2024 TECH TRENDS REPORT • 17 TH EDITION

BUILT ENVIRONMENT
 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE’S 2024 TECH TREND REPORT

Our 2024 edition includes nearly 700 trends, which are published individually in 16 volumes and as one comprehensive report with all trends included.
Download all sections of Future Today Institute’s 2024 Tech Trends report at http://www.futuretodayinstitute.com/trends.

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THE YEAR AHEAD: TECH SUPERCYCLE

The theme for our 2024 re- Institute’s analysis shows that every technology—AR/ VR/ We’ve visually represented the tech supercycle on the
port is Supercycle. In eco- XR, autonomous vehicles, low Earth orbit satellites, to report’s cover, which is an undulating image reminiscent
nomics, a “supercycle” refers name a few—connects to the supercycle in some way. of a storm radar. Vertical and horizontal lines mark the
to an extended period of edges of each section’s cover. When all 16 section cov-
The ramifications are stark and undeniable. As this tech
booming demand, elevating ers converge, the trends reveal a compounding effect as
supercycle unfurls, there will be victors and vanquished,
the prices of commodities reverberating aftershocks influence every other area of
those who seize the reins of this epochal change, and
and assets to unprecedented heights. It stretches across technology and science, as well as all industries.
those who are swallowed whole. For business leaders,
years, even decades, and is driven by substantial and
investors, and policymakers, understanding this tech It’s the convergence that matters. In isolation, trends of-
sustained structural changes in the economy.
supercycle is paramount. fer limited foresight into the future. Instead, the interplay
We believe we have entered a technology supercycle. of these trends is what reveals long-term change. For
In this 17th edition of FTI’s annual Tech Trends report,
This wave of innovation is so potent and pervasive that that reason, organizations must not only remain vigilant
we’ve connected the supercycle to the nearly 700 trends
it promises to reshape the very fabric of our existence, in monitoring these evolving trends but also in cultivat-
we’ve developed. Our research is presented across 16
from the intricacies of global supply chains to the minu- ing strategic foresight—the ability to anticipate future
technology and industry-specific reports that reveal the
tiae of daily habits, from the corridors of power in global changes and plan for various scenarios.
current state of play and lists of influencers to watch,
politics to the unspoken norms that govern our social
along with detailed examples and recommendations de- Our world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and this
interactions.
signed to help executives and their teams develop their supercycle has only just begun.
Driving this seismic shift are the titans of technology strategic positioning. The trends span evolutionary ad-
and three of their inventions: artificial intelligence, bio- vancements in well-established technologies to ground-
technology, and a burgeoning ecosystem of interconnect- breaking developments at the forefront of technological
ed wearable devices for people, pets, and objects. As they and scientific exploration. You’ll see emerging epicenters Amy Webb
converge, these three macro tech segments will redefine of innovation and risk, along with a preview into their Chief Executive Officer
our relationship with everything, from our pharmacists to transformative effects across various industries. Future Today Institute
our animals, from banks to our own bodies. Future Today

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
05 Top Headlines 22 Metamaterials 39 Digital Twin Predictive 58 About Future Today Institute
06 State of Play Planning and Prevention 59 Methodology
23 Resilient Design
Monitoring
07 Key Events 24 Addressing Housing Shortages 60 Disclaimer
40 Enabled Devices for Urban
08 Likely Near Term 25 Regenerative Design Management 61 Using and Sharing the Report
Developments
26 Scenario: Amphibious Cities 41 Scenario: The New Way
09 Why Built Environment to Walk
27 Augmented Practices
Trends Matter to Your 42 Construction Practices
Organization 28 Sensorial Elements
43 Mass Timber Construction
10 Opportunities and Threats 29 Automated Design
44 Net-Zero Construction
11 Investments and Actions 30 Metaverse Enabling
To Consider 45 Additive Construction
31 Inclusive Design
12 Central Themes 46 Interactive Project
32 Real-Time Data Collection for Management
13 Ones To Watch Decision-Making and Planning
47 Scenario: Road Today, School
15 Important Terms 33 Scenario: Instant Permitting Tomorrow
16 Adaptive Urban 34 Smart City Implementations 48 Scenario: Tag You Later!
Environments
35 Smart Buildings 49 Modular Construction
17 Chrono-Urbanism
36 Smart Home Automation and 50 Augmented Construction
18 Self-Organized Planning Monitoring
51 Scenario: Nostalgia-Made
19 Rewilding 37 Smart Parking and Roadways Spaces
20 Regenerative Practices Predictability
52 Authors
21 Adaptive Reuse and 38 Ubiquitous Sensor Distribution
54 Selected Sources
Deconstruction

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TOP HEADLINES 01 Sensors Are Predicting Structural Failures

Sensors are increasingly relied on to keep tabs on the aging and repair
needs of buildings.
As some cities face
the dual challenges of 02 The Empty Office Crisis Persists

aging infrastructure Office conversion and adaptive reuse are turning spaces back into
functional assets rather than relics of traditional 9-5, in-person workdays.

and urban decay,

compounded by sinking, 03 The Alarming Reality of Urban Areas Rapidly Sinking
Many cities are reporting that, just like Venice, their foundations are eroding.
new technologies are Jakarta, Indonesia, is ranked as the fastest sinking city in the world.

emerging to tackle these

issues along with other 04 Pigmentless Paint Becomes a Sustainable Solution
University of Central Florida’s plasmonic paint uses new ways to produce
concerns like housing colors that can keep buildings cooler.

and sustainability.
05 World’s Largest 3D Printed Neighborhood Is Underway
A new property development outside of Austin, Texas, is set to become
the world’s largest additively made community.

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STATE As the built environment struggles to deal with a dwindling talent pool and
rising costs related to supply chain shortages, built environment professionals

OF PLAY
are facing their own existential crisis. They’re trying to hold onto their relevancy
amid heightened interest to adopt artificial intelligence, robotics, and new con-
struction practices that deliver projects faster and more efficiently. They’re also
unsure what skills will be most in demand for their industry in the future, and
are considering how they can bring human-centric behaviors to the forefront in
the meantime.

The industry is further looking in the mirror amid an increase in environmental

Focusing on Responsible and activism and calls for more responsible practices—as it is, the built environment
industry is widely known as one of the leading causes of waste and consumption
Responsive Buildings, Structures, in the world. New practices such as rewilding and deconstruction are gaining
and Construction prominence and even regulatory backing from regions and municipalities. This
shift is building off the focus on fostering health and wellness to create places
where people want to spend their time.

New technologies for power generation, infrastructure, and data collection offer
ways for projects to last longer, which then raises questions about what that
future longevity looks like. Completely connected projects that use sensors,
drones, and other tools are providing real-time data that is also being leveraged
to generate drawings, models, business strategies, and practices that enable
better-informed decisions by both companies and clients. All of these develop-
ments highlight a push to challenge outdated practices and move into a new era
for this industry.

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KEY EVENTS

F E B R UA RY 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 J U LY 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 2 3

Earthquake-Resistant Tower Completed Self-Healing Metal Discovery Tallest Timber Building Approved
In Tokyo, a new supertall skyscraper was Researchers investigating cracks at a Developers in Perth get the OK to start
specifically designed and built to resist microscopic level observe metal self-healing working on what will be the world’s tallest
the impacts of earthquakes. under a process called cold welding. building using timber construction.

MARCH 31, 2023 S E P T E M B E R 9, 2 0 2 3

India’s 3D Printed Bridge ICC Code Updates Bring Necessary Changes

Thanks to a new process, India Finding building code updates will be easier with
now has its first 3D printed bridge the use of QR codes, while waste management
using indigenous materials. also gets more attention.

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LIKELY NEAR TERM DEVELOPMENTS

CLIENTS HAVE NEW REQUIREMENTS Deconstruction Plans Become Required Immersive Design Leads to Spatial Built Environment Develops Data Markets
EXPECTATIONS Relevancy
Many areas already have deconstruction With a vast pool of human-centric data, the
Integrated data and the output from As the world becomes more immersed
requirements, aiming to reduce waste built environment is sitting on untapped
models that use that data are becom- heading to a landfill. These types of in technology, screens and devices are revenue streams of information that could
ing more of a requirement, allowing requirements will likely only continue to continuing to shrink. This means that benefit many business sectors. Past client
for greater manipulation and under- increase, which will change permit and spaces will need to accommodate for more contracts may prevent this from occurring, but
standing in the preconstruction and construction planning. immersive experiences in their design. newly developed contracts would allow firms to
documentation phases. Clients will sell this data.
continue to want proof that a project
will perform financially, and to interact Cities Organize Themselves Jurisdictions and Developers Require Smart Green Infrastructure Combats
Second-Life Designs Eco-Anxiety
and engage with that data on a more Urban planning and development requires
routine basis. More regions and mu- long-term strategy and planning, which can Just as deconstruction will likely be regulated, The urgency of climate change could lead
nicipalities will also want plans that be complicated by sudden societal shifts and so will adaptive reuse projects that address to an increase in eco-friendly infrastructure
needs. AI and digital twins will be able to help housing shortages. New mixed-use zoning or that allows for power sharing and carbon-free
extend beyond the structure itself,
accommodate for these shifts, increasing urban zoning developments will likely enable transportation. These updates could bring
including options for what to do with this change. resilience to areas where people worry about
the chances of automated planning directing
the materials once the life cycle of the where developments should take place next. being displaced due to climate change.
project is complete, as well as plans
for how to convert entire blocks or just
11 MACRO SOURCES OF DISRUPTION
rooftops into functional spaces. The
upfront planning process will become
even more important as technology
will more clearly show what should be
prioritized, such as a road to be fixed
Technology Media & Demographics Environment Government Public Health Education Geopolitics Infrastructure Economy Wealth
or a new sewer system to be installed. Telecom Distribution

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WHY BUILT ENVIRONMENT TRENDS MATTER TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

Additive IoT Data Predictive Smart Urban Regenerative Inclusivity

Manufacturing Collection Maintenance Planning Infrastructure

Additive manufacturing As cities and spaces Unexpected costs for For developing Regenerative and greener As younger generations
will speed up collect more data, this buildings, bridges, regions, planning and infrastructure will consider where they
construction, reduce information will continue roadways, sewers, development takes ultimately lead to cost want to live and work,
costs and inventory to reveal what should be factories, and other massive partnerships savings for businesses, creating places that
needs, and increase prioritized and what is structures will continue and relies heavily on cities, and residents— are more inclusive will
material efficiency. The unnecessary, enabling to be a headache for outside expertise. New as well as help address ultimately attract these
customization enabled real-time management facility managers and tools for automating this risks due to location and future workers to regions
through this process and decision-making. city workers. New tools for process could provide climate change. Investing that prioritize this type
will also change the way This will also help reduce predicting maintenance cost savings to those in this infrastructure of design. This can help
designs come to life. This upfront costs and costs will enable better budget regions, which would shift will also build bonds to bring in new talent and
type of manufacturing over time as the data will planning and help the types of business communities and help prepare companies
has the potential to create help companies make developers estimate yearly partnerships they might investors see progress on for new regulations
new opportunities for better decisions. upfront costs with greater seek. For established declared sustainability that require greater
on-demand and on-site accuracy. regions, these automated goals. accessibility and diversity.
selling. tools will allow for longer
planning initiatives but
may also be unsettling for
residents.
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OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS

Threats Opportunities
Scaling new technology and practices will continue to be a hurdle due to a Cutting-edge automation will unlock efficiency to combat the talent shortage.
lack of long-term planning.
Expanded practices can provide new revenue streams—if the right experts are in
The need to evolve traditional design and business practices as the industry place to manage new offerings.
becomes commoditized is urgent.
New sources of data can empower clients with insightful, decision-enhancing
Communities will resist the necessity of new technologies due to a lack of analytics.
exposure and understanding of what they are.
Niche markets offer an opening to prominence in the industry, if innovative
The tech gap in de-prioritized cities and communities will continue to widen. services are brought along.

