The future of architecture is shaped by not just materials, but also by human experience and the environment.

Architect Shen Ting-Zeng explores five key keywords that will guide future buildings, emphasizing how these principles create more than just physical structures—they transform how we live, work, and interact with our surroundings.

Keyword 1: Crossover

When adding a new building to a space, it should act as a passage rather than a barrier. Shen believes architecture should allow for the interaction of people, nature, and the environment.

“Crossover” promotes openness, where boundaries blur, creating a dynamic flow between the indoor and outdoor. This approach brings about emotional connections, fostering a deeper awareness of our surroundings and a more integrated living experience.

Keyword 2: Control

While "control" may sound limiting, Shen Ting-Zeng uses it to refer to restraint in design. As resources become scarcer, future architecture will focus on creating compact yet highly functional spaces.

Control means setting boundaries that allow flexibility and sustainability, not constricting but empowering spaces to be more adaptable and efficient. It is about achieving balance between compression and openness, creating buildings that support diverse lifestyles.

Keyword 3: Experience of Inner Space

The experience within a building is just as important as its external appearance. Shen stresses that interior spaces should feel expansive and connected to the outside world.

Through design elements like windows, courtyards, and balconies, interiors can maintain a relationship with nature while offering a sense of security. In the future, interior spaces will not be isolated but will provide a feeling of openness, promoting well-being and connection.

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Keyword 4: Compatibility

Architecture should be flexible and adaptable, allowing different ways of living to coexist. Shen Ting-Zeng emphasizes that buildings affect not only physical spaces but also psychological experiences.

Good design should offer rooms for self-expression, social interaction, and community. Public spaces, in particular, must provide environments where people can find their individual space while also connecting with others, enhancing both personal and collective experiences.

Keyword 5: Emotion

The ultimate goal of architecture is to evoke emotion. Shen believes that a successful building should stir feelings, whether it's the calmness of a private home or the excitement of a public space. Architecture goes beyond functionality; it should provide emotional comfort and a sense of belonging. In the future, creating emotional connections through design will be just as important as technical innovation.

Shaping the Future: How Architecture Will Connect People and Spaces

The future of architecture lies in creating spaces that resonate with both the environment and the people who inhabit them. Shen Ting-Zeng’s five keywords—Crossover, Control, Experience of Inner Space, Compatibility, and Emotion—serve as guidelines to design buildings that not only meet practical needs but also enrich our emotional and psychological lives.

As we look ahead, these principles will help us build a future where architecture enhances our experiences and connects us to the world around us.

Thank you for joining us on this exploration of the future of architecture. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration as we continue to shape the spaces of tomorrow!