9. Future predictions
Return to July 2020 Update
Length:1 min read; 398 words
Note: The following paragraphs summarize the category of Future predictions observed in July. More information about the specific category from July (and previous months) can be found in the downloaded report(s).The number in square brackets (e.g., [150]) 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 with predictions increased from 10.6% in June to 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 July discussion about future of everything again intensifies.
As the pandemic progresses we know more about the virus and “we have now more questions than at the beginning of the outbreak.” [84] “So many questions...Let’s meet in 6 months to see and discuss how things developed.” [274] “There’s not the issue with the supply of insights about the future – it is about the demand question – how do you use those insights to make better decisions.” [376]
Our future and future of the planet depends on the investments and strategies for green future. [185][186] [260] “Going forward, there is going to be a lot more focus on society, customers and clients, family, and employees.”- Larry Fink, CEO, BlackRock [283].
Pandemic has amplified innovation to historic levels (the future is digital) [261]. Future brings digitization of all systems we use such as city infrastructures (e.g., digital water [339]).
Sustainable approaches related to buildings will become commonplace, such as breathing buildings; future of work will include a hybrid model, but more WFH (impact on residential building design, though WFH might be less sustainable [377]); resilient food system (agrotechnology is enabling the conversion of factories and warehouses for commercial indoor farming → urban farming will be incorporated into building systems at all scales); flexible and efficient utility services with microgrids; modular construction (manufacturing and assembly offsite). [258]
Cities of the future will have more polycentric organization [257][258], focused on pedestrians and local communities. [259]
Future travel will have to rebuild trust in the aviation industry through design. [266] Weak companies will die, habits will change, and politics will shape the economy. But many things will not change. [265]
(More future prediction information is included in the sections above, especially in the Buildings and cities for a next normal section).
Previous June Category Summary
References
[84] “Larry Brilliant on How Well We Are Fighting Covid-19 | WIRED.” (accessed Jul. 11, 2020).
[261] “Driving Value and Values | Accenture.” (accessed Aug. 17, 2020).
[283] “CEO leadership for a new era | McKinsey.” (accessed Aug. 18, 2020).
[376] Navigating Uncertainty: Using Strategic Foresight to Build Resilience and Agency. .
[377] M. Turits, “Why working from home might be less sustainable.” (accessed Aug. 17, 2020).