New data privacy requirements will be a barrier as the industry begins to rely State-of-the-art materials and technology plus time for upskilling encourage
on even more data collection sensors and tools. dynamic career growth.

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INVESTMENTS AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER

1 2 3 4 5 6
Consider investing in creat- Returning to more natu- Reconstruction and de- Cities will need to create As water scarcity contin- Additive manufacturing
ing or finding LLMs specific ral processes will require construction will require investment strategies that ues, investments in water construction practices
to the built environment in- considerable investment in investment in new equip- align with chrono-urban- monitoring will become will continue to grow and
dustry. Currently, there is a new details, strategic plans, ment and monitoring of ism requirements, meaning more crucial. This will allow scale. Investing in these
lack of an industry-specific and communications. These regulations. Lobbying for more mixed-use site invest- residents to feel safe, and technologies now will
model that can become an investments should be and adapting to regula- ments and planning will be potentially attract more acquaint companies with
industry standard. The first planned out to determine tions that do not complete- required. This, along with mobile residents to shore how these technologies
to market with this devel- when their impact will be ly disrupt the industry, but necessary smart city invest- up tax bases within munic- work as they evolve. Con-
opment will set the tone for most relevant to clients and are still proactive for the ments, could tie up budgets ipalities and regions suf- sider starting with smaller
how AI will be used in the when strategic partner- environment, could require for many cities over the fering from people moving forms of equipment that
future. ships can be used to leap- diverse strategies. next decade. away. facilitate creating pieces
frog competitors. and parts that can bolster
supply chains.

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CENTRAL THEMES
Still Working Toward Automation Data for Decisions Material Intelligence
Finding the right balance between automation and Data collection and modeling will keep increasing, with Materials are becoming smarter and more capable of
human intervention and design is a work in progress. digital twins expanding what building information self-management, so our understanding of how they
Tension comes into play when looking at what automa- modeling can mean for projects and decisions. Besides work needs to evolve. Self-managing, self-assembling,
tion could mean for rising costs and labor shortages— allowing leaders, officials, developers, and clients to and self-healing are just a few of the newer attributes
depending on whether you see it as a boon or a threat. study the effect of their decisions on an overall proj- becoming more mainstream. Documentation practices
Researchers are studying the use of artificial intelli- ect, these intelligent models can contain sensors and are changing as a result, and investments are gaining
gence in planning, such as in automating the itera- other devices that collect more data and allow project longevity—buildings could potentially last longer with
tion, validation, and selection processes. While other components to speak for themselves in new ways. But less maintenance for developers and cities. The devel-
industries are focusing on AI automation throughout because digital twins require a higher degree of mod- opment of material intelligence is likely to continue to
the value chain, for the built environment, the focus eling, the quality of the models and their reporting grow, and so will the need for new staffing positions
for automation is mainly on the front and back end of require more accuracy. This data is now becoming a and updates to performance and code restrictions.
a project or process: This presents opportunities that requirement for the front end of projects, even before
could be captured and developed. construction documentation gets underway.

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CENTRAL THEMES
Climate Change Responsibility New Forms of Monitoring Scaling Disruptions
As more communities deal with extreme weather, cities Aging is a big consideration for what new technology Ready to upend the built environment industry, ad-
and companies increasingly want their infrastructure and products can monitor and predict. The wear and ditive manufacturing, mass timber construction,
and buildings to be prepared for a crisis. Planning for tear on existing places, spaces, and infrastructure is modular construction, and regenerative design are all
climate change requires heightened awareness of the a concern especially in areas trying to compete with advancing but have yet to scale. This trend can already
materials used and the structure that’s created. De- neighboring regions implementing smart infrastruc- be seen with new uses for modular construction for
velopers require more upfront data on how and where ture. Areas dealing with urban decay or failing infra- mobility, regenerative buildings giving back to their
materials were manufactured and shipped. The long- structure have tough choices on where to allocate their community, the use of additive manufacturing to cre-
term aftereffects need to be modeled to ensure the capital improvement budgets and will expect technol- ate more efficient builds and parts, and new possibili-
surrounding area will not be harmed over the life of ogy to provide more insight into when these failings ties for structure and use types. Watching these indi-
the project. More mixed-use developments are occur- could occur. This includes new tools for monitoring cators to see how they develop and are regulated will
ring because of these changes, with amenities being resources, especially dwindling natural resources. For provide useful information when these technologies
implemented in more condensed, neighborhood-like smart cities, new advances are allowing for detailed scale to prominence and become more of a practice
buildings and shifting what was usually found in urban monitoring of residents. than a novelty.
centers to neighborhoods. Returning processes back to
their natural way of functioning is also changing how
land is developed and what designs are considered.

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ONES TO WATCH

Dr. Mohammad Taha, researcher at Uni- Hu Tengyun, Zhang Xiaodong, Xie Peng- Antonin Yuji Maeno and Kelsea Crawford,
versity of Melbourne, for researching nano feiI, Li Xuecao, Liu Han, and Sun Daosheng co-founders at Cutwork, for their work on
inks to change how buildings use energy. of the Beijing Institute of Urban Planning PolyRoom, which allows for Lego-like mod-
& Design, for their work on automating the ular construction.
Othmane Zrikem, chief data officer at A/O analysis of vacant lots within cities.
Proptech, for backing climate technology Pavan Akula, assistant professor of civil
startups. Dr. Ki-Tae Park, lead researcher at Korea engineering at the Oregon State Univer-
Institute of Civil Engineering and Building sity College of Engineering, for his work
Namratha Kothapalli, principal at Speed- Technology, for his work on technologies on creating new materials for 3D printing
invest, for their backing of industrial to predict maintenance needed for aging from CO2.
technology. bridges.
K.V.L. Subramaniam and his research
Kaj Casén, CEO at Meyer Floating Solu- Hiroshi Ishii, associate director at MIT group at the Indian Institute of Technology
tions, for his work on floating housing. Media Lab, and Ozgun Kilic Afsar, a grad- Hyderbad’s Department of Civil Engineer-
uate research assistant at MIT Media Lab, ing for their work on developing new meth-
Andrew Binet, assistant professor at Uni-
for their research on new fabric fibers that ods for 3D printing bridges.
versity of British Columbia, for their work
promote healing.
on ownership in neighborhoods for com- Neri Oxman, for fusing design, technology,
munity engagement and health. Nathan Daix and Augustin Monfret, and biology for Oxman, the company she
co-founders at SonarVision, for using 3D leads.
Luca Staricco, associate professor at
sound to help those who are visually im-
Politecnico di Torino, for his work on 5-, 10-,
paired to navigate a city.
and 15-minute cities.
Georgina McDonald, lead of creative and
Rainey Shane, social sustainability di-
partnerships at SPACE10, for her collabora-
rector at JLL Americas, for her work on the
tion project to use AI to design a flat-pack
SEAM certification for social equity.
couch.

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IMPORTANT TERMS
Additively made Digital twins Internet of Things (IoT) NAIOP
Products, materials, or items made from 3D A dynamic digital version of a physical object Devices that are connected through a network The US-based Commercial Real Estate Devel-
printing or additive manufacturing. such as a city, roadway, building, or door, a to send and receive data. opment Association.
digital twin uses real-time data to produce
BIM (building information modeling) reports for the object’s performance. Large language models (LLMs) Net zero
This digital model is used for creating plan- Used to train AI models, LLMs are trained on Projects that are designed so that their use of
ning and construction documents. It is similar Environmental, social, and corporate gover- vast amounts of text data, enabling them energy consumed over a year is balanced out
to a digital twin but typically does not evolve nance (ESG) to perform a wide range of language-related by the renewable energy they produce.
after the project is completed. A framework many companies are using to tasks.
establish their policies for how they address Urban center
Biodiversity each category. Mass timber construction Traditionally refers to the central downtown
The integration and preservation of various A construction process and design technique area of a city.
biological life-forms and ecosystems. Experiential design that uses large or solid engineered wood prod-
This is a design practice for creating interac- ucts for its structural components.
Built environment tive and sensory experiences.
This encompasses projects and practices MEP
within architecture, interior design, civil engi- Extended reality (XR) An abbreviation for mechanical, electrical, and
neering, MEP engineering, structural engineer- A technology that can augment the physical plumbing services.
ing, landscape architecture, product design world through either virtual or augmented
and manufacturing, construction, experiential reality. Metaverse
design, and urban planning. The underlying technologies that create a
International Code Council (ICC) more digitally augmented physical world and
Circular design The council develops model codes and stan- reality.
A design practice that focuses on creating dards for the built environment and is used by
products and spaces that, once they reach the over 50 countries. Modular construction
end of their life cycle, can be repurposed or A construction process that uses prefabricat-
reused. ed components to create a space, building, or
other structure.

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ADAPTIVE
URBAN
ENVIRONMENTS

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1ST YEAR ON THE LIST HOW IT WORKS WHY IT MATTERS

CHRONO-URBANISM Chrono-urbanism studies the layout of current and future planned

amenities within a certain time-based restriction. In Melbourne,
Chrono-urbanism can help improve accessibility and walkability
for municipalities. As urban centers struggle to retain residents,
a pilot program found that 20 minutes is the farthest people were a focus on chrono-urbanism can make them more inclusive, by
willing to walk for their daily needs, according to C40 Knowledge. attracting new people and widening the demographic. This type
Other cities have experimented with this type of urban planning, of planning can also enable greater sustainability and change
including Barcelona’s “Superblocks,” Bogota’s children priority transportation methods—both of which will become increasing-
zones, Buenos Aires’ car-free zone, Paris’ direction to create “capi- ly important. Localizing services to neighborhoods within these
tals” in neighborhoods, and more. time-centered areas will offer more niche consumers, giving op-
portunities to businesses looking to break into markets. As these
WHAT IT IS In Barcelona, the city has been implementing Superblocks for the regions grow and shift, population centers will be fluid, and may
past decade, reclaiming urban areas used by cars for people, retail, result in new geographic centers being prioritized. Planners will
Chrono-urbanism refers to and social activities. In 2021, a study found a decrease in both air face the challenges of determining various necessities while also
and noise pollution in these areas, while residents also reported a needing to encourage cultural synching within neighborhoods and
municipalities seeking to contain better sense of safety and higher interactions between neighbors. regions. But ultimately, by understanding the temporal patterns of
everything residents need on Technology is now enabling chrono-urbanism planning for such
a city, developers can make more informed decisions about where
and what to build. This can lead to more profitable investments, as
developments, which increases the efficiency of the planning pro-
a daily basis within a 5-, 10- or cess. Digital Blue Foam worked on its own LLMs that can propose
developments become better aligned with the times when people
are most active in certain areas.
15- minute walk. This is evolving feasible 15-minute city design ideas, so planners can create neigh-
borhoods that will give other residents a similar experience to the
as urban planning studies are Superblocks. Now, 15-minute cities are evolving into chrono-urban-
ism, informed by a 2022 study that evaluated denser urban areas
utilizing multiple technologies like with tighter time-based circumferences, like 5-, 10-, and 15-minute

AI and data mapping. neighborhoods.

