9. Future predictions
Return to August 2020 update
Length:2.4 min read; 488 words
Note: The following paragraphs summarize the category of Future predictions observed in August. More information about the specific category from August (and previous months) can be found in the downloaded report(s).The number in square brackets (e.g., [1]) refers to a reference where the reader can find more information about a specific statement. The references can be found in the References list below, Systematized References page or in the downloaded report.
The discussion about future remained on the same level as in July (14.7% in August vs. 14.8% in July). In April everybody was busy with the transition/ survival and not discussing much about the future as we all hoped the pandemic will go away in a month or so, in May the community was getting focused on the future as we all realized that the pandemic is here to stay, and in June the future has somehow become the present - due to accelerated changes we started planning and preparing for the post-pandemic built environment and not only speculating how and what will happen in the future. In August the community discusses the future of working and living together, education, offices (with more permanent outdoor workspaces), cities, transportation, infrastructure in climate change, community engagement in design and development of neighborhoods, sharing economy, etc. As in July there are more questions than answers about “post-pandemic” times. Some suggest to focus on identification and solutions of current challenges and stop with speculations. [341] The future of the sharing economy in the COVID-19 aftermath is unknown, but we see that it is changing (e.g., Airbnb (reports more staycations) and Uber, a ridesharing industry is expanding the Uber Eats delivery service) – it depends how the “new normal” will define our personal interactions and willingness to share our spaces.[3]
Steve Collis, CEO of AmerisourceBergen: “Virtual working is not for everybody, but I think we’ve all learned lessons about how you can work from home and be engaged and present. Some of these tools are only going to get better even when we’re out of crisis mode. The return to the workplace is going to be complex. You’re going to see a lot of this carry on for a long time. Frankly, I’m concerned about global travel, which is a lot more complex than local travel. I’m interested to see how things pan out.” [26]
Evelyn Lee, Slack on the Future of working together about the AEC industry: “I have been known to open-up conversations by saying we are three recessions away from becoming extinct. … At a very minimum, I hope that the profession takes note of all the things that have created positive shifts during the pandemic and find a way to integrate it into practice going forward. …this is a good opportunity to seek out new service lines. Those who remain agile will continue to thrive and expand.” [228]
Starchitect Rem Koolhaas remains pessimistic: “Coronavirus money could solve climate crisis but hopes of change are "wishful thinking". The world will quickly try to revert to how it was before the pandemic, there will be "enormous pressure" for a return to normality.” [170] His views contrast with those of Dutch trend forecaster Li Edelkoort, who speculated that the pandemic would act as a "blank page for a new beginning - another and better system to be put in place with more respect for human labor and conditions." [170]
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