The push for environmental initiatives has never been so widespread. Bans on single-use plastic are becoming the norm around the world. Renewable energy sources are being invested heavily, to the point where states like California will require all new homes that are built after 2020 to come with solar energy panels. This will mean higher costs upfront, but over time the energy savings will help both families and cities enjoy a better future.
This future is bright. This future is green.
The following article is going to highlight flaws in today’s cities and how developers and construction companies along with governments are going to rectify such issues.
The Problem with Today’s Cities
Though some might take offense to hear that their city has its fair share of problems, this is fact. Every single city out there has its own challenges that it must face and overcome for a better future. Old designs, old ideals, and old infrastructure are working against everyone, and then, of course, there are these key problems that must be addressed:
High Congestion
High Pollution Levels
Outdated Utility Systems
A Complicated Transportation Grid
These problems are widespread, which is why future planning must take on a more forward-thinking approach that aims to make the entire city more sustainable, with a lower carbon footprint. From there, developmental policies will need to be enacted in order to protect cities and neighborhoods from pushing out the local population through gentrification.
What Future Cities Will Look Like
With this in mind, future cities will probably include:
Multi-Purpose Living Complexes
Though multi-purpose buildings had a short boom a few decades ago, chances are they will return. The push for a higher quality of life and improved wellness when living in urban areas has started to shift the focus off from cheap living to great living, and developers are starting to notice. Take Chicago real estate developer Focus, for example. Their goal is not just to provide great design and quality construction, but also to provide mixed-used residences for families so that they can enjoy more social benefits.
Sustainable Building Development
There are a few facets of sustainable development. One, better construction that is safer and easier on the environment. Two, buildings that use less energy and even offset its use through renewable energy initiatives. They will also probably have design elements that encourage greenery, reducing its carbon footprint further and improving the quality of air for everyone involved.
Stronger Public Transport
With electric vehicles and self-driving cars on the horizon, the face of public transportation will likely change as well. Future cities could therefore have:
- Automated vehicles
- No schedules but instead a rental grid of pods
Either way, the public transport system in cities around the world is set to put vehicle ownership into the dark ages.
Many cities around the world have challenges to face that are unique onto themselves. Perhaps their pollution levels are far too high, and smog is plaguing their citizens. Or perhaps old waterways are making it difficult to reinvest into the waterworks. Old, twisted streets that were built when walking and by horseback were the main modes of transportation are difficult to reinvent for modern life. Each of these issues will need to be addressed and improved upon for the sake of the citizen and the world at large.