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1ST YEAR ON THE LIST HOW IT WORKS WHY IT MATTERS

SELF-ORGANIZED Site selection and verification can be a costly and time-consum-

ing process; before any structure is built, real estate developers
Zoning has been a barrier for many cities as they look to provide
infrastructure and amenities to both attract new residents and

PLANNING
have to do a lot of upfront work to analyze both the location and support existing ones. This technology and planning methodology
market. As cities integrate more technology, the organization and could help accomplish both goals—aiding both cities looking to
development of neighborhoods, streets, and regions are becoming address urban decay and developers looking to maximize their
self-automated. investments. Underdeveloped areas or rural regions could identify
which investments could help them be more stable or leapfrog
Now, AI is providing ways to reduce much of the lift in urban a neighbor. More established cities and locations could achieve
planning and development. Software company Deepblocks has more resiliency. Some of these new capabilities will shift stake-
WHAT IT IS released tools for developers and investors to help pick the best holder integration and interactions, as residents will still want
site for their projects, including information on zoning and ways a say in how their cities are planned, but greater localized data
Technology is automating to test build through a virtual platform. It also allows for exports of could help provide better insights that reflect the communities’
reports based on its analysis. Other companies are looking to take preferences. For businesses, this technology could either end up
planning, site selection, and that automation even further. A recently filed patent claims to use enabling or disrupting the area around them. If the tools identify
AI modeling of a city for automatic site selection based on a set of
infrastructure deployment around criteria, to help cities understand how they can utilize underuti-
that an area is better off zoned for a different function, that could
either disrupt the location or bring new customers. And as office
cities. It can now also be used to lized areas. Another patent claims that it can use data to assess
vacant areas in a city to see if they are suitable for residential use.
spaces are left vacant in cities around the world, automation could
help decide how to best replace them.
suggest where vacant sites can With housing shortages around the world, such developments
could help cities more efficiently plan.
be converted for a new purpose.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

1ST YEAR ON THE LIST HOW IT WORKS WHY IT MATTERS

REWILDING Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of rewilding has gained
renewed attention and importance. As lockdowns and restric-
Increased efforts in rewilding is a direct aftereffect of the pandem-
ic that will continue to grow as people prioritize being outside and
tions prompted people to reconnect with nature and seek outdoor look to nature to help address mental health challenges. This trend
spaces, there has been a growing recognition of the mental and could benefit people and companies in multiple ways, such as by
physical health benefits of green spaces and natural environ- reducing long-term costs like air purification and lowering water
ments. Rewilding efforts, which emphasize restoring and preserv- use. Restored ecosystems can also act as a natural barrier that
ing ecosystems, are seen as a way to address some of the planet’s developing cities and economies could look to use for protection
inherent environmental challenges, and to build more resilient from climate change effects. Interest in their use will affect urban
and sustainable communities. planning and structural engineering of areas within cities where
WHAT IT IS
people want to spend their time.
Cities globally have been incorporating some of these concepts
Urban planners, designers, into their urban landscape. In Singapore, towering, artificial Companies that prioritize nature may also want to capitalize on
“supertrees” serve both aesthetic and ecological functions. These this demand by encouraging similar rewilding efforts in the areas
engineers, and architects structures are covered in a variety of plants, and the vertical they inhabit. Eventually, we could see sponsorships for rewilded
gardens create microhabitats for insects and birds, enhancing areas crop up just as we see parks and roads sponsored by groups
are using nature-inspired local flora biodiversity. The vertical gardens and elevated positions wanting to make a statement. But the type of rewilding that’s right
interventions to restore natural of the supertrees also attract birds, providing roosting sites and
potential nesting areas.
for both companies and geographic areas should be entertained on
a case-by-case-basis because each area will have different needs.
processes and environments in Elsewhere, startups are focusing on increasing and enhancing
As leaders work to prioritize which needs should be met first, ex-
pect some tension among residents, developers, and local officials.
cities. Besides being good for the trees. Living Carbon is experimenting with genetically modified
trees designed to capture more carbon and absorb greater quanti-
ecosystem, these enhancements ties of heavy metals from the soil than their natural counterparts.

are increasingly in demand by And GoPlant.me is leveraging the principles of crowdsourcing

to encourage financial support and volunteerism for urban tree
consumers. planting initiatives.

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REGENERATIVE
PRACTICES

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ADAPTIVE Repurposing existing buildings, a sustainable practice, reduces

construction waste by up to 40% and cuts the carbon emissions
Second-life projects can help reinvigorate areas of urban decay—
and could also become a major factor to plan for and consider on

REUSE AND
associated with new construction and building material produc- the front end of a project. This would shift the design process to
tion. Increasing interest in reuse can be found around the world: include planning for both today’s and tomorrow’s space, which
from the AMP Centre in Sydney, which was one of the first upcy- could ultimately lead to a new service offering. It could also mean
DECONSTRUCTION cled buildings; to a Dutch engineer’s efforts to recycle and reuse
all materials in a 14-story office tower; to decommissioned wind
continual projects that require a partner or project manager dedi-
cated to them for life, beyond facilities personnel.
turbine blades in Ireland finding new life as footbridges. Such proj-
ects could be aided by studies using AI to analyze what is inside a With global office vacancy rates increasing and as remote work
WHAT IT IS
building or structure to know what those materials could be used becomes the norm, office vacancies are expected to keep growing,
for in the future. leaving an increasing number of empty office spaces. Converting
As urban decay threatens these vacant offices serves a dual purpose: It addresses the vacan-
Beyond AI, other technologies are supporting this effort—specif- cy issue and tackles shortages for other uses including housing. At
many cities, developers and ically sensors and digital twins. These tools are being used to the same time, it also promotes upcycling and reduces construc-
make real-time adjustments as these buildings grow or change, tion waste while cutting construction costs and time. Remodeling
practitioners are giving new life and can also be helpful in maintaining structural integrity, and for can be a cost savings mechanism until items are uncovered that
to often-abandoned buildings knowing where to place additional support. As municipalities are
frequently starting to require new developments to have a decon-
were not originally planned for. With new forms of models and AI,
these hurdles could become things of the past.
and areas—converting them into struction plan, these models could be helpful in the long run.

livable and workable areas and Adapting interior spaces can also help give buildings a second life.
One compelling option for abandoned office buildings is verti-
spaces. cal farming. Another is converting offices to other uses: A study
by NAIOP has identified medical offices and labs as promising
candidates for office conversions, as they have less remote work
potential. Several firms are using AI to model out which of these
conversions would meet economic and infrastructure constraints.
This shift, if it continues, will impact the design of building sys-
tems to allow for greater flexibility.

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METAMATERIALS Metamaterials are smart materials that are enabled with var-
ious technologies; they can self-heal, self-assemble, change
Using a single material and a single 3D printing process, this tech-
nology has the potential to transform the construction industry by
color, become lighter, or regulate temperature. Stimuli-respon- enabling structures that adapt to changing conditions.
sive materials, such as shape memory polymers, are flexible
sheets that can continuously change shape under external The longevity of built elements will become even more important
forces like electromagnetic or thermomechanical stimuli, with of a consideration as buildings can potentially have multiple—and
the ability to return to their original form. These metamaterials longer—lives. With new, more responsive materials, even stagnant
promise to create adaptable structures that respond to their elements and furnishings can take on a second life, which gives
environment, such as self-healing concrete for autonomous a space more functionality and use. These metamaterials will
WHAT IT IS repairs and smart windows and building facades that adjust to also change the performance standards for roadways and other
weather conditions, enhancing energy efficiency.
essential infrastructure, and can be used to protect structures
Emerging materials are on the Researchers have contributed much to these new types of ma- that provide water and other necessary resources. Developing and
terials lately. Researchers from Boston University have created integrating more metamaterials should be a priority, especially for
horizon that are notable for their a new kind of material that blocks sound while allowing for regions that lack stability, as they’ll help protect against extreme
airflow, which could transform building facades in urban and conditions and allow infrastructure to maintain itself. This could
responsive and programmable noisy areas. Researchers at the University of Central Florida be a cost saving for many areas that currently lack manpower
nature, along with capabilities have developed a new textile that changes color and appear-
ance on demand. And 3D printing and additive manufacturing
during construction and inclement weather.

that enable greater sustainability continue to offer many inroads for metamaterials, including a
breakthrough from MIT researchers to 3D print materials that
Moreover, as more people move to urban environments and growth
continues, noise is increasingly a factor. As acoustic comfort be-
and self-repair. can sense and react to environmental changes. comes more elusive, metamaterials can play a key role by chang-
ing the comfort rating of spaces based on unique stimuli. While
Additive manufacturing has even built an entire house: The
new products are manufactured that include metamaterials, the
BioHome3D, constructed by the University of Maine, is a 3D
printed house that uses scrap lumber, sawdust, and construc- price point will initially increase. But the enhancements the tech-
tion debris, combined with biopolymers sourced from plants, nology brings to these spaces will be very valuable going forward.
animals, bacteria, and fungi to create 3D printed wood. Tak-
ing innovation further, 4D printing enables 3D printed smart
materials to respond to external stimuli by expanding, con-
tracting, bending, and more. These materials find applications
in self-assembling furniture and regenerative systems for
infrastructure, like self-repairing piping systems and bridges.

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RESILIENT DESIGN Threats to a region often prompt new strategies for the built en-
vironment. Flood-prone areas like New Orleans and Maasbommel
Given the recent pandemic and ongoing climate change, provid-
ing safety and security in structures is top of mind. New forms of
in the Netherlands are responding by constructing amphibious resiliency, for both the design and construction of buildings, will
homes with buoyant foundations, allowing them to float during be expected to address the potential effects of war, severe storms,
floods while maintaining sewer and utility connections through wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels. Managing and analyzing
flexible piping. Dutch company MVRDV’s Sea Level Rise Catalogue the weaknesses in a region will provide actionable recommenda-
explores other similar ideas, such as floating habitat islands, tions and strategies that can combat these future issues.
adaptive structures, and mixed-use high-rises on stilts. Inland
developments are addressing water surges with permeable ground In addition, resilient design can lead to significant cost savings
WHAT IT IS
coverings and rainwater buffers. by reducing the damage and economic disruptions caused by
disasters. By investing in resilient infrastructure and buildings,
New practices and technologies The devastating impact of earthquakes in places like Turkey, Syria, communities and businesses can avoid or minimize costly repairs
and recently Morocco underscores the importance of anti-seis- and downtime following a disaster. This stability is crucial for eco-
are helping us plan for future mic construction methods. Buildings are already using flexible nomic growth and investor confidence.
foundations and shock absorbers to withstand earthquakes, but
climate change and crises. New so called seismic invisibility cloaks, which use deflectors to pro- Eventually, public projects could increasingly mandate safety
of spaces as area residents require more stability. And with the
spaces for safety, respite, and tect buildings, making them appear “invisible” to seismic forces,
offer new avenues. And where cities are sinking, there’s a need growing focus on mental health, resilient spaces that create areas
resiliency are also being created for new resilient solutions like artificial recharge and deep soil to de-stress could become a basic infrastructure requirement—as
essential as electricity and water are today. This shift could change
mixing, requiring careful planning and investment. Scientists are
to promote better health and also studying lightweight building materials and foundations to building codes and planning, and be helpful in developing areas.

wellness. reduce the risk of subsidence.

