The Architecture Billings Index for March 2020 set new standards of collapse.
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for March 2020 paints a "dire portrait of the state of architectural services demand," reports Jonathan Hilburg. In more detail:
Whereas the ABI in February 2020 painted a rosy picture of demand at 53.4 (50 is the baseline and represents no change, higher numbers represent an increase and lower numbers a decrease), March billings came in 33.3. This 20.1 swing is, according to the AIA, the largest downturn ever recorded in the ABI’s 25-year history. Even the 2001 recession only pushed demand down by 9.4 points, while the housing crash in 2008 decreased billings by 8.3 points.
According to Hilburg, the March report shouldn't come as a surprise after the special report the AIA released on April 10, but the April report should provide more insight about the depths of the economic downturn expected for the built environment fields.
The construction industry is already reporting large numbers of layoffs, as states like New York and Pennsylvania have halted construction projects. New York City recently ordered a halt to all public design work, and major architecture firms are furloughing employees.
FULL STORY: Architecture Billings Index bottoms out to historic lows
More Support Needed for Organizations Serving the Underserved
A new report details how policymakers and community leaders can improve California's efforts to advance an equitable recovery from COVID by supporting and empowering community-based organizations in underserved communities.
Federal Government Developing More Foreclosure Protections
Millions of American property owners are behind on mortgage payments and facing the prospect of foreclosure and eviction later this year.
CDC's Eviction Moratorium Extended
The CDC's eviction moratorium will stay in place until at least June 30, 2021.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie