Adapt to Tech Rather Than Try to Forecast

SAN FRANCISCO—Futurist Paul Saffo, chair of the future studies and forecasting track at Singularity University, closed the ULI Fall Meeting with insights on the exponential growth in technology, capping a week of discussions on how it is affecting all aspects of urban design and development. In the time it takes to construct a building, technology is created, becomes outdated and is repeatedly updated, which poses a daunting challenge for developers attempting to respond to current and even future market demands. Saffo’s advice for land use professionals: when it comes to technology, don’t try to be the change, rather, adapt to it.

“There are two types of technology—the technology that has not been introduced yet, and the technology that is obsolete,” said Saffo. “I would avoid putting intelligence in buildings unless you can yank it out.”