Resilient design also encompasses creating spaces for respite.

Many workplaces are piloting emotion-sensing technology to
understand the mental state of their employees, and finding ways
to create places for them to decompress—a field that researchers
are also studying in educational spaces. A new patent for furniture
looks to use sensors that can tell users when they are stressed
and should take a break.

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ADDRESSING Homeownership costs are soaring around the globe, and there’s
not enough housing to meet demand. A Moody’s Analytics study
Housing conversions will be a prime focus in the built environment
for the next several years. Attainable housing—residential units

HOUSING
found the US is grappling with its lowest housing availability in that are affordable for a wide range of people, especially those with
30 years. In many countries, housing costs are outpacing income middle-income levels—will also help address social issues. But
growth, resulting in a severe shortage of affordable options. By as civil engineers continue to be tapped to study what could be
SHORTAGES 2030, the World Bank predicts that 3 billion people will require
new access to adequate housing.
developed, these types of data mining platforms become more rel-
evant. More adaptable and responsive construction practices and
studies are needed, and businesses and companies can help them
To facilitate new housing construction, cities are exploring rezon- scale by educating stakeholders in their region and providing
WHAT IT IS ing or “upzoning” policies. Japan’s flexible zoning and incentives case studies to try new forms of implementation. As investors and
have increased affordable housing through effective supply man- banks look to place their capital with more responsible companies,
With rising homelessness and agement. Vienna’s social housing model strives to offer quality, those that focus on solutions will be seen as places for goodwill
affordable homes to all residents; over 60% of its population are investments. Such funding will bring stability to areas that have
housing shortages around the in municipally-supported apartments, reducing inequality and seen exponential growth of people experiencing homelessness, or
promoting social integration.
globe, cities and companies are are trying to develop strategies for residents becoming unhoused
due to unforeseen conditions. Adequate housing is a foundation
Innovative data mining is also crucial for new urban planning.
creating new forms of housing. Yeme Architects’ Community Data Platform helps identify defi-
for stable employment and economic participation. When people
have secure and affordable homes, they are more likely to engage
ciencies in British neighborhoods, information developers can
effectively in the workforce—and contribute to overall economic
use for deciding whether more schools, shops, or green spaces are
growth and stability.
needed. MySidewalk, a comprehensive community data library,
reveals insights from various data sets, including the US Census
and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address issues
like healthy food access and income inequality, guiding targeted
solutions for land development.

Supply chain disruptions and higher labor costs exacerbate the

housing affordability problem. A possible solution is what ICON and
14Trees are doing by leading 3D home printing construction tech-
nologies, potentially paving ways to reduce costs and emissions.

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REGENERATIVE Companies are exploring alternatives to traditional materials that

are more sustainable than their counterparts. The K-Briq, created
Regenerative design goes beyond reducing harm to actively
improving the environment. This approach aligns with growing

DESIGN
by UK-based startup Kenoteq, is an eco-friendly brick made from consumer and stakeholder expectations for companies to be not
90% construction waste; it matches the appearance and weight of just environmentally neutral but positively impactful. The built
regular bricks but emits just 10% of the carbon and provides im- environment is becoming more than just what it can house: New
proved insulation. Berlin startup Made of Air developed an organic spaces, structures, products, and buildings are becoming more
waste-based, carbon-negative bioplastic, storing the equivalent responsible to the community where they reside. That benefits
of about two tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of plastic. The everyone: Companies that embrace regenerative design often lead
bioplastic can be used in building facades, furniture, interiors, in innovation, and by adopting regenerative practices, they can
WHAT IT IS
transport, and urban infrastructure, sequestering carbon dioxide ensure the long-term availability of the resources they rely on. This
and aiding in climate change mitigation. approach also reduces dependency on external and potentially un-
Comprising sustainable and stable sources, mitigating risks associated with resource scarcity
Plantd’s proprietary technology transforms rapidly growing pe- and environmental degradation.
circular design, regenerative rennial grass into carbon-negative structural panels for walls and
roofs materials that are stronger and more moisture resistant As more regions push for carbon sequestration requirements and
design includes spaces, than competitive products. Developed by MIT chemical engineers, energy resilience, they will start to prioritize these products and
structures, products, real estate 2DPA-1 is a self-assembling, lightweight polymer that’s stronger
than steel, offering versatile applications for building materials
materials that give back as well. They can start with methods that
offer respect on a cultural level and do not have to become ho-
practices, and places that are and structures. Norwegian startup Carbon Crusher repairs roads mogenized. Tax incentives will surely become one path forward to
with recycled asphalt and a plant-based adhesive, which is faster, accelerate this practice, which can help with further research and
working to give back to the cost-effective, and carbon-sequestering. development within the built environment industry.

community they sit within and Dutch startup Energy Floors utilizes kinetic harvesting, or energy

benefit the environment. scavenging, to capture energy from mechanical motion, like foot
traffic, converting it into electricity for diverse indoor and outdoor
applications. Researchers are also exploring new types of furni-
ture that use algae that can produce energy through a grow light
at night.

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SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2050

Amphibious Cities
The gentle sound of water moving has become quite common in Singapore, Helsinki, Jakarta, Miami, and Syd-
ney in 2050, and it’s not because its residents are relaxing by the water—rather, water is rising and falling over
their homes. Embracing the fact that climate change was unavoidable, these cities were some of the first to
implement mixed-use amphibious areas, ultimately leading to completely amphibious cities.

These areas started out as regular neighborhoods but were built using modular components that, as the wa-
ters rose, allowed portions of buildings to be submerged without needing to be relocated. In fact, most of the
buoyancy comes from the walking spaces under the buildings, which started off as crawl spaces and became
an underground tunnel system connecting the amphibious sectors. Above the water, kinetic harvesting wave
generators power the areas and have become their own form of public art. Most residents have porches on top
of their homes now, so when they venture out for fresh air, they can sit and take in the expansive oceanic view. It
works out well for everyone—except some local governments. Many of these amphibious cities face property tax
debates with local authorities, seeing as there is now less land or property to tax.

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AUGMENTED
PRACTICES

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SENSORIAL Cities like San Diego are experimenting with using 3D billboards
and holographic displays to create more visual immersion on
Visual engagement in the built environment can have the same
effect as it does on social media: It prolongs the retention of the

ELEMENTS
sidewalks, retail fronts, and around the city. Individual companies memory of that moment, which could help boost desire to return
are exploring their options too: brands like Nike and Coach have to those places. As many are looking for ways to draw employees,
utilized massive 3D billboards for promotional campaigns in Tokyo visitors, and residents back into the built environment, these
and London, and McDonald’s used a weather-responsive billboard types of immersive experiences can provide an answer.
in the UK for personalized ads.
But there are many other benefits as well. Shared, immersive
Artist Refik Anadol is taking this visual, sensorial immersion to experiences form social cohesion, and offer branding and cultural
WHAT IT IS another level. He gained fame for using AI in a Museum of Modern engagement that extends beyond traditional community events.
Art installation that projected shapeshifting images from the New They can be bolstered through shared data, which offer ways to
Technology is allowing for York museum’s vast art collection onto a 24-foot screen. This kind curate the content based on who is in the room, which can make
of transition to increasingly kinetic places and spaces is also seen these experiences even more meaningful. As wearable technology
more immersive experiences in architecture, where building parts can move without compro- scales, and users opt in to share their data, this new information
mising integrity, as they respond to changing human and environ- provides fodder for community content and preferences.
and design within the built mental conditions. The Al-Bahr towers in Abu Dhabi is an example:
On the flip side, regulation for visual safety and viewers’ data
environment. This includes 3D The buildings have a protective skin of 2,000 glass elements that
automatically adjust based on sunlight, offering sustainability privacy needs to be considered. People passing through public
billboards and other types of benefits as well. spaces should be made aware if their presence and their data is
being used to generate the art, and the art should be representa-
digital signage and art. A recent sensory exhibit in Australia looks to move past the visual tive of all as well.
into touch and play, highlighting ways spaces can be more inclu-
sive for those who are a part of the neurodivergent community.
Many retail centers are also looking to infill their vacant spaces
with these multi-sensory experiences that use interactive screens
to display art and color. Recent displays at the retail show NRF had
Samsung displays where you could hear coffee being poured and
smell donuts.

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AUTOMATED From optimizing traffic planning to ensuring efficient code check-

ing for building permits, city officials and developers are harness-
Automation is already part of urban planning and development,
which means that it will increasingly play a larger role in other

DESIGN
ing AI to automate the ways urban spaces can be smarter and steps of the process, from design to construction. Already, auto-
more sustainable. They’re also using AI to automate understand- mating multiple parts of the design process and overall project is
ing of future damage and aging infrastructure. The Korea Institute becoming more normalized. For companies and industry affiliates,
of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has created D.N.A. they should expect some portion of their process to be automated
(Data, Network, and AI) technologies for forecasting bridge wear soon, if it hasn’t been already. The new tools increase efficiency
and aging, to facilitate proactive and possibly automated upkeep. and actually do not stifle creativity: They let built environment pro-
In a similar vein, data science company Concrete.ai’s system al- fessionals see multiple iterations they may not have considered.
WHAT IT IS
lows for the automation and optimization of concrete mixes, with
a specific focus on reducing carbon emissions. When partnered with augmented forms of construction, automa-
AI integration is increasingly tion can help scale built environment projects to grow faster, pro-
AI is also being used to accelerate and improve the construction vided that the funding is in place. Clients will ultimately need to
prevalent, from automating life cycle. It can automate deliveries and source materials more provide more data for these types of projects, and the practitioners
efficiently, which helps with construction execution planning and will need to understand and iterate through the process faster.
the design practice and updating of construction sequences. Software company IFS offers These changes ultimately require more reliance on technology—
tools, enhancing iterations planning and scheduling optimization products using AI to ensure
real-time construction schedule optimization and on-time project
not necessarily leading to a reduction in staff but an increase in
augmentation practices. This will push traditional design process
of drawings, and generating completion, while Hypar automates designs by providing a cloud- thinking, something that the entire built environment could take a
based platform for integrating predesigned systems into projects. moment to consider.
specifications and purchase
AI’s impact on automating design can also be seen in other ways.
orders to synthesizing customer AI tools like Maket.ai and Archi.ai are helping to automate plans

insights and enabling decisions and design ideas. WINT, or Water Intelligence, is combining AI and
IoT to manage water flow and promptly detect anomalies, en-
on sustainable implementation hancing water conservation in construction. And two Florida Tech
researchers—Hamidreza Najafi and Benjamin Kubwimana—have
processes for construction and published a paper proposing a new method for optimizing build-

manufacturing. ing energy models (BEMs) using Python EnergyPlus for energy
optimization, which would be of benefit to MEP engineers.

