The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its latest set of horizon scans that highlight how global population change will shape the built environment over the next ten years
RIBA Horizons 2034: Population Change includes four horizon scans that consider how architects will need to respond to shifting patterns in births, deaths, and migration.
These changes are reshaping communities and are caused by increasing ageing populations, swelling cities, and more people on the move than ever.
The new paper is part of the RIBA Horizons 2034 series which is examining the global megatrends predicted to shape society and the built environment by 2034.
What are the four horizon scans?
Written by leading academics and experts, the four horizon scans are commissioned by RIBA to provide foresight for building design professionals.
The scans are:
- Urbanisation: the coming decade will be make or break for cities and the planet
- Demographics: slowing population growth, changing families and an ageing population
- International migration and displacement: the impact on the urban landscape
- Designing for an increasingly diverse population: the implications of the ethnic diversification and age polarisation of Britain’s neighbourhoods.
They also show how households and neighbourhoods are set to change. Housing needs to respond to the reality of smaller families and older, more diverse communities, especially in the UK.
The horizon scans also cover unpredictable migration trends, which are largely driven by economic factors, climate change, and conflict.
Architects must design inclusive, adaptable and resilient buildings
RIBA’s horizon scans call for leadership, innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among professional institutes, governments, and development partners.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “As populations age and diversify, these horizon scans call on us all to design truly adaptable and resilient buildings and places that foster a sense of belonging.”
Contributor to RIBA Horizons 2034: Population Change, Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) President Peter Oborn, added: “These horizon scans remind architects not only of the global challenges posed by issues such as climate change and rapid urbanisation, but also of the imperative for each of us to use our skills to promote advocacy, help build capacity and engage in climate action wherever we may be.”
