Highly Relevant Design Practices For This Evolving Typology
Mixed-use design is a logical approach for commercial business districts and a city’s larger urban core. Residents and businesses both desire community. Residents want accessible, valuable spaces to live, work and play. Businesses want to position themselves in places where local residents can become loyal customers. Mixed-use buildings make sense as efficient and appealing contributions for both parties.
Contemporary mixed-use architecture also establishes a greater sense of community for the city’s population as a whole. The social and economic activities of its neighborhoods largely enhance a city’s identity. Thoughtfully developed and designed mixed-use properties can quickly establish a particular area’s visibility for the benefit of economic activity, those seeking employment and housing options and those whose sense of belonging is shaped, at least in part, by their city’s success.
However, it is not a guarantee that a mixed-use architecture firm’s work will continue to impact the communities in which these buildings are situated. Innovation is continually required to avoid stasis and keep the engines of culture, creativity and commerce thriving. Tomorrow’s city will have new and unanticipated challenges to face in terms of what draws and sustains residential and commercial activity. To potentially overcome these challenges, consider these four insights and trends in today’s mixed-use market.
Efficient, Flexible Mixed-Use Architecture and Design Are Critical to Success
Versatility is an often-overlooked design concept. Certain mixed-use trends have already been overdone to the point where limited changes can be made to the property, as residential or commercial needs evolve. Designers frequently fixate on what works now, as opposed to layering-in potential variables that aren’t yet the norm, but will likely determine a property’s long-term success.
As a community changes, utilization of space may change. New opportunities will surely emerge, and mixed-use buildings with flexible designs will not only reap the benefits of their versatility, but will also demonstrate their sustainability and efficiency practices. Developers should consider preparing for those challenges and opportunities now in ways that meet today’s needs, while keeping an eye on the future.
Balancing, Residential, Commercial and Communal Needs
By definition, mixed-use development balances residential and commercial interests. However, successful contemporary mixed-use architecture must also consider how the larger community will engage and interact with businesses and organizations that will find their home in a mixed-use building.
One current design trend seems to count on residences’ reliance on commercial services that are “in-building,” and businesses trusting their bottom line to the number of residential units. However, the community at large must also have a stake in what mixed-use properties have to offer or else the development runs the risk of self-isolation, instead of adding outward value. The next two insights demonstrate how effective mixed-use architecture firms can solve this challenge.
Designing With “18-Hour City” Principles In Mind
This fairly new concept points to how mixed-use architecture and design can expand its value beyond the immediate concerns of residents and businesses. An 18-hour city refers to a medium-sized city with a low cost of living and significant economic and population growth; ones that investors and entrepreneurs identify for potential opportunities that haven’t already been capitalized upon, such as “24-hour” cities like New York City and Los Angeles).
Developers seeking investment success in the 18-hour city must ensure that their offerings appeal to relevant demographics, highlight the unique culture and history of the area and find innovative ways to attract businesses.
When successful, a neighborhood can become an 18-hour ecosystem of its own. This highly successful case study of mixed-used architecture from NSPJ Architects in Kansas City restored historic architectural features, provided living and work space for this city’s burgeoning arts scene and added commercial value and social capital. These impactful contributions help to create a neighborhood worth exploring, shopping and potentially calling home.
Responsive Urban Mixed-Use Architecture and Design
Architizer’s recent article “The Future of Architecture: Mixed-Use Buildings Are Reshaping Our Cities” explains, “It is [understood] that architecture is now more than just creating a magazine-worthy apartment complex or an award-winning office tower.” How an architecture and design firm converses with the larger urban environment (not just residents or businesses) depends on expertise that stems from an interdisciplinary approach.
531 Grand, another NSPJ project, seamlessly incorporates the Kansas City skyline into its design concept. This example of mixed-use architecture includes large windows to provide storefront visibility for the community, while avoiding a more insular feel. The building’s footprint is positioned to invite walkability and a free exchange of people and perspectives.
The Future Of Mixed-Use Architecture Is Here
Designing for versatility, striking an effective balance between the needs of a diverse set of stakeholders, and sustaining growth that respects and elevates a neighborhood is a monumental task. However, architects have never shied away from the monumental.
Contemporary mixed-use architecture can effectively meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s markets.
Mixed-use architecture firms must look at current market trends and, informed by the past, imagine what will be needed in the future. Questions a designer might ask include:
- How much of mixed-use design’s future will be informed by a departure from current market drivers?
- To what extent will mixed-use building design require an understanding of a city’s short- and long-term strategic goals?
- What social and economic trends will grab a larger share of influence and saturate new design concepts?
Those who will successfully propel mixed-use design into the future will continue to think critically about their designs’ roles in shaping and being shaped by larger contexts in which they find themselves, including the larger urban community.
To explore this concept further, read about how Tim Homburg, AIA, Co-President of NSPJ Architects views current challenges in this typology and how his firm has met the moment with powerful examples of mixed-use architecture.
