Morden Wharf
Planning for the future
U+I are a UK based property developer and investor, focused on urban regeneration.
We were commissioned to help U+I understand the current, medium and long-term lifestyle and technological changes that were likely to impact on their residential developments, with a particular focus on mobility.
“Emerging mobility and behavioural trends are likely to have a significant impact on the way that people work, play and travel in the future.”
The role of DG Cities
We initially produced an evidence-based report of global trends, demographics and technological developments that would impact how people live, work and move about. We scoped out recommendations for U+I developments including mobility hubs, consolidation centres and flexible work spaces that could sit within an ecosystem of services. Following successful completion, we were then commissioned to develop a report on Future Mobility Trends, more specific to the Morden Wharf location, which was submitted as part of the site’s Planning Application.
This report included a breakdown of infrastructure and connectivity requirements, as well as suggestions on how U+I could keep these spaces flexible enough to adapt to future demands, trends and innovations, which would be experienced over the phased build of the large, long term, mixed-use site’s development.
Why is this work important?
Emerging mobility and behavioural trends are likely to have a significant impact on the way that people work, play and travel in the future. In recent years we have seen a shift away from individual vehicle ownership to shared use models and an increasing interest in micro-mobility in cities, and we expect to see this trend continue into the future. At the same time, large developments are planned over 20-30 year periods and need to remain as relevant and attractive in 30 years as they are today.
Consideration of these trends as part of the initial Masterplanning is necessary to build in the levels of flexibility required to optimise the use of space, and ensure futureproofing of the site and integration with its wider surroundings and neighbourhoods in the longer term.
“Large developments are planned over 20-30 year periods and need to remain as relevant and attractive in 30 years as they are today.”