Urban Land asks eight architectural firms to discuss building materials and technologies the industry can expect to see more of in the future.
What determines which innovations get incorporated into the building industry and which ones fall by the wayside? How easy is it to convince clients to use innovative materials? Some products and strategies have not yet been made available for commercial use; others have been around in some form for eons. Some firms use new materials in traditional ways; others take traditional materials and rethink their use. In a number of instances, the computer has influenced the use of materials, new and old.
From Leo Daly's response: "In general, the products keep getting better and better because people demand it. The key to spreading sustainable design is getting enough competition so that the costs come down. If the clients want to move ahead and have green architecture, we can do it. But if the client isnt receptive to using, say, wheat board, its never going to happen."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Dialogue: In Production

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

Santa Monica May Raise Parking Permit Fees
The city says the changes would help better manage curb space and support its sustainability goals.

Portland Housing Bond Created Nearly 5,000 Units, But Affordability Remains Out of Reach
Despite better-than-expected results from multiple local housing bonds, housing costs and homelessness remain top of mind for many Oregonians.

Florida Law Could Eliminate Dedicated Bus Lanes
A new law calls for a minimum ridership of 6,000 passengers in the first year for new bus rapid transit lines. To date, no bus lines in the Tampa Bay region come close.
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.
Custer County Colorado
Sarasota County Government
Borough of Carlisle
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)