As the world is transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle the implications of such a shift have already permeated the architecture & design realm. From the Starbucks prototype-cafe in Tukwilla, Washington, to the establishment of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, it is evident that a change towards ecologically friendly construction & design is upon us. The future of net zero energy and waste is now rapidly approaching.  By the advent of human determination and perseverance it is highly likely that functioning at net zero energy and waste will be the norm in the future. This design ideal may very well be the quotidian for Gen-Y's descendants, but what will the future hold for their grandchildren? Without relying on clairvoyance abilities, one can posit that the future of design may rely heavily on perception manipulation. With inspiration from world-renowned artist, James Turrell, the distant future of design may utilize light & perception illusion to bring spaces to life.

James Turrell is a prominent artist from Pasadena, California who graduated from Pomona College with a degree in perceptual psychology. He further pursued his studies at University of California, Irvine, and ultimately earned a master's degree in fine arts from Claremont Graduate School. He is the recipient of the Guggenheim and MacArthur "genius" fellowships and has his work featured at the LACMA. Turrell's work is more than just art, it is truly an immersive experience.

Turrell's manipulation of light and space forces the viewer to look deeper into his work to truly understand what is there.  Turrell's work exploits the delicate aspect of light, which paradoxically conveys an almost sturdy-cum-palpable object. This manipulation of light in order to create objects in space may be the future of architecture and design. In fact, Turrell already applies his theories in some of his works. The LACMA notes, "Turrell has continued to develop a series of works that address architecture and the space of the viewer. As part of his evolving practice, he has utilized architectural interventions, created immersive environments, designed and erected autonomous outdoor spaces, and continues to build structures within Roden Crater-an extinct volcano in Arizona."

The future of architecture is headed toward green building. The defining aspects of green building are sustainability, and a low environmental impact. The application of light in order to create objects and spaces is at the center of a sustainable practice because of it's nature. By harnessing the power of perception and coupling it with light manipulation, future architects may be able to create unique spaces that can be easily changed, updated, and built.

Through simple perception manipulation an array of design features can be created within a single space. The ability to utilize and reutilize a single space is truly the definition of sustainable, ecologically friendly design.