Reimagining Housing Demands a Shift in Our Approach

The traditional model of housing development, which focused on expanding into suburban greenfields with single-family homes, is becoming unsustainable as available land diminishes and urban cores are prioritized. This shift necessitates a new approach to construction, focusing on multifamily housing solutions that adhere to different rules than those applied in single-family development. Current infill projects across the United States are largely ineffective, with most areas struggling to meet housing demands. Although cities like Seattle show some success, they still cannot keep up with the increasing demand due to existing zoning and infrastructure funding challenges. Urban developers are now expected to upgrade infrastructure for significantly larger populations than those directly served by new developments, which complicates the process. The shift to urban infill not only involves engaging with numerous existing stakeholders but also requires recognizing and adapting to these challenges. Movement away from failed urban renewal strategies necessitates a more respectful approach towards communities, which inherently increases the complexity and difficulty of new housing projects.