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METAVERSE Metaversal technologies include any technology that augments

the physical world, and collaboration is one of the main ways many
Use of the metaverse for the built environment is not for living but
for experiencing elevated physical interactions. Virtual tourism, al-

ENABLING companies are looking to harness the metaverse for the built envi- ready in progress, can be augmented through this technology, with
ronment and design process. Some are using virtual reality (VR) for cities, sites, and other experiences being built in the metaverse.
immersive design experiences, while others are experimenting with For cities looking to attract new residents, they could offer pre-ex-
using augmented reality (AR) to overlay digital information onto the perience city living before a family moves to a new home. For
physical world, aiding architects, engineers, and designers in 3D developers, this try-before-you-buy experience in the metaverse
will become more important as new properties compete with one
visualization. The RAD Lab at the University of Miami is using mixed
another, and the higher the fidelity, the more likely it will resonate
WHAT IT IS reality to offer immersive experiences for its architecture students
with potential tenants. This will also require firms to continue
and enable innovative design collaborations in the metaverse. In the
to expand their BIM models with more realistic modeling, which
While the metaverse is still commercial world, Hyve-3D is integrating virtual reality and holo-
could create larger file sizes and extend the project timeline. Firms
graphic displays, enabling user interaction with the full project for
could look for ways that other technologies like AI could assist
up in the air—literally and review and collaboration without a headset. in preventing these complications, or work to reuse components
figuratively—many architects In 2021, the metaverse’s top benchmark was enabling users to
already in the metaverse to their advantage. As public projects go
before communities and other decision-makers, digital twins in
and designers are exploring the overcome real-life obstacles, including disabilities, allowing them
to experience places and spaces that they previously could not. That
the metaverse could become a requirement for approval and vot-
ing. For the industry itself, metaversal technology offers education
possibilities of what they can main purpose now extends to others, such as, letting art lovers expe-
opportunities and a more extensive global reach that can help
rience museum exhibitions via AR and VR from afar. Cities are also
create within it and figuring out using the metaverse to enable safety and creativity. Tuvalu aims to
firms achieve their upskilling and diversity goals.

how to enable collaboration and become the first digital nation by re-creating itself in the metaverse
to safeguard its culture and society amid ongoing threats from
accessibility. rising sea levels and climate change. And Zaha Hadid Architects cre-
ated “Liberland Metaverse,” a virtual unrecognized libertarian state
featuring the firm’s signature architectural style marked by curves
and rounded corners.

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INCLUSIVE Enhancing accessibility in public spaces involves working to

understand and accommodate diverse neurological and physio-
As cities look to prevent urban decay, providing greater accessibil-
ity will increase resident satisfaction and use of spaces. For now,

DESIGN
logical conditions. It can also entail designing public spaces to most of the technologies are app-based, but greater accessibility
enable greater mobility and creating novel apps like South Korea’s would be achieved without the need for an app. Updates could
“Dagachi Naranhi” and France’s SonarVision to help visually im- also lead to the redesign of codes and governing statutes that
paired residents navigate their spaces. impact how places and spaces are laid out and designed. In an
aging world, older demographics will only continue to push for this
Aging is included here. The World Health Organization has released type of inclusivity, which can impact the products created to be
guidelines for age-friendly cities, covering key domains like hous- incorporated into spaces and the infrastructure needed to support
WHAT IT IS ing, transportation, and social inclusion; this in turn is driving civ- those products. More inclusive living centers will become more at-
il engineers to enhance accessibility with wider sidewalks, ramps, tractive as the aging population continues to grow, which will force
Inclusiveness has become a top elevators, and improved senior transportation. Brunel University developers to consider new unit types, new forms of retail spaces,
London, in collaboration with Meta and the University of Cam- and new places of care. At a time when mobility is increasing, in-
goal in this industry, and meeting bridge, is researching ways to enhance the metaverse’s accessibil- clusivity will need to be rethought along roadways, terminals, and
ity for disabled and older individuals.
the minimum requirements lodging locations.

The 2021 Built Environment Social Equity Survey, conducted in

is no longer palatable. Using collaboration with over two dozen organizations, found that 65% of
technology to address disabilities employees consider increasing racial and gender diversity in the
built environment—and within its leadership—important, reflect-
includes using more participatory ing a growing emphasis on an inclusive environment’s potential to
spur innovation and new solutions. The survey further highlights
design to include the community efforts to boost diversity in the built environment, such as youth

as part of the design process. education. An example is a pilot project in Riga that uses a game
environment for local exploration and architectural awareness for
kids to learn about the industry.

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REAL-TIME DATA Due to the pandemic, companies are increasingly adopting

occupancy sensor technologies—including passive infrared and
Data has always mattered, but it has taken on an increased im-
portance. Now, collecting data can lead to better-informed deci-

COLLECTION FOR ultrasonic and utilization tools to inform space planning and
cleaning, as well as to enhance workplace safety and experience.
sions and provide a way to model potential actions before finan-
cially committing to plans. But collecting data the right way also

DECISION-MAKING JLL offers a tech service using data analytics for insight-driven
real estate decisions, improving areas like energy efficiency and
matters. Understanding sensor technology will become a critical
factor for companies in the built environment industry, along with
AND PLANNING tenant satisfaction. Digital models and other tools are enabling
real-time decisions, but these require built-in sensors and other
properly integrating them into projects. Developers and retailers
can use sensor technology to implement better amenities and
visualization tools to provide the data to model. Gensler’s Graph direct targeted use and interactions within their space, and also
WHAT IT IS
product suite is an example: Its spatial analytics toolkit analyzes in preparing for aging infrastructure. This type of preparedness
and visualizes data from various sources to provide insights for could also help allocate resources during times of crisis or climate
Data collection through sensors design and space planning. change shifts, meaning cities can and should use this type of data
collection and plan now to prepare for the future. When people and
and other platforms is now This data collection and modeling applies to urban planning products are enabled to contribute their data for planning purpos-
as well. Rotterdam, Netherlands-based MVRDV has developed
being used for cost estimation, RoofScape, a tool using the growing ecosystem of urban municipal
es, healthier spaces and products can result. Firms should prepare
for more sensor integration and data analyzation on both the front
to understand use and behavior data to suggest concrete use cases for underutilized rooftops. For
civil engineering, UK water utility company Anglian Water offers a
and back end of projects going forward.

patterns, and to make more real-time mapping system, which utilizes geospatial technology to
prioritize where work is needed. In the system’s first six months of
informed real estate and built operation, it reduced blockages by over 51%, cleaned 112 kilometers

environment decisions. of sewers, and removed 8 tons of debris.

Parking is one area heavily invested in data capturing and model-

ing. Visionful, a US startup, provides cloud-based predictive ana-
lytics for parking and also includes a mapped database for faster
crime response. France-based Mytraffic uses advanced analytics
to provide location insights such as space utilization and traffic
management, real estate portfolio performance, and potential
locations of business expansions.

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SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2025

Instant Permitting
Getting building permits used to take weeks if not months. But now, thanks to automated design and real-time
optimization, they can take minutes—that is, if the residents approve and the digital model says it’s ready to be
built. The shift in permitting was partially due to the increased use of registered digital BIM models, which went
to the city as soon as they were started, allowing cities to weigh in on potential code issues ahead of time. This
optimization led to more of a collective dialogue between firms, designers, clients, and cities; it’s been especial-
ly helpful when cities needed to build their own projects, as the models can factor in when construction teams
might have downtime due to the permits submitted. Looking to ensure residents’ satisfaction, cities have also
implemented digital town halls where the digital twins of the potential projects are displayed and voted on by
residents. Then, residents feel they are part of the process, and will weigh in on the public infrastructure needed.
City inspections now include deconstruction plans, changing demolition permits, which are actually the per-
mits that are hardest to obtain.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SMART CITY
IMPLEMENTATIONS

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SMART BUILDINGS Building automation continues to give operators greater control

over smart building systems. Companies like ABB are selling
Building and space automation continues to focus on efficient
systems. As new regulations are handed down, the presence of
systems that offer control over HVAC and building energy man- these systems could separate legacy buildings from newer ones—if
agement; they’ve brought a range of scalable automation and more efficient buildings are prioritized, urban decay could fes-
energy control to the United Arab Emirates, with a plan to continue ter should those buildings not occupy space in downtown areas.
to deploy its offerings in other places over the next three years. Emerging economies and regional cities could capitalize on this
Facilio also expanded into the Australian market, deploying its AI to bypass their neighbors if they have the needed infrastructure in
SaaS platform to help with monitoring energy efficiency and fault place. For economic stimulation, the development and retrofitting
detection and diagnosis. of smart buildings drive growth by creating jobs and stimulating
WHAT IT IS
demand for new technologies and services.
Platforms like nClarity offer 24/7 real-time monitoring, using
The buildings we occupy are cloud-based analytics to look for anomalies and performance deg- In addition, smart buildings generate valuable data that can be
radation, as well as finding ways to mitigate issues. Typically these used to enhance building management, user experience, and
becoming further automated as systems have been cost affordable only for large-scale buildings, inform future development. Landlords and developers should con-
but Siemens debuted a new hub that would allow for its IoT-based tinue to prioritize these types of buildings, as this type of automa-
smart technology is incorporated. system to work with small buildings and even office campuses. tion will allow them to tightly manage space occupation, which is
Smart buildings, integrating ProSentry and Senet’s new partnership will offer smart building
monitoring for everything from gas leaks to mouse traps.
a growing concern. It could be useful for future lease and tenant
negotiations as well, as they can predict the performance of their
advanced technologies and These smart building management systems are also looking to
future spaces. This could also help tenants, by giving them the
very granular data they expect, including the performance of their
automation for enhanced manage space. Tenantcube helps landlords manage their prop- space when compared to other units in the building and their area.
erties by helping them automate listing and renting. Platforms
efficiency and user experience, like the one offered by ApartX also increase automation by using

are emerging as a transformative biometrics to automate operations and Smart Residence’s app
that allows residents to control and reserve amenities in the
trend in the built environment building. A continued focus on bringing workers back to the office
has spurred an increase in technology use for visual and auditory
sector. privacy and lighting—including bulbs that help circadian rhythms
and other technologies that can automatically detect Covid’s pres-
ence by smell.

