It’s 2030 and new sustainable inclusive neighbourhoods are springing up in the heart of major cities, across the developed world. How is this all possible?
A vision for inclusive new communities.
1. Best use of space
Transforming underused land owned by local authorities into attractive new neighbourhoods can provide the homes and facilities people need.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
2. Delivering positive outcomes for all
Providing genuinely affordable and sustainable homes, leisure facilities, and public spaces to encourage outdoor activities required collaboration between governments, local agencies and the private sector.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
3. Future working
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020/21 accelerated the shift to more flexible working arrangements, helping to create thriving local economies within cities, and jobs for local people.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
4. Low carbon living
New buildings and infrastructure are net-zero carbon, while smart building management systems optimise energy consumption. Countries are also fast decarbonising their heat networks.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
5. Digitally empowered
Everyone is digitally connected. High-speed broadband is supplied to every household, with the cost of connection and a web-capable device covered by government for the poorest.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
6. Well connected
All the essentials for thriving, sustainable communities and high levels of wellbeing have been front-of-mind in developing the new neighbourhoods. They are well served by infrastructure, convenient public services, open green spaces and facilities.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
7. Building better
From the mid-2020s, buildings and infrastructure have been assembled onsite using design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA): designs are based on modular, standardised components, built in a factory and then assembled when they arrive on site.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
8. At one with nature
Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability: it is about building back healthy, biodiverse and vital ecosystems, rather than merely doing no harm.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
9. Green and blue, not always grey
Green and blue infrastructure consists of parks and wild land, and features to collect and dissipate water – for example, swales, ditches, ponds, lakes, streams and rivers.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
10. Financial models
National infrastructure investment banks are channelling money into projects that support inclusive economic growth and tackle climate change, providing a long-term source of capital at low cost in the form of equity.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
11. Giving everyone a voice
Places are only great if they succeed for everyone, providing the conditions for each and every person to thrive. Social outcomes are the primary focus of city regeneration schemes and developments.
A vision for inclusive new communities.
12. Living well
All those involved in creating and managing the built environment are focused on creating the social, environmental and economic conditions that enable people to live well.