10 innovative technologies shaping the future of architecture
Posted on: 4 June, 2025
The architectural industry is being transformed by digital transformation and technological innovation. Here are 10 of the most exciting developments in this space.
When you hear the word ‘architecture’, you may well have images come to mind of historical and iconic buildings like the Colosseum, Notre Dame Cathedral or the Taj Mahal.
Yet while modern buildings may not be the first thing that immediately spring to mind when you think of architects and creativity, the truth is this creative discipline is still thriving in our computer-led world.
Rather than bring about the demise of architecture, digitisation has actually opened up exciting new opportunities, challenges and possibilities in the realm of design for architects to solve.
Here are 10 of the most exciting and innovative technologies that are changing the way our buildings are designed and constructed.
1. BIM
Building information modelling (BIM) is a process that fosters collaboration between architects and other disciplines like planners, engineers, developers and construction professionals.
BIM uses digital representations to mirror physical environments. These virtual environments are then populated with information and data, functioning as a central knowledge resource.
Technologies like this have helped architecture adapt to the digital age. In the wake of the Building Safety Act, BIM can ensure greater accountability, encourage sustainable practices and encourage better collaboration across the sector.
Learn more: What is BIM (and how does it work)?
2. Generative design
Generative design programs take data inputted by users and simulate design possibilities to suit their requirements. As Marc Fleming, Programme Leader for the University’s BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology, explained in episode 2 of the BE Sustainable podcast:
Watch or listen to the full episode via:
This innovative method can save architects time and quickly produce ideations that adjust to the restrictions and regulations they’re contending with, e.g. use of materials or building safety regulations.
What’s more, relying on this technology won’t necessarily strip the architect of their creative freedom. Much of architecture is creative problem solving – finding solutions that fulfil client needs within certain parameters. Generative design facilitates this process and brings these ideas to life.
3. Digital twins
Digital twins are virtual representations of physical objects. They sound similar to BIM in practice, but there are some key differences.
These digital replicas can be used for simulations, allowing architects and architectural technologists to understand how a product, building or even entire city will react to different conditions, such as extremes in weather.
The insights gathered from this experimentation can be fruitful in the design stage for improving a potential building’s efficiency and sustainability credentials, along with ensuring it’s safe and fit for purpose.
4. 3D printing
It feels as though we’ve been hearing about the potential of 3D printing for years, but it appears that we’re finally starting to see it come to fruition in the construction industry.
3D printing is already used to create architectural models, but has the potential to construct entire buildings while increasing production speed and using recycled materials.
With the cost of this technology currently prohibitive for most, finding a way to roll this out across the sector will be a key focus for architects in the years to come.
Learn more: 3D printing in construction: is it worth the hype?
5. Big data
Big data is exactly like it sounds – large volumes of data that are simply too big to be traditionally processed, but full of invaluable insights.
Storing and managing all of this information is a challenge, but with clients now demanding data as well as designs from architects (along with data on the performance of the building itself), understanding how to utilise this data is going to be key for architects going forward.
6. Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR)
According to a joint survey conducted by Microsoft and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) of 300 architectural professionals, over a third (35%) were making use of AR and VR.
These technologies have already found usage in other industries as a way for businesses to provide an added level of immersion to clients, and there are few functions better placed to benefit from this than architecture.
With AR and VR, architects can give stakeholders a 3D demonstration of their ideas and get their engagement and input far earlier in the design stage.
Learn more: Is your business ready for architecture’s digital transformation?
7. Drones
A drone on a construction project isn’t remarkable a sight as it was perhaps a decade ago, but it’s not just in the building phase that they’re being utilised. Before a project has even begun, this technology can be used to collect data on landscapes and terrain that gets integrated into BIM and digital twins. All of this insight is invaluable for architects.
8. The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term used to describe a network of devices that share and send information with one another. You may be familiar with its usage in smart buildings, as a way to automate things like energy efficiency and occupant comfort, but along with being retrofitted to existing structures, (like the Empire State Building), they’re also being incorporated into new designs by architects.
9. Innovative building materials
From greener alternatives to concrete to 3D-printed graphene and other futuristic building materials, work is underway to provide architects with a wider and more sustainable variety of materials to specify for projects.
With a view to a net zero future and the implementation of the circular economy, material banks – online marketplaces of materials recovered from decommissioned buildings – will be a key way for architects to access these materials.
As Dr Graeme Larsen, Associate Dean – Sustainability, explained in Episode 5 of the BE Sustainable podcast:
[EMBED VIDEO CLIP]Watch or listen to the full episode via:
10. Artificial intelligence (AI)
It’s hard to imagine any list about technology for any industry that doesn’t mention AI somewhere.
There are already fears that this technology can achieve levels of creativity beyond humans, but the scope of AI isn’t limited to design – nor is it simply a case of AI putting architects out of the job. Today, it’s already being used by professionals in the industry for:
- Generative design
- Report writing
- Compliance
- Improving urban planning
- Identifying safety hazards
- Building performance optimisation
- Enabling parametric architecture
The exciting future of architecture
The future of architecture may be uncertain amid AI, skills gaps and the need for sustainability, but there’s plenty of cause for excitement. While the role of the architect may be set to shift, they’ll continue to have an essential role in the building lifecycle, even with the increasing involvement of technology.
Like much of the built environment, architecture and architectural design also remain short of the talented professionals needed to meet the demands being placed on them. So, even if the future isn’t entirely clear, there’s not likely to be a shortage of opportunities in this industry any time soon.
Architectural technologists are the digital experts that bridge the gap between an aesthetic vision and a practical reality. If you want to be at the forefront of the built environment’s digital future, UCEM’s BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology will give you the technical expertise and literacy you need to become a valuable contributor to the sector.
Find out more: BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology – University College of Estate Management