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SMART HOME Recently, smart homes and apartments have seen an influx of
newly connected and automated integrations. The open source
Most people spend a lot of their time at home, and in-home smart
technology continues to change the way people interact with their

AUTOMATION AND
interoperability standard Matter became a major focus toward environment. As the world’s population gets older, integrating
the end of 2023 and continued in 2024. It would allow for in- aging-in-place technology into the home will become more im-
home devices to control multiple connected components. Other portant—whether in apartments, shared living spaces, or tradi-
MONITORING smart home technologies include auto-arming alarms, ovens that
allow for livestreamed cooking, sensors that can have fans track
tional single-family homes. New monitoring devices, which may
be covered by insurance in the future, could offer more connected
your face, heaters that learn to optimize energy consumption, care. Concerns for energy stability could lead to a greater need for
and Kohler’s Stillness bath, which uses light and fog to create a renewable energy sources for these homes, which could shift in-
WHAT IT IS
soothing environment. Kohler also launched its voice-controlled frastructure and planning needs. This would also affect zoning and
bidet that has a self-cleaning mode. Lighting controls continue to need to be welcomed by the residents. For multifamily apartment
Homes are continuing to become improve with Phillips’ Hue E14 bulb—which includes over a million buildings and complexes, automated systems and AI in smart
shades of programmable white light to choose from—and Nano- buildings streamline maintenance and operations, reducing costs
more helpful and personalized leaf’s Sense+ Controls, which learn when to turn off lights based and improving performance. These smart homes can also offer
through smart technology. on a person’s daily activity. This dovetails into a continuing trend
in smart homes: monitoring for safety. Elsi’s Smart Floor can track
curated personalization in new forms: through smart windows and
new connected devices, they can bring community cohesion and
if a person has fallen, and MIT created a monitor that can track bridge the gap for families that live in different places. This can
how Parkinson’s disease has progressed based on the afflicted also be utilized in co-living complexes and neighborhoods where
person’s gait. residents want to share experiences.

In many homes and apartments, noise is a top complaint; it may

soon be addressed by a new plasma-based silencing technology.
Another chief challenge is space: in response, Ori, a provider of
multifunctional, robotic-power spaces, has launched a pocket
office that can expand and collapse to turn one space into two.
And to increase security, researchers have filed a new patent to
use doorbell cameras and other CCTV cameras to track and predict
criminal activity in an area. This includes Lockly’s Visage, a smart
lock that can store 100 face profiles to allow entry to a home.

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SMART PARKING The structures and roadways in smart cities continue to provide
opportunities for both data collection and improved resident
Finding a place to park has always been a challenge in major
cities, but new technology can alleviate this concern. It can also

AND ROADWAYS
experiences. Eventually, traffic lights could be used to monitor increase a sense of safety in more remote locations, with the im-
congestion and report when accidents occur, according to a recent plementation of these new traffic signals. Countries with a more
patent. The proposed patent is also examining how traffic lights mobile populace should prioritize these types of technologies to
PREDICTABILITY can connect to emergency services should an accident occur.
Cities are exploring solutions for intersection congestion: for
enable better experiences on the roads and create higher safety
standards. This trend could also impact traffic patterns, where
instance, Seoul is implementing a combination of AI, lidar, and local jurisdictions might need to create plans, and then commu-
CCTV at an intersection to enhance traffic signaling for improved nicate any changes through connected devices and autonomous
WHAT IT IS
safety. Parking spaces—whether in garages or on the street—are vehicles. The connected monitoring devices and traffic lights could
also data points that allow for potential visibility into available ultimately take away emergency vehicle drivers’ worry about cross-
Traffic congestion is one of the spaces within smart cities. Southwest of Denver, Colorado is test- ing through intersections, at least when autonomous vehicles
ing interlocking Smart Pavement slabs that use Wi-Fi and detect scale. In the meantime emergency personnel can gain a view into
top concerns many municipalities when a crash occurs, which will then alert emergency services. In a the current condition of their destination site they are going along
hope to address with smart recent study in the International Journal of Grid and High Perfor-
mance Computing, researchers proposed an IoT-AIPS system that
with how to get there.

technology. They are also can predict parking spot availability to help reduce wait times for
finding parking. HaydenAI took this a step further and, in collab-
implementing new technology oration with New York City, used the technology to detect illegal

that can help generate less parking in bus lanes.

carbon dioxide with more

efficient traffic patterns.

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UBIQUITOUS Sensors have become ubiquitous. In smart cities, IoT sensors

and devices are embedded to collect data for operational use
IoT connection is increasing the amount of data available to smart
cities, and the industry is currently prioritizing water, traffic, and

SENSOR
and predictive models. To fuel this connectivity, there have been resident experience and safety. As sensors in the built environ-
several new network deployments, like Amazon Sidewalk, which ment begin to share more data between themselves, this will
aims to create a low-power, long-range network from IoT devices. In create greater opportunities for managing increasingly granular
DISTRIBUTION Scotland, the Aberdeenshire Council is trying out North’s IoT Accel-
erator Pack program, which will reveal insights on building health,
needs within the city. This also presents greater data security
needs, and the necessity for residents to opt in to data collection.
social housing, water monitoring, waste management, air quality, Without residents’ consent and understanding, a pervasive sense
and road surface temperature. of fear will arise over how their data will be used. Cities imple-
WHAT IT IS
menting these sensors should create robust campaigns to dispel
As connected data collection in smart cities has increased, so has concerns, and create plans to deal with potential sensor system
Sensors are being further resident engagement. In Israel, Nexar and MuniAI are operation- hacks. New talent may be necessary for integrating the design of
alizing IoT sensors and citizen feedback to alert city workers to these sensors into projects; they also require an increased amount
integrated into the built maintenance issues. In the UK, Visual Solutions launched a crowd- of IT investment in the office and on-site. Ultimately, sensors will
sourced measurement service that uses mobile Wi-Fi signals to
environment to collect data that sense and count crowds. Sensors and AI are being integrated into
provide a more continuous awareness of project status, which
would solve a persistent client need.
can be used in predictive models safety vests for construction workers to reveal their location and
excessive body heat, or integrate wearable detection methods to
and enable intensive and ongoing prevent people from being hit by cars.

monitoring. Other companies are continuing to use sensors to predict air

quality and pollen distribution, like Norwegian startup Airmine.
Companies are also embedding sensors into IoT predictive HVAC
systems to increase building performance and tenant experiences.
Water quality technology also increasingly uses sensors for mon-
itoring water and detecting lead and other toxins. In interior spac-
es, furniture and even walls are becoming embedded with sensors
for data collection. A patent for a new office chair uses sensors in
combination with more reactive fabrics and materials to tell when
the occupant is stressed and needs to take a break.

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DIGITAL TWIN Urban transportation has been a major user of digital twins, with
companies like ShapesAI using the technology to predict colli-
Digital twins and models are becoming an expectation within
the built environment. However, the players who will most bene-

PREDICTIVE PLANNING sions. Cities and countries are also leveraging these models to
predict when roads will need repair, and when traffic could occur.
fit from the technology are finding new ways to collect data that
these models can use to generate meaningful insights. They’ll be
AND PREVENTION Estonia is rewriting its road maintenance manual using digital
twins, and a new patent explores embedding sensors so that
able to identify potential issues and make informed decisions
even before issues arise or construction begins. The technology
MONITORING digital twins can predict settling and cracks in the road. In the
US, startup Citydata utilizes AI to collect census data to look for
also enhances the design process and improves communication
among project teams as they can model the repercussions of their
patterns in transportation and population movements. decisions. Many working in BIM models will need to elevate their
WHAT IT IS
current level of modeling to achieve a true digital twin; when the
Urban planning has also been affected. Los Angeles is creating a digital twins link to become a digital mesh, it will signify the next
Digital models are not new to digital twin of a neighborhood to test out decarbonization strate- evolution of this trend. When digital meshes become a reality for
gies, and new research from the University of Twente in the Nether- the built environment, that is when smart cities will truly become
the built environment industry. lands found that digital twins can help improve the efficiency of responsive and enabled. But this trend isn’t just for new or smart
planning and coordination in cities. This technology can be a boon
However, as they evolve, they to cities looking for new residents, which is what Miami is using
buildings: Local firms can leverage their on-the-ground locations
to start modeling older buildings, allowing them to have their own
are becoming more integral for its digital twin to do—helping them find schools and other ame-
nities when they are looking to move. Jacobs in the UK is using
digital twins.

upfront planning by enabling the digital twins to model potential floods to help communities know
where to place key infrastructure. For interior spaces, Matterport
constant flow of data about the recently launched Genesis, a generative AI that creates a digital

long-term visibility of a structure, twin of interior spaces to help property management teams make
design and utilization decisions about physical spaces. The Korte
building, or product’s life and use. Co., a US construction company, uses its data and digital twins in
preconstruction to model what changes to parameters will do to
costs and construction schedules.

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1ST YEAR ON THE LIST HOW IT WORKS WHY IT MATTERS

ENABLED DEVICES Smart cities are leveraging multiple types of devices to monitor
and detect events. One example is a new camera from Vivotek that
Improving the quality of life is a fundamental part of the built envi-
ronment industry, and new technology makes that goal even easier

FOR URBAN
uses a vision-processing chip and platform called BrainChip to for professionals. Real-time monitoring can detect and respond
utilize edge computing. It also uses AI to identify gender and age to security threats or emergencies, ensuring the safety of citizens.
from video footage, even when people are wearing masks. Hailo Monitoring of utilities like water and electricity can also allow for
MANAGEMENT Technologies in Tel Aviv is also exploring smart cameras that use
edge AI processors for smart cities, security, retail, and other appli-
more efficient resource use and can help in early detection of is-
sues like leaks or outages. What will be key here is the interopera-
cations for analytics at the edge. bility of these devices, so that they can communicate and share in-
formation. If multiple competitors begin to take hold in one region,
WHAT IT IS Drones are now also bringing smart city capabilities to rural areas, future sharing of data could be problematic. Governments will
and a patent is exploring the potential for drone air and water need to carefully consider new regulations as the trend scales, and
New technologies such as edge monitoring. Light poles, like Voltpost, are transforming lamp posts any new guidelines should be coordinated among local, national,
into charging stations for drones and security monitoring stations; and international entities so that new devices can be compliant in
drones, connected cameras, and their cameras can also analyze images to determine if a pedestrian multiple regions. This will ultimately allow for more global interop-
is in distress. Other Smart Poles from Vitrulux are also incorporat-
novel communication systems ing voice assistants, which could help pedestrians with navigation.
erability and sharing of information, which could become crucial
during times of global crisis. Well-monitored cities will also attract
are being used to enhance urban In Boston, Soofa digital kiosks provide air quality updates through-
more businesses due to a better enabled environment and happi-
er, healthier residents.
management processes. out the city and can even suggest what activities are safe to do out-
side. Bettair in Spain uses a network of sensors to map and identify
pollution hotspots. In Houston, the city is using smart meters to
track water usage and monitor its water distribution system.

Trash and waste management systems in smart cities also contin-

ue to improve. In the UK, the Sunderland City Council is testing out
the use of solar-powered smart compactor bins. A recently filed
patent is exploring using sensors and AI to help plan more effi-
cient routes for garbage collection in cities, and for the detection
of waste bins in the street.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2038

The New Way to Walk

On any given day in London, it is now quite common to see mobs of people gathering and walking down the
street. However, this isn’t your usual tourist crowd or flash mob. Instead, it’s due to Zwift’s route automation,
which directs residents to take certain routes throughout the city to optimize their route in real time. Such a
capability was attempted in 2023, with Transport for London’s initiatives aiming to fix traffic congestion and
address air pollution and climate issues, but it met heavy resistance after charges and fines were levied.

