TED Talks Daily A vision of sustainable housing for all of humanity | Vishaan Chakrabarti
Dec 14, 2021
Vishaan Chakrabarti, an architect focused on sustainable housing for a burgeoning global population, presents compelling ideas for the future of living. He tackles the challenge of housing 11 billion people by 2100 and critiques both suburban sprawl and towering skyscrapers. Advocating for a 'Goldilocks' solution, Chakrabarti suggests two- to three-story buildings that balance community needs with ecological responsibility. His vision emphasizes carbon-negative developments and affordable housing, urging a collective shift in mindset for sustainable living.
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The Housing Challenge
- By 2100, the world population will be almost 11 billion, requiring 2.4 trillion square feet of new space.
- This is like building a New York City every month for 40 years.
Challenges of Current Solutions
- Net-zero single-family homes are possible, but they encourage sprawl.
- Towers are also not yet carbon-negative due to materials and energy use.
The Goldilocks Solution
- Consider "Goldilocks" 2-3 story housing, similar to historic row houses or Hutongs.
- This scale balances density with roof area for solar power.