Undoubtedly, the social distancing and self-isolation we were forced to endure during the COVID19 pandemic dramatically changed the role of social media. In order to keep connected, informed and entertained, we were drawn to social platforms in an unprecedented way. For that reason, companies also found that different social media channels are the best way to keep in touch with their customers and even build better connections with them. They were also able to understand the mood of their brand better thanks to the deeper interactions social networks can offer.

Although creative processes vary widely among professionals, some general aspects can be found in any design method. In general terms, we could say that the Architect's Journey through the Design Process consists of 3 stages: Inspiration, Research and Specification, and Construction. In all of them, the connection with materials and construction products is fundamental. After all, the ultimate objective of architects is to materialize their ideas and give shape to new environments that can withstand the test of time. To increase their knowledge and to make the most of their capabilities at every stage, architects search through various mediums for the best tools and references.

The following will unpack architects' behaviour throughout this creative journey and the different touchpoints with companies and manufacturers at every stage.

Social media usage around the world is ever-increasing, and the social distancing inflicted by the pandemic over the last year has dramatically changed its role. Currently, there are around 4.2 billion active social media users - this is more than half the world's population! For this reason, companies are putting efforts into these channels to keep in touch with their customers and even build better connections with them. 

This past June we published a survey called "How do Architects and Industry Professionals Specify Materials and Products”. The objective was to better understand architects’ behaviors and needs during the specification stage of their design processes.

The process of building and construction involves many different stages, starting from the very first ideas and drawings, project delivery, until the building is finally ready to be occupied. Throughout this process, the architect will work with the client and a range of different parties, from consultants to contractors and investors. Often, they may also partner with other architecture offices in order to join forces and gain experience.

Interiors are taking center stage in 2020, as more people are spending more time at home. Architects and designers are increasingly aware of their responsibility in improving their clients’ well-being and even helping them in the prevention of diseases, as they search for the best solutions for their interior design projects.

ArchDaily’s featured monthly topic for March was dedicated to Interiors and the articles related to this topic accumulated over 1 million pageviews, surpassing by 240% the number of pageviews achieved in other months in the same semester.

The choice of materials and products made by an architect during their design and specification process is key to defining how a project will look after its completion and over time, as it ages. Choosing materials that are not appropriate could result in projects with both aesthetic and functional issues.

This is what makes the specification stage so essential in achieving expected results. During this phase, the professional in charge of specification becomes an essential part of the team and needs to have sufficient knowledge of the materials and products available in their region. But do all architecture offices have the same specification processes? Is the same importance given to this stage of the project as to the initial design phase? How close is the architect’s relationship with the materials really?

The COVID-19 crisis has created unforeseen circumstances for people worldwide and is having a significant impact on the global economy. Within this crisis, the architecture and building materials industry are not exceptions. The cancelation of trade fairs and architecture events, for example, are driving manufacturers and building products suppliers away from their traditional physical opportunities to meet prospective clients. Many are now being faced with the question; in this complex scenario, how can you promote your products and materials while respecting social distancing and avoiding physical contact with architects and clients?

The world crisis caused by the Coronavirus has called millions of people to quarantine and socially distance in order to stop the contagion curve. This has resulted in companies being confronted with the challenge of continuing to work remotely, with most of their teams working from home.

ArchDaily is the most visited architecture website in the world. 2.95 million registered users browse the site on a daily basis, generating millions of clicks, searches, and traffic over our library of thousands of projects, and products, giving us invaluable insights on the most relevant industry trends.

A large percentage of a city’s building stock is designated for housing. Considering that our way of life is changing significantly, housing in cities has also begun to follow these changes. This creates interesting challenges and opportunities for the materials suppliers in this industry.

As users of ArchDaily demonstrate certain affinities and greater interest in particular subjects, these topics emerge as trends. In recent years, the architecture and construction industry have incorporated digitalization into their processes. This has led to a considerable increase in the search for keywords related to "innovation" and "new technologies" within the infrastructure area.

Below, we've provided trends that relate to an emerging concept in the construction industry: "Constructech", how to take advantage of new technologies to optimize processes.

Certain topics in ArchDaily become a trend when our users begin to search for the same information or show more interest in one topic in relation to others. Architecture and Construction Industry started to worry about issues as important as recycling and environmental awareness, that is why there has been a considerable increase in the searches of the concepts related to this topic.

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with more than 1 billion users searching and discovering new images, videos, brands, businesses, and content every day. According to Instagram’s User Survey, 60% of people stated they discover new products on Instagram, and more than 200 million Instagrammers stated that they visit at least one Business Profile daily.

As users of ArchDaily demonstrate certain affinities and greater interest in particular subjects, these topics emerged as trends. Gender Equality is one of the trends that will influence urban and architectural discussion in 2019.

It is, once again, the time of year where we look towards the future to define the goals and approaches that we will take for our careers throughout the upcoming year. To help the millions of architects who visit ArchDaily every day from all over the world, we compiled a list of the most popular ideas of 2018, which will continue to be developed and consolidated throughout 2019.

Over 130 million users discovered new references, materials, and tools in 2018 alone, infusing their practice of architecture with the means to improve the quality of life for our cities and built spaces. As users demonstrated certain affinities and/or demonstrated greater interest in particular topics, these emerged as trends. 

2019 will be a strong year for architecture and construction, moving between the challenges of building the cities of tomorrow and the fast digitalization of our industry. To face these challenges, we will work hard to continue being the main source of inspiration and discovery for the millions of architects who use ArchDaily every day, from all over the world.

In our last two articles we’ve given you a set of tips for presenting your products and materials to architects through content that they value so that you can develop interest in your brand. This strategy is called Content Marketing and its purpose is to give such useful information that potential clients become loyal to your products. Content Marketing can take the form of online articles, videos and tutorials that target a specific audience.

In this edition, we’ll be focusing on important tips for generating engaging titles and attractive images that help to successfully deliver your message.