Most residents feel Zwift has taken this initiative to the next level in 2038, as it has allowed them to sync their
calendars, and it can also help them to gain access to public transportation and other amenities; the app then
tells them which route would be the most efficient for their time, cost, and carbon neutral goals based on their
day. The app also suggests the walking path that might best suit their health needs and that they might find
most pleasant. Users rely on its air quality alerts for the areas to avoid.

With more people walking, sidewalks have leveled up. They now incorporate new built-in resting pads; when
you need a break, the pads sense your fatigue and can fold up to create a place for you to sit and recharge your
wearables. A favorite sitting activity involves experiencing the rewilding forest through AR, learning about local
history and indigenous wildlife. This experience can be had on London’s autonomous public transportation, too,
which has become its own tourist attraction.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CONSTRUCTION
PRACTICES

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MASS TIMBER Mass timber construction is scaling, and a wide swath of new
research indicates it can perform in extreme conditions and have
Mass timber construction will allow buildings to last longer and
perform better. With new exploration, the material can replace

CONSTRUCTION
sustainability benefits that were not previously known. In 2022, steel, act as a means to reduce material use and waste, increase
there were 139 mass timber buildings in the world eight stories or carbon capturing, and provide new design flexibility. While most
higher either complete, under construction, or proposed, according governments worldwide have yet to adopt wood-first laws, major
to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. economies are modernizing building codes, funding research, and
promoting sustainable forestry to advance mass timber construc-
There are potentially several environmental and financial benefits. tion. As it increases, this form of construction will continue to grow
Recent research shows mass timber panels’ inherent thermal as well. New regions looking to use this construction practice will
WHAT IT IS properties could possibly simplify or replace a building’s tradition- have to study supply chain stability, and it’s likely there will be
al HVAC system. Another study found wood can match concrete’s greater stability and faster adoption in mature industry regions
As one of the newer performance in thermal mass design. And when cross-laminated like Europe. For emerging markets, more mass timber construc-
timber is used to create a structural floor system, it could lower tion could mean new jobs in both the construction industry and
developments for more costs and possibly reduce the need for load-bearing walls and manufacturing.
columns, per research from Clemson University.
sustainable construction, mass Mass timber construction can also benefit users. Wood pro-
In practice, mass timber is moving into new sectors, like hospitali-
timber construction is gaining ty. DLRGroup collaborated with designers, architects, and other ex-
vides aesthetic beauty and mental health and wellness benefits.
Utilizing mass timber can also position a business as a leader
attention as many studies and perts to showcase a mass timber hotel prototype for the Marriott
group—the hotel meets its stringent sound insulation standards,
in innovative, sustainable construction methods, enhancing its
reputation and market appeal. The ability for new structural spans
projects consider using its has a lower carbon footprint than concrete, ensures structural also lends itself to enabling new design challenges and innovative
integrity, and aligns with the 2021 updated International Building
components in lieu of concrete Code for safety. And as the technology progresses, mass timber is
solutions to explore.

and steel. reaching new heights. At 284 feet, The Ascent in Milwaukee is the
world’s tallest mass-timber building and is fully compliant with
Milwaukee’s building codes, including fire safety.

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NET-ZERO The 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction
report found that the building and construction sector’s energy
Net-zero construction plays a pivotal role in modern building prac-
tices due to its significant impact on climate change mitigation,
consumption and carbon dioxide emissions reached unprecedent-
CONSTRUCTION
energy efficiency, and sustainability. By aiming for a balance where
ed heights post-Covid, accounting for over 34% of global energy
the total amount of energy used by a building is roughly equal to
demand in 2021. Net-zero construction and techniques could help
the amount of renewable energy created on-site, these buildings
reduce this industry’s energy use, and there are already promising
examples like the Lola Mora Cultural Center in Argentina. The cen- drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, net-ze-
ter is described as being net-zero with advanced energy-efficient ro construction often incorporates elements that enhance indoor
systems, such as wind turbines, solar panels, rainwater harvest- air quality and comfort, contributing positively to occupant health
ing, and natural ventilation, which will allow it to generate 20% and well-being.
WHAT IT IS more energy than it consumes.
Projects that are carbon neutral or even carbon negative are grow-
Net-zero construction is about Net-zero practices are moving into material development for the
built environment industry as well. Sweden’s SSAB has intro-
ing in number. As more projects utilize net-zero construction prac-
tices, they will need access to more renewable resources. Future
balancing carbon emissions duced its SSAB Zero recycled steel: rather than burning coal in the
process, this approach uses fossil-free electricity and hydrogen,
energy storage solutions that enable shorter durations for recharg-
ing batteries, vehicles, spaces, and equipment from renewable
during construction and over targeting near-zero emissions. There’s also a lot of potential in
the concrete industry, including CarbonCure, which strengthens sources promise a transformative future for urban construction.
the life of a project. This can be concrete by adding CO2. Currently, approximately 253 global cities have net-zero targets,
with half formulating plans. Many communities are also looking to
done through monitoring energy On the construction front, the electrification of construction machin-
ery is advancing rapidly due to improvements in battery technology.
become net-zero. They will have a growing need for sustainable in-
frastructure and collaboration as they seek out established goals.
consumption, as well as through Japanese-based Komatsu will soon roll out an electric excavator and
a fully electric compact wheel loader; this machinery offers signif-
what materials are used, how icant benefits such as enhanced air quality and noise reduction,
making it suitable for both indoor settings and urban areas.
the materials are produced, and Direct air capture (DAC) has emerged as another solution for build-
other carbon offset strategies. ings seeking net-zero. While the US Department of Energy is advo-
cating for DAC, the technology remains costly and energy-consum-
ing, which could pressure cities to invest further in the necessary
infrastructure. But the original form of DAC—sequestering carbon in
plants—is still an option. In one interesting case, Barcelona-based
TAKK Architecture completed a mobile garden designed to be relo-
cated to areas with the highest carbon emissions in the city.

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ADDITIVE The option to use 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the

construction industry with notable examples around the world.
With a global demand for new homes and a need to convert aging
infrastructure into revitalized assets, additive manufacturing

CONSTRUCTION
Glasgow’s “active transport” bridge, the largest printed concrete offers solutions. For overpopulated cities or suburbs looking to
construction in the UK, showcases the potential for creating intri- expand, the technology could provide avenues to develop sus-
cate and unique infrastructural components in bridge construc- tainable neighborhoods quickly. This could lead to new ways for
tion. Dubai’s 3D printed office in the Emirates Towers highlights businesses to use additive manufacturing for repair, product man-
how this technology can save both time and money, and aligns ufacturing, and increasing construction speed. The compounds
with the city’s goal of having a quarter of all buildings 3D printed and materials that go in and come out of this construction type
by 2030. Telangana, India, is looking to blend cultural reverence will become increasingly important for the built environment. The
WHAT IT IS with innovation, by building the world’s first 3D printed Hindu fact that waste is becoming a targeted material, could form new
temple. Meanwhile, in Texas, ICON is partnering with Lennar and
circular business offerings as well.
The 3D and 4D printing of Bjarke Ingels Group to develop the largest 3D printed community
offering, which includes 100 homes. As additive manufacturing begins to generate more aesthetically
structures, materials, and But the technology is still evolving. Tech company RENCA has
pleasing materials, it will help acceptance. But as the technol-
ogy scales, it will disrupt many traditional forms of design and
buildings is becoming more of a pioneered the use of geopolymers for 3D printing entire houses,
construction, as it will offer new ways of creating and building.
and the EU-funded WOOL2LOOP project repurposed mineral wool,
norm. typically considered waste with low-recyclability, into geopolymer
Such changes can bring customizable diversity to regions and for
new homeowners, where they can choose from a menu of offer-
concrete for construction. Meanwhile, a research initiative at the
Missouri University of Science and Technology aims to develop an ings made just for them. And by localizing production for product
AI program that determines the best locally sourced materials for manufacturers, construction site selection could become more of
3D printed concrete. By testing a variety of fibers, including un- a focus.
conventional plant-based and recycled fibers, the program seeks
to enhance local sustainability, reduce construction costs, and
improve the efficiency and safety of military construction efforts.

Scientists have developed a new 3D printing technique that allows

them to control the cell structure and influence the final product
shape; though early in development, this sustainable, reusable
wood retains its original properties including strength and scent.
Researchers from Bath and Imperial College London introduced Ae-
rial Additive Manufacturing drones capable of 3D printing buildings.

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INTERACTIVE Studies have found that most general contractors use minimal
automation for their subcontractor management processes. This
Project management during the construction process is time-con-
suming and laborious. Addressing the challenge of workforce

PROJECT
leads to data silos, and contractors lose out on potential improved depletion, new platforms replace time-losing work processes so
productivity, cost performance, and profitability. Autodesk Con- workers can focus on other needed workflows. More wearables
struction Cloud’s (ACC) 2020 acquisition of Pype introduced AI-pow- that allow for the monitoring and managing of workers can also
MANAGEMENT ered submittal logs, and now the company’s launch of AutoSpecs in
ACC can help streamline the construction processes for those just
increase worker safety, and subsequently impact the bottom line
of a company with reduced on-site injury claims. These wearables
starting down this road. could become more standardized and interoperable, which would
allow for more health management of the worker as well. Devices
WHAT IT IS On the front end of projects, management platforms for various
like these can not only prioritize on-site safety but also bridge
tasks, like CoConstruct’s integrated suite of construction estimat-
ing tools and STACK estimating software, are hitting the market. communication gaps, enabling real-time access to data and fos-
Project management tools that Join offers a platform that streamlines construction decision-mak- tering remote collaboration, leading to better project management.
With more immersive technologies, the jobsite can now become
allow for real-time monitoring ing by importing data from tools like Excel and letting users evalu-
ate the cost implications of preconstruction choices in real time. interconnected with the model back in the office, which could
and data transmission are For the building itself, management systems are not new. Howev-
allow for real-time drafting and designing coordination, replacing
RFIs and even submittals.
creating efficiencies in er, management systems that track efficiency are gaining ground.
Learnd, a UK startup, is offering a unified building management
construction. This includes the system platform that integrates with existing systems to enhance
energy efficiency and decrease carbon emissions.
platforms themselves, as well
New tools and platforms are also creating overlays that enhance
as wearables that project visual project management. Argyle is an AR application for job sites that

data for workers as they build. offers BIM visualization to prevent errors and ensure smooth project
progression without the need for Wi-Fi. GAMMA AR uses augmented
reality to overlay 3D BIM models on job sites. VSight is an AR-pow-
ered platform used by industrial workers for remote collaboration
and knowledge access, streamlining operations in over 100 coun-
tries. OnSiteXR is a mixed reality app for HoloLens 2 that aids in
attaching prefab building elements and records work using speech-
to-text and image capture.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2031

Road Today, School Tomorrow

As with many developing countries, Kenya once struggled to balance building infrastructure over schools. The
country needed schools to educate workers, but getting schools built and roads to get there also needed work-
ers. This challenge persisted until the MIGA expanded its guarantees to help develop real-time monitoring for
additive roadways. Through a partnership between investors, COBOD International, and several universities,
they were able to create an offering that used real-time monitoring to know where roads would be most helpful,
but could also be additively-made to be weather resistant. Once trade routes were established, the roads them-
selves could be converted into materials to build new schools. Once the schools have been established for sev-
eral years, and repairs of the new roads become no longer feasible, the roads are recycled and ready for reuse for
water management or other necessary infrastructure. This has helped Kenya to continue to develop while also
managing some of the issues the country faces due to climate change.

