A. Alberto Lugo is the founder of Framing Futures Architectural Firm, an organization that prides itself on understanding how different generations interact with the buildings around them. As such, he has been fascinated with how people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s are helping to reshape the norms, standards, and exceptions of architecture. He talks more about how different schools of thought exist alongside each other and what pushes a generation to form their own specific tastes.
The Effect of the Pandemic
The pandemic brought us all inside, so it’s no surprise that people became far more interested in the details of their interiors. It’s prompted many young people to want more. In terms of interior design, that has translated into more plants, tchotchkes, souvenirs, paintings, and furniture. When it comes to architecture, it’s given way to excess as a mode of self-expression. This shift is contrasted with the
Maximalism Throughout the Years
Like nearly all trends, maximalism is by no means new. A. Alberto Lugo is quick to point out that you can trace this style back for centuries, with Victorian homes perhaps being the most famous example from the past. Victorian homes are intricate by nature, giving the viewer plenty to drink in. From top to bottom, the edges, interiors, windows, and frames are a feast for the eyes. Of course, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. What looks like a masterpiece to some may look garish to others. Modern buildings are marked by their lack of ornamentation, stripping a building down to its core components.
A. Alberto Lugo knows that it’s wrong to lump an entire generation together. While some Gen Zers might want maximalism, there are still plenty who crave minimalism, whether it’s because they want to save a little money or because they genuinely prefer not to have all the clutter around them. With every economic period, boom or bust, there’s a shift in what people want. This can apply to the types of homes that a generation lives in or, in the case of architectural professionals, designs.
It’s important to have a solid understanding of how different types of people perceive the same styles. At Framing Futures Architectural Firm, he is looking to do things differently than his predecessors. He wants to not only test the boundaries when it comes to eco-efficiency, but he also wants to deliver final products that will delight both buyers and passersby alike.
A. Alberto Lugo Looks Ahead
The buildings of today often serve several functions. As the pandemic taught us, we had to be able to see past what was there to what could be there. When gift shops could be turned into makeshift infirmaries at the height of the pandemic, architects of every variety need to be clear on how they can adapt their designs to the needs of future generations.
Generation Alpha may decide that they want to follow in Gen Z’s footsteps, but more than likely, they’ll have ideas about how they would do it differently. A. Alberto Lugo may have his hands full at his firm trying to keep up, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.