[aaron38]

Yep, nature's spent millions of years perfecting efficient structures, we have a lot to learn. But I don't think it'll be all shiny glass. Brick is a cheaply made material and a good insulator. I see it sticking around for a while.

On the social dynamic end, I don't see anyone predicting a return to cheap oil. By 2020 our love of the automobile may be at an end. Hopefully that means the end of the parking podium as a required design element in every single building.

I'd love to see us getting back to basics, building solid stretches of streetwall, condos over first floor retail without gaps and curb cuts. In northern climates like NY and Chicago, sharing walls between buildings dramatically cuts exposed area and heating requirements. That efficiency is going to be important.