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SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2040

Tag You Later!

“Day of Drafting,” or Tag Day as it was first called because it emerged in Germany, has become a phrase many
firms discuss when they talk about the history of construction documents. The combination of AI project man-
agement tools, AR drafting, and additive manufacturing combined in an unforeseen way to change the indus-
try in the early 2030s. New wearables for drafting allowed connected professionals the ability to draft in an AR
space; the design was then immediately run through an AI code check in the ConPro management platform,
and, if it passed, printed on-site immediately. Gone are the days of waiting for permits and the right site condi-
tions, thanks to the connected sensors on site. The sensors told the crew what was ripe for building on that day,
and then the component was drawn and printed immediately. The drone workers helped by then taking scans of
what was printed, comparing it to the model through the platform, and then asking the architect, engineer, and
designer to sign off on it. Because of this new form of building, at the end of the day, most construction workers
now sign off with, “Tag you later!”

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MODULAR Health systems increasingly prefer modular and prefabricated con-

struction methods due to their speed and efficiency. That’s why M
At scale, modular construction would address much of the
renovation many cities will need to help prevent urban decay. As

CONSTRUCTION
Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, Minnesota, used residents move from downtown areas, they are looking to mod-
modular expansion to swiftly add 16 extra beds in nine months; ular homes in suburban areas. Modular construction can offer
traditionally, that project would have taken 15 months. As a project complete customization and be shipped anywhere in the world,
director at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Michael which, with a growing mobile population would be very attractive.
Schesler is overseeing the construction of a 17-story inpatient tower Communities may become more ephemeral, and prefabricated
that will use various prefabrication methods, with components neighborhood setups may need to be ready. While upfront costs
like walls and bathroom pods being made in a nearby warehouse. A can be higher, the rapid construction timeline offers quicker de-
WHAT IT IS notable feature is the preassembly of horizontal MEP distribution livery. With a growing unhoused population, modular units could
systems, which are prepared in the warehouse, transported, and
be used to add on to existing structures in a cost effective manner
Modularity has struggled to installed on-site. And even outside of hospitals, the ANNA Collection
is taking modular living to a new level as its prefabricated cabins
that would not hurt the building’s existing function or a multifam-
ily residence’s performa. It can also help minimize disruption when
scale within construction, but can be shipped anywhere.
spaces need to remain open—like emergency rooms.
has still continued to grow with The “polyroom” concept, developed by the French firm Cutwork,
aims to tackle the looming global housing shortage with modular
its technical precision to include construction. The company builds small modular units with green
spaces that can be swiftly assembled and reconfigured to adapt to
whole hospital suites that can be daily needs, making it ideal for rapid urban development. For furni-

shipped and plugged into a new ture, Ori specializes in robotic-powered space-saving solutions that
transform single-use areas into multifunctional spaces.
hospital building. Modular “jigsaw” roads, designed for rapid disassembly and
reassembly, offer urban areas an adaptive solution to fluctuating
traffic, construction demands, and emergency situations. CirculinQ,
a Netherlands-based company, utilizes recycled plastic blocks for
roads and pavements, efficiently managing water and showcasing
impressive durability. Carlo Ratti Associati has furthered this con-
cept with a modular street prototype, featuring hexagonal blocks
that can be quickly rearranged, transforming a busy road into a
community space like a basketball court.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

1ST YEAR ON THE LIST HOW IT WORKS WHY IT MATTERS

AUGMENTED Cobots, the robotic coworkers, are becoming an established

presence on many job sites—and they come in all sizes and for
As labor continues to be a challenge, integrating robotic and aug-
mented processes can reduce the need for staff on-site. This can

CONSTRUCTION
multiple functions. San Francisco-based startup Canvas leverages be helpful in developing regions where workers are scarce, but they
robotics, AI and machine learning to enhance drywall finishing may need to consider partnering with companies to bring the tools
and painting. This compact robot, roughly the size of a kitchen and technology to the region. Augmented construction by way of
stove, is outfitted with laser scanners and operates on a vertical cobots could allow for continuous repair of aging infrastructure.
platform to navigate unfinished structures. Ken Robotech’s Tomo- While manufacturing already uses robotics in the production of
robo is a handheld tool designed to automate the repetitive task
many of its products, the built environment products may soon
of rebar tying in construction, enhancing efficiency and alleviating
need to contend with figuring out how to teach cobots how to
WHAT IT IS the physical burden on workers.
install their sometimes delicate products. Construction tolerances
Boston Dynamics has unveiled a substantial update to its Spot ro- will need to be updated as more cobots perform the tasks, either
The use of robots and other bot dog, by introducing advanced inspection workflows, enhanced negating the tolerance altogether or increasing them depending
interactions with humans, autonomous door manipulation, and on the task the cobot is performing. Lastly, while safety may in-
automated processes is changing a new vocal capability powered by ChatGPT and other AI models, crease in some areas, in others it may decrease with the use of the
construction practices and which can boost its efficiency and user-friendliness. The Ddog
project from MIT Media Lab combines Spot with a Brain-Computer
cobots, which could mean a change to insurance premiums.

reporting, reducing project Interface system, utilizing AttentivU’s wireless glasses to measure
brain activity and eye movements for nonverbal communication.
timelines, as well as reducing While not in use on the construction site, yet, if successful it could
aid in tasks all controlled through brain signals—and potentially
worker risk. be a game-changer for those with physical challenges.

Ballast Nedam, in partnership with ROPAX, launched a masonry

robot in late 2021 to boost the efficiency of residential housing
construction. It can measure a facade in 15 minutes and ensure
level masonry even on unstable scaffolds, saving a day’s work per
facade. The Hadrian X, developed by Australian-based FBR Limited,
is a swift and efficient mobile robotic blocklaying system capable
of constructing house walls within a day using 3D CAD models.
Beginning in 2025, HD Hyundai plans to broaden its Xite technolo-
gy, which will enable greater site connectivity in the construction,
demolition, and mining industries.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2032

Nostalgia-Made Spaces
As many homeowners struggled to find homes in the early 2020s, they would often complain that the homes
they could find were nothing like the ones they grew up in—and they cost twice as much as they could afford.
Enter Nostalgia Homes, a developer that started out working with new parents who wanted to re-create the
home they grew up in, so their kids could share the same memories they experienced decades ago.

Nostalgia Homes started in Austin, Texas, and soon became a global developer after completing its first 3D
printed neighborhood. The company impressed clients with its details and accuracy. Through AI simulations,
couples were even able to blend the best parts about each other’s childhood homes and share that blended ex-
perience with their family. Not to leave urban clients out, Nostalgia Homes soon spun out Nostalgia Apartments
and even Nostalgia Venues for repeating travel memories. The company could go into a modular blank apart-
ment and retrofit the empty space using additive drone swarms to look like any place the tenant had previously
lived. Nostalgia Venues offers the ability to re-create destination locations where couples were married or where
a family had vacationed together. Some of the venues are going even further, using AI simulation to help find
ways to build portions of international landmarks in other countries to help those who cannot afford to travel.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

AUTHORS &
CONTRIBUTORS

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

AUTHORS & CONTRIBUTORS

MARK BRYAN Chief Executive Officer

Senior Manager AMY WEBB

Mark Bryan is a Senior Foresight Manager at the Future Today Institute and leads Managing Director
our Built Environment, Hospitality, Retail, Restaurants & CPG practice areas. Mark MELANIE SUBIN
excels in applying strategic foresight to design and the built environment, anticipat-
ing future need states for our physical and organizational spaces. His expertise in Creative Director
integrating strategic planning with innovative design principles empowers busi- EMILY CAUFIELD
nesses to anticipate and adapt to future trends, fostering sustainable growth, resiliency, and transformative change
in their industries. Editors
ERICA PETERSON
Before FTI, Mark worked as a workplace strategist, designer, design researcher, and futurist for clients across the
country, most recently through his role as Director of Innovation + Research at a design and architecture firm. Copy Editor
SARAH JOHNSON
Mark’s portfolio of clients includes national foundations, global CPG companies, international associations, product
manufacturers, national retail brands, multi-family developers, healthcare systems, senior living facilities, restaurants, Director of Operations
and large multinationals. Mark has produced original research and strategic analysis on the future of co-living, senior CHERYL COONEY
living, workplaces, play, hotels and resorts, dining, and distance learning.

Mark is a coach in the strategic foresight MBA course at the NYU Stern School of Business. He holds a BS in Interior
Design from Virginia Tech and NCDIQ Certification.

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SELECTED
SOURCES

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 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SELECTED SOURCES

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55 © 2024 Future Today Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 INDUSTRY BUILT ENVIRONMENT

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ABOUT
FUTURE TODAY
INSTITUTE

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ABOUT FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE

About Us Contact Us

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METHODOLOGY

Future Today Institute conducts in-depth qualitative and quantitative re-

search throughout the year to identify emerging trends. We review patent
Future Today Institute’s Strategic Foresight Methodology
and trademark filings, pre-print and published scientific papers, investment
01
rounds, online search trends, macroeconomic data, publications from gov-
SIGNALS & LONG-TERM TRENDS
ernments worldwide, news mentions, influencer posts and other sources, and Signals
What is
we use a proprietary system to identify patterns, which are then grouped into 02
INFLUENCING
nodes and evaluated using a set of standardized indicators. Qualified trends the future?
Trends
are further scored for their trajectory, momentum and timing. Additionally,
we harness the deep subject matter expertise of our Future Today Institute 03
network, leading to valuable insights about the topics we cover.
Uncertainties
GLOBAL MACRO SCENARIOS
In continuous publication since 2007, Future Today Institute’s annual report
What is 04
includes maturing and emerging trends grouped into two categories: in-
THE future?
dustry and technology. Industry trends reflect the ways in which technology Scenarios
is shaping the future of an entire industry. Technology trends are specific
05
developments within one arena, such as artificial intelligence. Covering a
wide range of technologies across industry sectors creates a holistic view of Opportunities/Threats
and Rehearsing
STRATEGIC
change and provides leaders with a clear understanding of their potential
What is 06
impact. Trends are published as individual Industry and Technology reports,
YOUR ORG’S
as well as in one combined report with all of our research. Planning
future?
Monitored regularly, trends help executives recognize emerging threats and 07

opportunities in the near-term and enable them to develop perspectives, Actioning

strategies and plans for the future.

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DISCLAIMER

The views expressed herein are the authors’ own and are not representa-
tive of the greater organizations in which they have been employed. The
names of companies, services, and products mentioned in this report are
not necessarily intended as endorsements by Future Today Institute or this
report’s authors.

Future Today Institute’s 2024 Tech Trends Report relies on data, analysis,
and modeling from a number of sources, which includes sources within
public and private companies, securities filings, patents, academic re-
search, government agencies, market research firms, conference pre-
sentations and papers, and news media stories. Additionally, this report
draws from Future Today Institute’s previous EMT Trends Reports, FTI Trend
Reports, and newsletters. FTI’s reports are occasionally updated on the
FTI website.

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referenced in this report. FTI does not own any equity position in any of the
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