Future-thinking Approaches in Architectural Design

Authors
Mozhgan Mahdavi 1
Hossein Mahdavipour 2
Hamid Nadimii 3
1 PhD in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
3 Professor of Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
10.48311/bsnt.2025.23867
Abstract
Aims: The future is an integral part of architecture, and architects shape it through various methods. The purpose of this research is to explore the perspectives of future thinking in the field of architecture based on written theoretical and practical resources. Essentially, the goal is to examine the evolution of the concept of future thinking and its approaches in architectural design.



Methods: The primary research strategy involves logical reasoning and is carried out in several stages. First, a library study and descriptive-analytical method of future thinking in the context of architectural theory and practice are examined. Then, through comparative analysis and inductive generalization, the future thinking approaches in architecture are identified by tracing their historical development.



Findings: The analysis of the cases examined in this research indicates that future-thinking in architecture has been influenced by the dominant perspectives of each era, alongside other existing viewpoints. In conclusion, the present study introduces future-thinking approaches in design into three broad categories: continuous, critical, and Imaginary approaches.



Conclusion: Based on studies conducted in the history of architecture, particularly in contemporary times, future-thinking in the field of architecture has rapidly developed, highlighting the necessity of paying attention to it. Changes in the needs and issues faced by individuals and societies, and the importance of increasing awareness about the impact of today's actions on the future, demand heightened attention to future-thinking.

Keywords

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 16 September 2025