Bruce Carlson

There are construction cranes in the sky. Some prices for construction materials may be rising. Multifamily construction seems to be exploding. Some building industry professionals are smiling again. Are we back? Is it over? Are we ready to let the good times roll? Unfortunately, most of us still struggle.

The Aerotropolis approach to urban living is reshaping life in Seoul and Amsterdam, in China and India, Memphis, Washington, D. C.—and Dallas-Fort Worth. It is a community that is based upon the global delivery of goods and services.

Modular design has been used for centuries, and it's making (another) comeback today. But despite its many virtues, it's a system that's not going to work for everyone and everything.

Borrowing design ideas from nature is not new—for example, ancient Egyptian column design was inspired by bundled reeds with locust flowers. What is interesting is how large this concept is becoming worldwide as it connects sustainability with architecture.