Page 55 - Shelter, October 2024

POLICY REVIEW

technology, shifting workforce economy, and urban ¾ Flexible zoning laws to allow
landscape and changing planning must adapt for pop-up businesses and
economic dynamics, the urban to accommodate new markets
areas must be flexible to adapt infrastructure needs. These
to the new opportunities and necessities will support ¾ Public spaces that can be
requirements posed by Future of the growing demand for easily repurposed for events
work. digital services and ensure and gatherings
a) The shift towards seamless connectivity. Key ¾ Access to affordable
remote work and considerations for urban healthcare and social services
flexible working models, planning include: for gig workers
driven by technological ¾ Creating data centre hubs ¾ Education and training
advancements, is programs to help workers
transforming the way we ¾ Ensuring reliable and fast develop new skills
approach office spaces. internet connectivity
As companies adopt ¾ Streamlined regulations
more flexible working ¾ Developing smart city and permits for short-term
arrangements, the demand infrastructure businesses
for large office spaces in ¾ Fostering innovation districts ¾ Inclusive and affordable
city centres is declining. housing options for workers
Instead, there is a growing ¾ Addressing the digital divide who may experience income
need for: fluctuations
The future of urban planning
¾ Co-working spaces is closely tied to the integration ¾ Digital platforms and tools
of technology and innovation,
¾ Satellite offices to connect workers with
requiring a forward-thinking resources and opportunities
These alternative workspaces approach to meet the demands
offer employees the flexibility of a rapidly changing world. d) Adapting to job market
to work in a professional c) The rise of non-traditional changes requires a
environment while remaining employment is indeed proactive approach to
close to their homes. From an education and training.
urban development perspective, transforming the way Cities can play a crucial role
this shift can lead to: more cities function and plan in supporting the urban
evenly distributed urban layouts for their residents. With workforce by investing in
and reduced concentration more people engaging in programs that focus on:
of professional and economic gig work and freelancing, ¾ Digital literacy: Basic
activities in specific areas. This, in cities will need to adapt computer skills, online safety,
turn, can result in more balanced to provide support and and digital tools training
and sustainable urban planning, infrastructure for this
with benefits such as reduced growing segment of the ¾ Emerging technologies: AI,
congestion and commuting workforce. Some potential data science, cyber security,
times, increased local economic ways cities can adapt and other in-demand skills
activity, more vibrant and include:
diverse neighbourhoods. ¾ Sustainability: Green
¾ Co-working spaces and technologies, environmental
b) Technological advancements incubators for freelancers and management, and eco-
are transforming the start-ups friendly practices

October, 2024, Volume 25. No.1 - SHELTER 53