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People are moving back to the cities. At least, that seems to be the trend, according to Construction Digital Magazine. Downtown revitalization efforts across the globe have shifted the focus from sprawl to redevelopment, as formerly rundown or vacant spaces are being transformed into mixed-use properties where people can both live and work in the same building. Still other benefits include less traffic congestion, as more people walk to their destinations. And the overall environment is cleaner, too, with more builders focusing on green methods.
At the same time, cities are becoming smarter. Says Jesse McNicoll, Urban Design coordinator for Sydney, Australia: "Geographic information systems have created a quantum shift in planning processes both for analysis and monitoring of plans. With basic street address or parcel numbers, a customer can find out allowable uses, conditionally permitted uses, fees, and general design standards (setbacks, site coverage, height, etc.) in a few short moments."
As an engineer, architect, or builder, how involved are you in urban redevelopment, and what special tools are you using in your projects?
The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Building & Design, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Building & Design today.
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Re: What's Your Role in Urban Revitalization?
