5 key architectural trends for 2025

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“The architectural world is increasingly embracing innovations that prioritise sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics in equal measure,” says Claude McKirby, co-principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs and False Bay.

“The most prominent trends not only reflect the industry's response to pressing global challenges like climate change and urbanisation but also cater to the growing demand for personalised and adaptable spaces, prioritising minimalism, resourceful reuse and liveability.

“And, beyond practical considerations, there is a renewed focus on creating spaces that inspire us, nurture wellbeing and foster a sense of community. In South Africa, these trends resonate with local priorities such as affordability and blending modern design with local heritage and natural surroundings.”

McKirby cites the following as key trends to follow in 2025 and beyond:

1. Adaptive reuse: Breathing new life into old buildings

Adaptive reuse involves repurposing old, often historic buildings for new functions, such as transforming warehouses into modern office spaces or factories into housing complexes.

This approach celebrates architectural heritage while addressing contemporary needs, and it’s a sustainable alternative to demolition. Adaptive reuse has gained significant traction as cities seek to reduce waste, preserve cultural identity, and optimise the use of existing infrastructure.

This trend isn’t just environmentally friendly—it’s financially appealing as well. By working with existing structures, developers save on the cost of raw materials and often avoid bureaucratic delays associated with new construction permits.

Additionally, adaptive reuse fosters a sense of continuity and historical connection, maintaining the character and charm of urban environments. For example, converting abandoned industrial spaces into mixed-use developments that include housing, retail, and workspaces can revitalise neighbourhoods and boost local economies.

In 2025, adaptive reuse will continue as architects find innovative ways to reimagine and redesign old spaces, breathing new life into once-forgotten structures. Cities around the world are likely to see a surge in such projects, as adaptive reuse becomes a key solution for sustainable urban development.

2. Minimalist aesthetics: Less is more

Minimalism in architecture is far more than a visual trend; it’s a design philosophy that promotes simplicity, functionality, and clarity in a world where overstimulation and clutter have become part of everyday life.

Minimalist design emphasises clean lines, open spaces, natural lighting, and a restrained colour palette, often using natural or high-quality materials like wood, stone, and glass.

Minimalism resonates with many as it reflects an efficient use of resources, which aligns well with the goals of sustainable design. In architecture, minimalist aesthetics aren’t about reducing comfort but rather about eliminating unnecessary elements, achieving elegance through simplicity.

In residential spaces, for example, minimalist design encourages a focus on quality furniture, multipurpose spaces, and integration with nature through large windows and green spaces while in commercial settings, minimalism offers a clutter-free environment that reduces distractions, ultimately fostering productivity and mindfulness.

3. Modular construction: Cost-effective efficiency

Modular construction is revolutionising the architectural landscape, offering an efficient and sustainable approach to building design. This method involves constructing sections, or "modules," of a building in a controlled factory setting before transporting and assembling them on-site. The result is a streamlined construction process that significantly reduces building time, material waste, and labour costs.

One of the key benefits of modular construction is its flexibility as modules can be customised to suit a wide range of architectural styles, from residential homes and office spaces to schools and healthcare facilities.

Advances in technology have also enabled the use of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal comparable to traditional construction.

In South Africa, modular construction is gaining traction due to its cost-effectiveness and potential to address housing shortages quickly. Additionally, its eco-friendly nature aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable building practices, making it a forward-thinking choice for modern architecture.

4. Mixed-use spaces: Live, work and play

Mixed-use developments, which combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within a single area, are emerging as a cornerstone of urban architecture in 2025.

Globally, these projects are addressing the growing need for sustainable, efficient and vibrant urban living environments by reducing the need for long commutes. Mixed-use spaces promote walkability, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage community interaction, aligning with the increasing emphasis on convenience and quality of life.

In South Africa, this is already becoming an established trend, largely driven by urbanisation, rising property costs and the demand for innovative solutions to housing and infrastructure challenges; and cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are already embracing mixed-use development to optimise land use and rejuvenate aging urban centres.

For developers and architects, mixed-use spaces offer a forward-thinking approach to designing cities that balance growth with sustainability and social wellbeing.

5. Community-focused design: Building for people

A response to the growing recognition of the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing in urban environments, community-focused design is part of a broader movement towards building “liveable cities” that prioritise the wellbeing of residents and promote a sense of belonging.

It emphasises the importance of human connection, accessibility, and inclusivity, moving beyond the individualistic approach to architecture, instead creating spaces that are welcoming and beneficial to everyone.

This design trend often incorporates shared spaces, such as courtyards, common rooms, and outdoor recreational areas, to encourage interaction and engagement among residents or users, thereby helping to foster a sense of community within cities and neighbourhoods.

It also prioritises accessibility, aiming to create environments that accommodate people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. In urban planning, this approach includes designing public spaces that promote pedestrian-friendly layouts, offer open areas for gatherings, and incorporate safety features.

“These architectural trends represent a forward-thinking approach to addressing the social, environmental, and economic challenges of our time and, going forward, they are likely to shape cities in profound ways, creating urban environments that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient,” concludes McKirby.

“Architects, developers and planners are reimagining what it means to build for the future, moving towards an architecture that not only meets functional needs but also addressing global challenges while enhancing everyday life.”