic changes. Is there a way out of this situation? 

Strategic business moves and constant monitoring of market changes will allow architecture and design firms to be proactive and change their practices to better meet economic conditions. In addition, it is possible to consider diversifying the services offered by architectural firms. By expanding into related fields, such as urban planning, landscape design, or renovation projects, firms will be able to mitigate the risks associated with the volatile new construction market.

Solving possible problems proactively

No one can argue with the fact that the work of an architect is always a very big responsibility. Errors in architectural design can have a devastating impact on a project if left unnoticed. There is plenty of evidence of this when architects made wrong decisions and as a result, their projects led to terrible consequences. You’ve probably heard of The Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington, D.C., or the so-called Death Ray buildings in London and Las Vegas – architectural collapses still discussed today. Poor calculations or poorly placed electrical wiring, incorrect location of windows and doors… At best, you will get a dissatisfied client and a bad reputation. At worst, it can lead to a building crash, fires, and human casualties. That’s why architects need to be vigilant, checking their designs for errors and mistakes in advance and thoroughly.

Of course, it’s hard to predict everything, but using today’s advanced technologies can increase your chances of success and protect you from potential problems. Digitalization is powerful, and tools such as realistic 3D visualization have made project development and promotion easier and more reliable. Made according to your drawings and diagrams, it can accurately demonstrate how the project will look after construction. This way, you can be aware of any potential errors and notice any details you may have missed. You will be able to proactively correct mistakes and solve problems before they arise. Our 3D rendering company has extensive experience working with architects and designers and we know how to help you.

Sustainability and “Green Design” implementation

In a world dominated by global climate change, numerous natural disasters, and deteriorating air quality caused by human activity, the transition to sustainable practices and the implementation of green design are critical tasks facing architects. Professionals in this field have been further pressured to become “the shapers of our future” by the environmental impact of the buildings they design. They are now expected to create buildings that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.

Finding and using renewable and low-carbon materials and energy-efficient systems is a complex process that requires a professional, careful, and thoughtful approach. The problem of the availability of sustainable materials and the high cost of implementing sustainable systems still remain. The construction of environmentally efficient buildings, which society now expects from the architectural industry, requires significant investments and rapid progress in related businesses. The delicate balance between function, aesthetics, economy, and sustainability is one of the main architecture challenges in the modern world.

Efficient material identification

The digitalization of virtually all areas of business has made our lives easier in many ways. It is now very easy to simply go to the official website of a manufacturer, organization, store, or any business and find the information we need. But what if it’s not? What if you can’t find out what you want in a few seconds, or the information provided is incomplete? If you’re an architect, this will slow down your workflow significantly. Easily finding the right material and information about product specifications on a manufacturer’s website has become a difficult task for architects. This also includes the sometimes long response times to requests for product samples or delivery – in today’s world, this is no longer acceptable.

Navigating the political landscape

If you are an architect working on international projects, you must navigate a complex web of building codes and standards that vary from country to country. By defining the legal framework within which architects work, these laws affect the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings. They set minimum requirements for building safety, materials, and construction methods. And most importantly, different parts of the world have their own laws and regulations. Moreover, they can vary greatly from country to country, region to region, or even city to city. So relying on general knowledge or what you have already worked with can be very dangerous for your career. As an architect, you need to be familiar with the legal requirements of the countries where you work to ensure that your designs meet local standards and can be approved by local authorities and that you work to the highest standards of professional integrity and legal compliance.

A thorough research of the place and country of future construction is a critical part of an architect’s work. This will allow them to be aware of their rights and avoid potential legal problems and costly litigation, ensuring the successful implementation of their projects.

What is the biggest challenge of being an architect: Statistics Show

The architecture industry is known for its stressful working conditions. Low salaries, heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and limited budgets all put additional pressure on architects. The result is exhaustion, reduced productivity, and burnout. A survey conducted by Monograph in 2021 showed that 96.9% of architects experienced burnout.

Conclusion

The architectural industry is something that shapes our world and is at the same time very unstable and changeable. History shows how over time, one architectural style has replaced another, new wonders of the world have appeared, and the principles and goals of construction have evolved. However, one thing remains unchanged — architecture problems and challenges that industry professionals still have to face. As we progress, some problems replace others: digitalization and the latest technologies have made a significant contribution to speeding up and streamlining many processes, but have also brought with them the need to learn more information and quickly adapt to changes by integrating those innovations into their work. The ability to recognize, solve, and overcome these issues has become extremely important for architects. And although many of them are now experiencing burnout due to difficult working conditions, and functional and efficient green design is actually turning the industry upside down, we are still witnessing the creation of true architectural masterpieces that are not only livable and workable, but also focused on harmony with the world around.

What other problems in architecture exist in the modern world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.