{"id":27508,"date":"2025-03-12T12:45:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T04:45:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&p=27508"},"modified":"2025-08-21T14:33:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T06:33:08","slug":"new-trends-in-architecture-adaptive-design-digital-twins-and-tall-timber","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/new-trends-in-architecture-adaptive-design-digital-twins-and-tall-timber\/","title":{"rendered":"New trends in architecture: Adaptive design, digital twins and tall timber"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Architects don\u2019t just want to create good-looking buildings. They thrive on applying innovations \u2013 like new technologies and materials \u2013 and guiding design trends.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In simple terms, architecture is about designing and building structures to satisfy a human need. <\/strong>But as an intrinsically creative discipline, architecture reflects contemporary culture and can inspire cultural transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s changing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As architect and Curtin University lecturer Zaid Osama<\/a> reminds us, architecture is about achieving a purpose, and, from the basic need for a shelter, those purposes have evolved throughout history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Curtin
Researcher Zaid Osama is completing his PhD in architecture at Curtin Perth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe purpose might be functional, it might be societal, political, spiritual or symbolic, or all of them,\u201d Zaid says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut the rapid growth of the built environment has had major consequences on natural resources, and on the environment and its people. So, I think a main goal of today’s architecture is sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the global population projected to be 9.7 billion by 2050, there\u2019ll be more buildings, more infrastructure, more cities. So it\u2019s reassuring that sustainability has become front-of-mind for contemporary architecture practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, of the United Nations\u2019 17 sustainable development goals<\/a>, four speak directly to architecture, to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction and maintenance of the built environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another huge change has led from a recent population health catastrophe \u2013 COVID-19, which impacted homes and workplaces all over the world. Suddenly, millions of people were working from home, with many sharing the space with school-age children. Devising functional workspaces in the home environment was necessary, and adaptability was taken to a new level by the confines of the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis makes the design task more complex and intertwined. But now, we can utilise data to more efficiently create more responsive and adaptive built environments,\u201d Zaid says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s special about adaptive design?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adaptive designs enable us to revise our spaces easily. They consider how various changes \u2013 in technologies, user needs and environmental factors, for example \u2013 can be incorporated to make sure that a space remains fit-for-purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAdaptive design uses cognitive approaches driven by facts. How will the space be utilised? What is the best functional layout? And can it be configured to maximise efficiency and sustainability?\u201d Zaid explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt deeply analyses existing or expected use patterns (how users behave in and utilise a built environment), and then synthesises the analyses into planning and design frameworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe focus is on the ability to respond to changing circumstances such as use patterns, functional program, sustainability, and climatic and sociocultural factors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Incorporating tools and technologies that accommodate user diversity is a key goal of adaptive design. A simple example is a height-adjustable kitchen workbench that can be lowered in seconds to become a dining or study table. Another important trend is to ensure that dwellings can meet our needs as we age \u2013 rather than move to another residence \u2013 and suit people with mobility limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zaid cites the Edge construction in Amsterdam as a great example of adaptive design and a clever prototype of a self-sufficient building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt’s a 15-storey office building and there are 28,000 sensors throughout the structure. Those sensors connect with how users are using the spaces \u2013 what we call \u2018occupational behaviour\u2019,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, energy to the spaces that aren’t being used is suspended, which not only reduces energy consumption, Zaid points out, but also reduces the load on the mechanical systems that deliver lighting, heating and cooling. And it doesn’t require fossil fuels for its operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOnce you arrive and park, you’re connected to the building, and you become part of a dynamic system that behaves like a living body that adjusts to the changing conditions within.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The Edge building in Amsterdam is renowned as the world’s most sustainable office building.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Digital twins double the benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zaid is currently completing his PhD at Curtin, and his research is extending the use of sensors in a technology called ‘digital twinning’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital twinning creates and uses a virtual copy of a structure or an environment to illuminate what is really happening in that space. As part of his project, Zaid developed a digital-twin framework for areas of Curtin University\u2019s Perth campus. However, his framework shifts the focus from the conventional concept of the digital twin \u2013 which depends mainly on sensors \u2013 to a more comprehensive, user-centric approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor example, we ask users to describe and explain their choices in real-time \u2013 why they\u2019re using building A and not building B; why they\u2019re using this pathway not the other one,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"student<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In effect, the approach adds a useful qualitative element to a data-driven framework, to create what Zaid refers to as an \u2018ecosystem\u2019 that involves a real-time connection between an asset, its virtual copy and the users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefit is a deeper understanding of the existing use patterns and efficiency of the space. Digital twins could therefore be invaluable for future facilities \u2013 from their planning and design to operation and management, including energy supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd it can go deeper to monitoring and assessment of structural and architectural elements, to manage these elements, mitigate errors, and achieve an adaptive built system \u2013 and sustainability goals.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next stages involve the digital twin applications driven by the framework, which focus on adaptive and cognitive architecture and urbanism practices. His team have already created several digital-twin applications that can inform the planning, design, operation and management of the campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So is the Curtin team\u2019s work preparing the ground for a major innovation in built environment practices?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think that our digital-twin approach will set the foundations for novel data-driven planning, design and management practices. Digital twins can be a transitional vehicle for many traditional practices \u2013 whether the context is a single building or an entire city,\u201d Zaid says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Aerial
Curtin’s award-winning Exchange precinct is in the foreground of this view of western area of the Perth campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The world’s tallest timber building: putting Perth at the height of sustainability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The imminent construction of a unique building near the Swan River and not far from the University campus, is exciting for Zaid and all the staff in the School of Architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The C6 project, as it\u2019s currently known<\/a>, is designed to be carbon negative \u2013 storing more carbon than it uses. It will use less steel and concrete than conventional construction methods, and include edible and floral gardens on its rooftop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cArchitects are now addressing human wellbeing in their designs. It wasn\u2019t a concern in the 20th century \u2013 designs were all about function and production and industry. Now, there are more and more examples around the world where timber is the main building material,\u201d Zaid says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so proud to have the building design approved. It\u2019ll be the tallest mass timber building in the world, and it\u2019ll be in Perth. But what\u2019s most exciting about this development is actually not the height \u2013 it\u2019ll be a 20-metre high, 50-storey building \u2013 but that it\u2019ll be the tallest building with 40 percent of its structural component as timber instead of concrete.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\nArtist's
Artist’s image of the C6 timber skyscraper to be built in South Perth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis radical shift from concrete and steel, which are the conventional building systems, is significant. To begin with, you have a less impact in terms of carbon footprint. Timber as a natural material is a bank of carbon \u2013 it absorbs carbon and it keeps it in it for a long period of time, in contrast to concrete and steel, which would emit a carbon footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnother important thing is the ability to make the timber a renewable resource. If we look at concrete, you need fossil fuels and you need non-renewable energy to be able to produce that material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the building will also provide a healthy environment for the occupants and minimise energy consumption, it aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals. So, equally exciting to the local architecture community is that the project could see Perth become a global leader in sustainable architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it\u2019s a great opportunity for Perth to come to the global stage and be a leader in sustainable architecture and built environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd architecture can be a great way to achieve what we call city branding, where you have something unique that you showcase to the world, to have a positive impact your economy,\u201d Zaid says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThroughout history, many cultures and many cities have evolved around architecture and have used architecture as their language and identity \u2013 often to demonstrate glory and power. This was actually the case for the first Sumerian civilization in Mesopotamia, where I come from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From historic Mesopotamia to present-day Perth, architecture continues to both reflect and influence society. And the innovations that enhance sustainability and adaptive design are sure to be continuing trend in the 21st-century architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about Zaid\u2019s research, listen to our podcast episode, The Future of Sustainable Architecture<\/a>, and you can discover more Curtin initiatives in sustainability on our Sustainable Futures<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get involved in architectural innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve found this article interesting and you\u2019d like to contribute to sustainability in the built environment, gaining a Bachelor of Architectural Science<\/a> could be the right career pathway for you. You\u2019ll also find a lot of additional useful information in our advice article on how to become an architect in Australia.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel that you\u2019re a designer at heart, and you\u2019re intrigued by the design innovations that impact society, check out Curtin\u2019s course in Design Innovation and Fabrication<\/a> and the other majors we offer in our Bachelor of Design<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you can see yourself immersed in the data processes that underpin digital twinning and other potential innovations, explore our degrees in the realm of information technology<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Curtin's
The School of Design and the Built Environment is a feature of Curtin Perth’s Exchange precinct.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As an intrinsically creative discipline, architecture reflects contemporary culture and can inspire cultural transformation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4451,"featured_media":27625,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"6794,4577,5625,5725,8378,6368","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":92,"footnotes":""},"categories":[92,239],"tags":[1125,1163,306,211,174],"class_list":["post-27508","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-architecture","category-sustainability","tag-architecture","tag-built-environment","tag-innovation","tag-research","tag-sustainability"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"Urban Development awards for Curtin's Exchange Precinct","content":"

