How - and Where - Should We Live?

A new report predicts how - and where - we'll be living in the near future, and where planners and developers should focus.

1 minute read

November 19, 2011, 9:00 AM PST

By Charles R. Wolfe @crwolfelaw


Writing in The Atlantic Cities, Chuck Wolfe analyzes one of the latest on-the-ground summaries of urban trends, a new report from the Urban Land Institute: "What's Next, Real Estate in the New Economy".

The report focuses on the relationships of demographic, financial, technological and environmental trends over the next decade. It explains how these trends are dramatically impacting urban planning, design and development practices, so much that "[t]he real estate world is hurtling into a different place and time."

The report's purposeful topic titles and subject areas outline how key aspects of "living, working and connecting" will change in major ways in North America, Asia and Europe, primarily shaped by the values, preferences and work ethic of Generation Y.

Wolfe concludes:

"'What's Next' is easily accessible and readable in one sitting, and projects the virtue of practicality, gleaned from a cross-section of ULI's ... members. For a glimpse into the realities faced by the report's intended audience, the report is well worth both review and reflection."

Thanks to Chuck Wolfe

Friday, November 18, 2011 in The Atlantic Cities

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

MARTA train tracks run in the middle of a six lane highway with an overpass and the Buckhead city skyline of skyscrapers in the background.

How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?

Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.

September 29, 2024 - Marcelo Remond

People in large plaza in front of Zurich Opera House in Switzerland.

But... Europe

European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?

September 26, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Aerial view of low-rise neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.

California Law Ends Road Widening Mandates

Housing developers will no longer be required to dedicate land to roadway widening, which could significantly reduce the cost of construction and support more housing units.

September 25, 2024 - Streetsblog California

Desert tortoise on asphalt road.

California Room to Roam Act Prioritizes Wildlife Connectivity

A new state law requires new development and infrastructure to minimize disruption to local wildlife habitats and migration patterns.

October 4 - Center for Biological Diversity

Victorian Flavel House mansion in Astoria, Oregon.

Oregon Releases Historic Preservation Plan for Next Decade

A plan from the state’s State Historic Preservation Commission outlines priorities for preserving Oregon’s cultural and historic resources.

October 4 - KTVZ

Rendering of Interstate 35 cap park over sunken freeway in Austin, Texas.

Austin’s Vision for I-35 Cap Parks Takes Final Shape

The city’s plan includes parks, entertainment pavilions, commercial space, sports fields, and other facilities over 30 acres of deck parks spanning a sunken Interstate 35.

October 4 - KUT

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.

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research

Regional Rail at Mpact Transit + Community 2024

Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)

Cornell's Department of City and Regional Planning Announces Undergraduate and Graduate Program Information Sessions and Application Details

Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP)