Trends that will change cities

Global trends, which are transforming businesses and society at a rapid pace, are converging in cities. As the world urbanizes, these convergences shape our lives more and more.

We highlight the most relevant megatrends, based on the EY report, Megatrends shaping 2018 and beyond:

1. Rethink urbanization. The challenges facing society, such as climate change, an ageing population and chronic diseases, will require a different approach to urban planning (as to where and how to build). Car sharing and autonomous vehicles call into question urban density, garages and road networks.
2. Future of work. Robots, artificial intelligence, the gig economy, generational changes and collaboration technologies are reinventing the concept of work and reducing the need for traditional office space while creating new social dynamics.
3. Super consumer. People will be enhanced by artificial intelligence to create digital extensions of themselves that are smarter and more powerful in every aspect. The challenge for businesses and cities alike will be to provide the trustier, richer, and stress-free interactions that these super consumers expect.
4. Molecular economics. The new manufacturing revolution is bringing clean, efficient and distributed production processes to cities. Digital technologies, new materials and 3D printing will create new forms of residential construction and urban infrastructure.

In the following video, John de Yonge, director of the area of urbanism, innovation and natural resources of EYQ, delves into these megatrends:

The development of cities is no stranger to the emergence of disruptive technologies. Some of them have triggered changes in mentality and the emergence of new business models, processes that will alter or are already altering the way we understand the city.