The emergence of exciting new tech could see the current generation, and the property sector, becoming arrogant about the speed of its advances.
In a session on smart cities, technology and future offices at MIPIM UK, AHMM Architects’ Simon Allford said: “We are in danger of being arrogant and naive when it comes to how quickly we develop new technology. The danger of thinking ‘oh this is wonderful, all this change’ is that we don’t pay attention to the things that might trip us up.”
He added that over-engineering buildings, even entire cities, to fit in with current trends was once such concern.
Michael Mulhern, director of planning at Old Oak and Park Royal Development corporation, agreed. He said: “We are in danger of over engineering, absolutely. And we could end up with a load of redundant buildings tailored to trends that don’t last.”
The panel, which included AXA’s James Goldsmith, Hightower’s Brandon Weber and British Land’s Matt Webster, universally agreed that building in flexibility and adaptability to future schemes and city developments was the best solution to this potential problem.
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