The Urban Land Institute has introduced an Urban Technology Framework, which identifies 12 current trends that will shape metropolitan hubs.

The trends will help developers and architects who are responsible for delivering future cities.

Key tech trends include 3D printing transforming the way we build, and the Internet of Things (IoT) progressing smart buildings from stationary structures to machines. Digitalisation will transform business models, causing the existing sharing economy to extend even further: with people sharing houses, cars and clothes.


The framework sets out the trends into three themes - digital technologies, urban land factors and business models - that will further transform our cities. These must be considered in every plan for the future, and how they will affect communities, institutions, buildings and the public realm.

The Urban Technology Framework is an initiative of the ULI Tech Forum, co-chaired by Adam Burstow, a Group Digital & IT Director at Grosvenor Group and Ed Parham, an Associate at Space Syntax. Lauren Poon, associate at CallisonRTK, is acting as its vice chair.

Adam Burstow, Co-Chair of the ULI UK Tech Forum, said: "The ULI Urban Technology Framework illustrates how technology intersects with our urban areas and aims to provide a platform to understand how we shape our cities. From new business opportunities to digitalised worlds, there are ever increasing possibilities for tech advancements and with our framework, urban professionals can better understand how waves of technology could influence our urban environment."