Equity and exchange
Rapid change in commerce and technology is demanding new strategies for how we organise our working and social lives, as well as how we interact with space. We look at how cities will flex to accommodate the people and commerce of the future, and how, by working together, there is real opportunity in greater equity for residents.
Public and private land: access and use
Research into the importance of private and public land suggests a city needs to think about health and inclusivity to be successful, when planning for urban spaces.
The research suggests a strengthening of civic rights and stewardship of urban green spaces, brought to the attention of the public like never before by the 2020 and 2021 lockdown measures.
Clustering and proximity
The third area of focus suggests how UK cities are structured could also change.
It is likely cities will densify and populations will continue to grow. Instead of building around a single city centre, growth will focus on a number of local centres with a multi-hub approach.
The impact of clean air
The way cities develop in the next 20 years offers an opportunity to reverse urban climate change impacts through joined up sustainable design.
Some of the key suggestions to achieve this include adopting circular economy principles, increasing green space and achieving clean air.
Taylor Wessing, the Edge and UCEM created the research to deliver for the first time a holistic vision, informing best practice for cities across the UK to support with government bodies and policy shapers, property investors and developers, space creators and curators. By identifying and interrogating the opportunities of City 2040, the groundwork is laid for a brave and bold new world.