This research critically examines the prevalent paradigm dominating the design of the built environment, wherein a noticeable reliance on technologies, engineered solutions, and standardized checklists is evident for showcasing compliance with sustainability standards. Despite their alignment with established industry benchmarks, these conventional approaches often fall short in capturing the dynamic aspirations and evolving needs of contemporary communities. The intricate challenges embedded in construction projects, perceived market risks, and the convoluted landscape of existing regulations act as formidable barriers, hindering the realization of futuristic visions that are publicly communicated and prototyped within the consumer product domain.
In response to the existing limitations, this paper advocates for a transformative paradigm shift by proposing the integration of futures thinking into the architectural design process. This proactive stance, contrasting with the prevalent reactive approaches, seeks to infuse the design process with a visionary dimension. By strategically incorporating elements such as horizon scanning, trend extrapolation, and scenario prediction – widely utilized by corporations for effective change planning – the architectural design process transcends the confines of traditional technological checklists. Instead, it expands its purview to explore a comprehensive range of social, cultural, and environmental considerations within the context of sustainability in architecture. The overarching objective is to align architectural design not only with current needs but also with the future desires of contemporary society, thereby fostering active intervention in prevailing trend patterns.