The RIBA has launched its first horizon-scanning program, RIBA Horizons 2034, aiming to explore the future of architecture and the built environment. Experts stress the importance of future-focused thinking for businesses in the industry to adapt to ongoing changes and challenges. Organizations like David Miller Architects, Urban Splash, and Arup emphasize the necessity of integrating future thinking into their operations to navigate emerging risks and opportunities. This program will examine key themes, including environmental challenges, economic factors, population changes, and technological innovations, providing insights to help architects and firms proactively shape the future. RIBA Horizons 2034 aims to stimulate innovative approaches to shared challenges and ultimately create a better future for communities.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future-Focused Thinking | Organisations prioritize future thinking to navigate emerging threats and opportunities. | Shift from reactive to proactive planning in business operations. | In 10 years, businesses will seamlessly integrate future foresight into daily decision-making processes. | The need for adaptability in a rapidly changing environment drives this future focus. | 4 |
| Dedicated Future Roles | Companies like Urban Splash have appointed roles specifically focused on future planning. | Transition from traditional roles to specialized positions for future forecasting. | In a decade, more companies will have dedicated future strategists influencing core decisions. | The complexity of modern challenges necessitates dedicated roles for effective future navigation. | 3 |
| Incremental Innovation | Future thinking aids in identifying small, evidence-based improvements rather than just large-scale changes. | Shift from only seeking revolutionary changes to valuing incremental progress. | Incremental innovations will become a norm, leading to sustained growth and adaptation. | The need for efficiency and effectiveness in operations drives the focus on incremental improvements. | 4 |
| Holistic Future Planning | A comprehensive approach to future planning that considers long-term impacts of current decisions. | Move from short-term to long-term planning in organizational strategies. | Organizations will prioritize long-term sustainability in all aspects of business planning. | The urgency of addressing future challenges compels businesses to adopt holistic planning. | 5 |
| Collaboration Across Sectors | Cross-sector collaborations are emphasized for better future trend identification. | From isolated decision-making to collaborative engagement in future planning. | Future trend identification will rely on collaborative efforts across various sectors. | The complexity of future challenges requires diverse perspectives for effective solutions. | 4 |
| Emphasis on Curiosity | Curiosity is highlighted as a key driver for successful future thinking. | Shift from rigid methodologies to curiosity-driven exploration in future planning. | Curiosity will be a fundamental trait in leaders, fostering innovative thinking and adaptability. | The fast-paced changes in society and technology demand a curious and adaptable mindset. | 3 |
| Focus on Environmental Challenges | RIBA Horizons 2034 addresses significant global megatrends, especially environmental issues. | Increased awareness and proactive approaches to environmental sustainability in architecture. | Architectural practices will be leaders in integrating sustainable solutions into designs. | Growing environmental concerns drive the need for innovative architectural responses. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Inability to Adapt to Change | Organizations that rely on past success without adapting may face inevitable failure due to changing environments. | 5 |
| Inaccurate Predictions | Future thinking based solely on prediction may lead to misalignment with actual developments, hindering effective decision-making. | 4 |
| Shifting Values of People | The constant shift in what people value may complicate planning and require ongoing adjustments in strategy. | 4 |
| Impact of Long-Term Decisions | Decisions made today may have profound impacts on communities and environments in the long term, necessitating careful consideration. | 5 |
| Technological Overreliance | There is a risk of overemphasizing technology in future thinking, potentially overlooking human-centered approaches. | 3 |
| Uncertainty in Future Trends | Without concrete foresight, organizations may struggle with uncertainty in trends, impacting strategic planning. | 5 |
| Failure of Foresight Initiatives | Foresight work lacking clear purpose may result in wasted resources and no actionable outcomes. | 4 |
| Environmental Challenges | Neglecting environmental factors in planning could exacerbate future urban challenges in architecture and design. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Future-Focused Thinking | Organizations prioritize long-term planning and risk assessment to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges in their industries. | 5 |
| Dedicated Future Roles | Companies appoint specific individuals to oversee future-oriented strategies, ensuring ongoing attention to long-term trends and changes. | 4 |
| Collaborative Trend Identification | Cross-sector collaboration is utilized to identify future trends, pooling knowledge and insights to inform decision-making. | 4 |
| Incremental Improvements Through Future Thinking | Businesses leverage future thinking to identify small, evidence-based changes that can lead to significant long-term benefits. | 4 |
| Flexible Horizon Scanning Methods | Organizations adopt varied and adaptable approaches to horizon scanning, tailoring methods to specific goals and contexts. | 4 |
| Integration of Curiosity in Decision-Making | Curiosity is emphasized as a critical component of future thinking, driving exploration and innovative decision-making processes. | 3 |
| Strategic Dialogue and Uncertainty Management | Foresight is used as a tool for strategic dialogue, helping organizations manage uncertainty and shape future outcomes effectively. | 4 |
| Exploration of Global Megatrends | Organizations are encouraged to explore significant global trends affecting their fields, preparing for future impacts on their operations. | 5 |
| Focus on People and Community Needs | Future thinking incorporates a focus on the needs of communities, ensuring that long-term developments address societal changes and demands. | 4 |
| description | relevancy | src |
|---|---|---|
| A technology-led approach to architecture that facilitates design solutions and project management. | 5 | c2abad74235592be57f8c06ae6f217d9 |
| A strategic approach that integrates foresight into decision-making processes across organizations. | 5 | c2abad74235592be57f8c06ae6f217d9 |
| Developing methods to foster creativity and solve problems in design and construction. | 4 | c2abad74235592be57f8c06ae6f217d9 |
| The use of digital tools and technologies to enhance architectural design processes. | 5 | c2abad74235592be57f8c06ae6f217d9 |
| Implementing automated systems and robotics in construction processes to improve efficiency. | 4 | c2abad74235592be57f8c06ae6f217d9 |
| Utilizing AI technologies to optimize design, planning, and construction workflows. | 5 | c2abad74235592be57f8c06ae6f217d9 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Future Thinking in Architecture | The emphasis on future-focused strategies in architecture to navigate complex challenges and ensure long-term success. | 5 |
| Environmental Challenges | Addressing environmental issues as a central theme in architecture and urban planning over the next decade. | 5 |
| Technological Innovation in Design | The integration of advanced technologies such as AI, digitization, and automation in architectural practices. | 5 |
| Long-term Urban Development Planning | The necessity for long-term perspectives in urban development projects that span decades. | 4 |
| Changing Value Systems in Urban Spaces | Evolving public values and expectations regarding urban spaces and their functionality. | 4 |
| Holistic Foresight Approaches | The importance of a comprehensive approach to foresight that integrates various perspectives and sectors. | 4 |
| Collaboration Across Sectors | The growing significance of cross-sector collaboration in identifying future trends and challenges. | 4 |
| Sustainability and Built Environment | The need for sustainable practices in architecture to address future environmental and social needs. | 5 |