The Inter-Faceted Role Of Designers. A Look Into The 21st Century And Beyond

The notion of a utopian city is a debatable issue. Far less controversial is the creation of smart city. Design in collaboration with human advances in technology can steer cities toward innovative planning for people and places. However, are smart cities really considered smart without sustainability principles? Experts use sustainability indicators, such as Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) as measures to monitor and guide design decisions. Does the sustainable city then become utopia? Sustainability at present looks into three main pillars, environmental, economic and social factors, to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations. But is this the main programmatic concern for the design process? Unfortunately it cannot be considered solely so, because the design process is a far more complex activity.

Consequently, architecture and design or urban spaces and public realms for people has to consider sustainability measures, which can be dictated or defined by the urban context and manipulated through the design and development of it. Design is a flexible process, yet a complex activity, which has to be broken and subdivided into various stages and tasks. Architecture can take on the very nature of its surroundings, encompass sustainability principles and still define the urban realm creating a story and a sense of place.

Urbanism and planning therefore guides and influences land use, transportation, infrastructure, air, water, green space, technology and communications. War, economic conditions and public policies guide also design decisions. Design has now taken of the role of master and slave of architecture, urbanism and sustainability standards. Architecture design can be written and developed, be creative and constrained. Style and culture of design is thereby at the sole discretion of the creator. This is a conversation that can go on for hours.

Switching back to the notion of utopia, because the question posed is will utopia be perceived as a smart city or is utopia seen as green uncontained nature or natural space? Utopia still means many things to many people. A secluded house by a waterfall or large lake surrounded by green space can be a version of utopia. Also, a highly advanced technologically connected community with basic services and conveniences to meet one's basic needs within a certain radius can be another version of someone's utopia. Ultimately human beings pick their own utopia. These choices are then guided and developed through the architecture, urbanism and sustainability framework.

Now moving forwards, the 21st century will experience a revolution in the way lifestyles are designed through this inter-faceted network of architecture, sustainability and urbanism principles. This next revolution will involve choices such as connectivity, technology, water, education, healthcare, clean air and basic rights. The future and beyond will tell new tales, influence new beginnings and shape a new language for the next generation and generations to come.

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