9. Future predictions
Return to September 2020 update
Length:2.3 min read; 456 words
Note: The following paragraphs summarize the category of Future predictions observed in September. More information about the specific category from September (and previous months) can be found in the downloaded report(s).The number in square brackets (e.g., [X]) 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 lessened approximately 60% in September (from 14.7% in August to 6%) in line with our observation of overall dilution of pandemic discussions and the wait-and-see mode. The community is focusing on its own challenges, getting used to uncertainties, less discussing and more patiently waiting for the next developments (such as vaccine rollout). Although there are still more questions than answers about the “post-pandemic” reality, everybody is preparing for the post-pandemic future. “We're all sitting around having conversations about it, and I can't wait to see what happens. You know, I think a year from now, we'll have really good answers." [315] The pandemic has introduced a very uncertain future. 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 September the community continues to discuss the future of working and living, flexibility of (human-centric) workplace, (repurposed) offices, (multidimensional) cities (and neighborhood systems), infrastructure, climate change consequences, future steps regarding community engagement, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, future better work-life balance, wellbeing, future of education, etc.
Long-term the “future is bright for construction – it is interesting to be in the midst of the revolution.” [139][198] In short-term in September the numbers indicate that construction has rebounded from the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic more than any other U.S. industry, according to economists associated with two of the reports; starts, jobs, backlog all rise. [116]
Everyday there are new predictions about what the world will look like after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic passes. There is a binary response - we are facing either a dystopian or utopian future. Being less apocalyptical, we need to navigate the many challenges ahead while remaining optimistic about the impact we can make as urban planners and designers. [303] The adoption of remote work at scale will change space consumption and living habits. In the future, we will see new work-life balance, with more and more people moving outside of the city and looking for new third-party places (hub and spoke models), as an alternative to their home-office environment. These spaces will mean they benefit from the right professional environment while being anchored to a local working community. [46] (Supply chain) professors are planning their lessons differently this school year to prepare students to enter a post-pandemic workforce. [315]
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