A review into existing trends to determine if they have a current or potential impact on Whole Community design, and to discover the nature of these relationships.
Environmental Responsibility
A higher awareness of the ecological impact of resource consumption that has, and continues to effect our world, the conscious decision to limit travel and support local business may reduce resource consumption. We aim to facilitate a shift in cultural values by bringing the necessary daily needs closer.
As the economic landscape becomes more challenging there is reluctance in the lending community to fund mixed use developments, those that contain a heavy retail component are currently seen as ‘risky investments’. Over time the ‘risky’ components change just as the demand and saturation of different market sectors change. The mission to create communities that are sustainable over time means that we must design ways to ‘bank’ uses until they become viable. Conversely, when we design spaces that are programmed for specific uses today they must be flexible enough so that the infrastructure (and therefore the use) can be altered as the demands of the economy and the needs of the community change…otherwise the space we create is in danger of becoming obsolete every time the economy takes a turn
An all encompassing view of healthy living includes socializing, exercising and stress reduction. In a well designed community we can improve lifestyle without a resident consciously seeking these outlets. By providing options of walking to daily needs (shopping, work, school, etc.) we decrease the dependence on personal transportation. By decreasing the need for personal transportation we not only are encouraging more exercise we also decrease resource consumption, as well as, promote interaction amongst people in the community.
Since the late 1990's, the trend exists of young professionals, retirees and empty nesters returning to the city. The appeal of minimal maintenance, closer commutes to work and more options of leisure activities allow designers an opportunity to mesh these desires into a whole community.
The expanding population of "Baby Boomers" and with advances in medicine the quality of life and life expectancy will continue to increase. This increasingly important demographic possesses particular needs and desires while providing unique offerings back to the community. Designers must accommodate this trend and facilitate their inclusion in the urban fabric.
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Today, over 75% of US households have both partners working full time. One current complaint of this trend is a lack of time. As design professionals, we are striving to create a system that offers options that support and alleviate a hurried lifestyle by utilizing strategic planning and technology with an ultimate goal of convenience. Communities created with this in mind strive for more ease in obtaining foods and services and reducing commute time.