Fashion and design are constantly shifting landscapes where trends dictate not only aesthetics but also cultural values and environmental consciousness. The year 2024 offers a fascinating glimpse as industry luminaries weigh in on the trends they wish to see flourish and those they want to see fade away. Eight designers and architects have taken on the task, expressing their insights on what shapes contemporary design and what should be left behind, sparking discussions about the future of elegance, functionality, and responsibility.
Among the panel members is Ti Chang, cofounder and chief design officer at Crave, who passionately argues against the current trend of products created primarily for social media appeal. “The trend I’d like to see disappear is fast-to-market goods created solely to grab attention,” Chang states, spotlighting how these cheap, quickly made products often lack longevity and depth. Such items cater to short-lived social media aesthetics rather than substantive, quality craftsmanship.
Echoing this sentiment, Pascale Sablan, architect and CEO of Adjaye Associates, highlights the need for redefining success beyond mere revenue metrics. “Architecture and design should not be measured by capital-driven parameters but by values like sustainability, social impact, and cultural relevance.” Sablan advocates for creating work with thoughtfulness and engagement with its social and ecological contexts, implying the industry must shift its focus from profit margins to impact.
Concerning architectural design, Ben Willett, founder of Willet, shares his disdain for the pervasive use of arches, which he feels lacks thoughtful relevance. He emphasizes the importance of historical rationale: “just because there is a transition from one room to the next does not mean it deserves an arch.” His critique serves as both commentary on current design laziness and hope for greater intentionality.
Meanwhile, Giorgia Lupi from Pentagram laments the industry’s fixation on fleeting trends, particularly those spurred by social media. “We’re tired of the rapid-fire, repetitive, Instagram-focused design approaches,” she articulates, advocating for design processes grounded not just by what is popular but by the content and specific contexts of projects. Lupi's call for reflection and consideration signifies her undeterred commitment to quality work within design.
The discussion also touched upon the artificial intelligence (AI) aesthetic, with Talia Cotton, creative director at Cotton Design, expressing her desire for its evolution. “The trend I’d like to see retire is designs made to look like they were created by AI.” She acknowledges AI as a powerful tool yet emphasizes the need for designers to push beyond the default aesthetics AI currently provides to derive unique and meaningful designs.
On the retro front, Joe Doucet points out the reemergence of 70s futurism, cautioning against its mindless replication. He observes how classic pieces from the past have become blueprints for contemporary design. “To simply borrow forms to create pastiche is wasteful,” Doucet declares, urging the industry to channel the ethos of such revered designs as opposed to merely recycling them.
Further critique emerges with Sean Quinn from HOK, who argues against the unrealistic representation of nature within design renderings. He asserts the necessity of deep knowledge of the environment: “Design needs to evolve through deep knowledge of place,” he recommends, advocating for buildings to interface seamlessly with their natural surroundings to promote ecological awareness.
Last but not least, Emily Shapiro, founder of TALD, emphasizes the urgency to move away from bland finishes which lack character. Shapiro likens interior design to fashion, highlighting the potential for spaces to invite users to explore contrasts and investments wisely. “Investing well in your home can have significant returns,” she states, highlighting her belief in thoughtful engagement with design.
With these diverse perspectives illuminating the current challenges and future possibilities, the overarching message from this collective dialogue is clear: as the industry advances, it must embrace sustainability, artistic integrity, and social responsibility over short-lived trends and superficial aesthetics. The road forward demands introspection and innovation, reminding both designers and consumers of the lasting impact impactful design can hold.
