Last month, the Gold Coast played host to one of the most influential gatherings in the field of urban development, the Urbanity 2023 conference, hosted by The Urban Developer. As attendees from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered to discuss the future of our cities, it was a privilege to be part of this exciting dialogue and showcase Outbound as a modern solution for the developments of the future.
Amid the bustling conference sessions and the ensuing discussions, a few key themes stood out to us:
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Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, but a genuine demand from future residents and tenants. This demand is particularly pronounced as environmentally-conscious millennials increasingly shape the housing market. Urbanity made it clear that sustainability should be woven into every aspect of urban development, starting with the initial phases of demolition and construction and extending to the daily operation and maintenance of our buildings.
Initiatives reshaping the urban landscape include green building design, the integration of renewable energy resources and the inclusion of electric mobility solutions. It’s important to recognize that these aren’t merely nice-to-have features; they have a tangible impact on asset value and contribute significantly to cleaner air, reduced energy consumption, and mitigating climate change.
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Urban living isn't just about having a place to call home; it's about the overall experience on offer. This perspective resonated throughout the conference, where discussions centred on reimagining urban living through innovative amenities and partnerships.
New and emerging urban developments are becoming hubs for culture, entertainment, and convenience. Think rooftop gardens, co-working spaces, community kitchens, and wellness centres. These amenities are transforming built environments, making cities more attractive and vibrant places to live.
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Community-centred developments are on the rise, providing spaces that foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. The idea is simple: when residents connect, engage, and build relationships within their communities, they form a deeper, more meaningful connection with the place they call home.
This approach involves creating neighbourhoods that actively promote walkability, integrate lush green spaces, and ensure convenient access to essential amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. By placing human-centric design at the core, real estate professionals are not only encouraging social interaction, but also providing vital support networks for residents.
As we reflect on the insights from Urbanity 2023, one thing is evident: the future of urban living is filled with promise. It’s an exciting time - a real opportunity to reshape how people interact with and belong to their cities and communities.
The conference shed light on the property industry’s current challenges but also revealed incredible opportunities to establish sustainable and deeply interconnected urban environments, emphasizing sustainability, experience, and community.
Our team left the conference feeling inspired and motivated to champion innovation in developments, remaining dedicated to ongoing collaboration with industry leaders to ultimately create better places to call home.
