- The pandemic has caused a desire for those who live in urban environments to move to rural settings, where the increased space mean that lockdowns and restricted movement is easier to contend with. House prices have increased in the countryside and this has exacerbated inequalities, as generally only the wealthy can afford to buy a second home in the countryside or relocate quickly. This has been seen widely in the USA, UK but not within Europe.
- The work from home trend has contributed to the trend of people moving to the countryside, as it has become apparent that many people can work from anywhere. However, the ‘Revenge of the Countryside’ has failed, according to some and cities will remain appealing.
- There have been multigenerational interactions where many millennials have moved back in with their parents, as a result of third level colleges and universities closing and young people moving out of city apartments. Younger parents are spending all of their time with their children as they home school. While the multigenerational interactions have enhanced the importance of family relationships, these trends seem to be elastic.
- It is interesting to note that there will be different implications on the zones which make up the ‘city’. The impact of the pandemic will be different in the Metropolis Inner City, First Ring Suburbs, Outer Suburbs and Peri Urban Space.
- Trends that have been exacerbated since the pandemic will be different in the developed world in comparison to the developing world. The elasticity or inelasticity of these trends will also depend on the efficacy of the vaccine.
Geographic and Demographic Distribution
Summary of the Geographic and Demographic discussion from the previous consultation in January 2021
What are your thoughts on this topic? What do you think the solutions to this topic are as we move out of the pandemic?
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The quality of space will become more important. Each geographic place will better define its rules for “engaging design”. For instance, a town square might take on a more important life by being car-free, providing a place to stroll; .in a First Ring suburb, a home that watches over the street allows a front porch resident to have a conversation with those walking by, a Suburban neighborhood transforms a nearby intersection into a compact, green form, a Peri-Urban space my have a higher demand for a well designed commercial general store, health center complex.
Homes will not only become Smart, but they will also provide more functions for work. As more virtual work habits deepen their roots, with many working from home up to 3 days per week, well-designed multi-functional homes will be prized. Accessory dwelling units, small backyard work cottages, neighborhood coffee shops and shared office spaces will grow in demand.
Functional density will increase as greater multi-generational living becomes the norm. The per square foot use of urban land will increase. Mixed-use, multi-story buildings will increase in their importance. Individual lots will be permitted to have multiple units. Home/work units will be permitted throughout cities.