The duality of future proof often goes unconsidered. Conventionally we think of it as a way of building the future into our practice and systems. Practices claiming to be future proof, must acknowledge they don’t know the future (no proof). It’s like saying: “I don’t know what’s coming, but I know how I’ll manage it.” It’s a trap!
Future proofing requires leaning into uncertainty. Leaning into the tension of wanting to build something resilient to future change, whilst not knowing what the future might hold. Future proofing isn’t about predicting specific futures, it’s about developing organisational capabilities that are able thrive in uncertainty.
You can’t predict but you can adapt
It’s the job of Futurists to predict the future. You might imagine the best ones, the ones that get more right, are the ones that understand current knowledge systems in detail, therefore getting their predictions right from the outset. Yet the best futurists, theones that get the most right, are the ones that know their predictions are built on uncertain data and shaky assumptions. These futurists are not afraid to change their mind, acknowledging they might have got something wrong and adapt their thinking based on new data. The ‘futurist’ architecture practice should adopt a similar mindset.
For example, architects could have previously assumed CAD and BIM might have been all they needed to know to remain current. The wise practices, however, have been quickly rethinking that currently. AI, coding and algorithmic design tools are challenging former assumptions. It’s equivalent to the position Kodak, Blockbuster, Nokia, Blackberry, and their ilk, found themselves in. They thought they had solid strategies based on their view of the future, and found they were unable to adapt when the future proved to be different to the one they’d anticipated.
Future ready not future proof
Rather than trying to seek out a proof of a future (that’s illusive), architectural practices should focus on future readiness. An approach that requires a mindset of adaptability, creative problem solving, and lifelong learning. Moving their focus from fixed plans and systems, to agile thinking and decision making based upon broad principles and current data. Sounds like the best futurists, right?
Future ready practices:
- Thrive in ambiguity: They’re able to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty by nurturing a culture of curiosity, scenario planning, as well as experimentation adopting an iterative mindset.
- Build resilience, not just efficiency: An optimisation focussed practice can be fragile in the face of change. Whilst one that is future ready, prioritises flexibility and agility, through a diversity of services, revenue streams, and skillsets.
- Leverage change: Practice disruption is not feared but instead change is embraced as a strategic advantage. The future ready practice will adapt their offerings as the industry landscape evolves.
Where this leads
The intrinsic tension in future proofing should prompt the leadership in adopting new practice strategies and principles:
- Practice Antifragilty: Focus on adopting Nassim Talib’s concept of developing systems that thrive in the face of stressors, failures and uncertainty.
- Dynamic strategies: We’ve been taught to plan ahead 1, 3 and 10 year, but practices could instead adopt dynamic, living strategies and plans. Using frameworks that constantly evolve and are based on real-time data and learning, rather than a fixed future vision.
- Adaptive networks: Practices might choose to liberate themselves from controlling their future, and instead become part of an unconventional network that collectively responds to change.
The future is unknowable
Embrace it.
It’s impossible to prove the future. It’s therefore more productive to focus on adapting and responding to whatever the future brings. Being future ready allows a practice to not only survive in uncertainty but to thrive. This shift in mindset, to one of adaptability, resilience and continuous learning, is the only real way to future proof a practice.
AI image generated in Canva
