In short, the shift is to create more “complete” places where people can live within walking distance of the office or entertainment venues. Crocker refers to it as complex because these spaces are designed to serve everyone while still remaining balanced for each use. Creating great concentrated parks of larger area—rather than several small areas—works, because people like to be around other people, where the action is, Crocker says.

Mobility, Time Management Will Also Influence Public Spaces

The overlap between mobility and better public spaces is another trend Crocker sees gaining traction.

“Technology is continuing to advance and create new ways for us to be connected and to commute to and from work. I believe this will be a huge factor in how places develop over the next generation as we move away from car-centric designs and into a place where cars are secondary,” says Crocker.

People also want their time back. “That's the one thing even the richest communities cannot buy. However, we can create designs that will give them more time in their daily life,” explains Crocker. “This can be achieved by siting amenities and entertainment close by, to lessen commute time, for example. Higher-density and more options for living types is another way. Having jobs and employment opportunities closer and so much more.”