In 2024, the Exchange precinct at Curtin Perth won the prestigious National Award for Masterplanned Development, at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards for Excellence. The award acknowledges es Australia\u2019s best masterplanned project that exhibits exceptional coherence in design and offers a range of facilities spanning residential, civic, recreational, commercial and industrial uses.<\/p>\n

The judges highlighted how the Exchange precinct \u2013 which includes Curtin’s School of Design and Built Environment \u2013 showcases how a university can meaningfully integrate with the community and provide a range of facilities, including state-of-the-art learning and teaching facilities, retail spaces, recreational areas and accommodation options, all with excellent public transport links.<\/p>\n

The accolade follows Curtin’s UDIA (WA) Masterplanned Communities award the previous. The development was also awarded the Property Council of Australia (PCA) WA 2023 award for the Best Mixed Use Development, and the UDIA Environmental Excellence Award for its commitment to prioritising carbon reduction, sustainable water management and the habitational protection of the Carnaby\u2019s black cockatoo.<\/p>\n","image":{"ID":24971,"id":24971,"title":"Exchange-accommodation","filename":"Exchange-accommodation.jpg","filesize":330063,"url":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/the-best-things-i-did-while-studying-in-perth-australia\/exchange-accommodation\/","alt":"","author":"618","description":"Accommodation in the Exchange precinct.","caption":"","name":"exchange-accommodation","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":24956,"date":"2024-05-13 04:45:11","modified":"2025-03-12 03:04:45","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2000,"height":1000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-740x370.jpg","medium-width":740,"medium-height":370,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-768x384.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":384,"large":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-1000x1000.jpg","large-width":500,"large-height":500,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-1536x768.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":768,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation.jpg","2048x2048-width":2000,"2048x2048-height":1000,"small":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-480x240.jpg","small-width":480,"small-height":240,"xlarge":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-1260x630.jpg","xlarge-width":1260,"xlarge-height":630,"xxlarge":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-1520x760.jpg","xxlarge-width":1520,"xxlarge-height":760,"hd":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation-1920x960.jpg","hd-width":1920,"hd-height":960,"uhd":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Exchange-accommodation.jpg","uhd-width":2000,"uhd-height":1000}}},"related_courses":[{"title":"","qualification":"","link":"","description":"","faculty":""}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}}},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AdobeStock_11767388301-1000x500.jpeg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Curtin","last_name":"University","display_name":"Curtin University"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/27508","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/27508\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27625"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}