The 4TH Stage of Modern Transformation

The 4^TH Stage 

Cities are entering a fourth stage of modern transformational change, shaped by technological innovation. The first stage came with the steam engine, the second with the electrical grid and reliable mass transit (e.g., subway systems), and the third with the personal automobile, which stimulated the growth of suburbs and in turn necessitated the creation of a network of highways. The new profession of urban planning also transformed and created the cities that we see today. Today more than 80% of the population in the United States lives in large metropolitan areas, generating more than 90% of the country’s GDP. From 1920 to 2010, U.S. cities “hollowed out,” with suburbs growing faster than their urban cores. This applies what Concrete Faith Illustrated programs called TeraBYTE4 is focusing on to help our inner city youth.

Many cities in the United States were characterized by concentrations of urban poor in their centers as the more affluent residents moved to suburbs, where they relied heavily upon personal automobiles in their daily lives. The urban centers generally have had higher levels of crime, lower levels of employment and income, deteriorating services, and often inadequate housing.

In 2011 the flight from the cities began to reverse, with Millennials and Baby Boomers leading the return to urban neighborhoods as they looked for social connections and societal services. Cities are again growing. This fourth transformational era sees distinct districts and sub-centers supplementing unitary downtown centers. As a result demands on city design, infrastructure, and services are growing and changing. Important needs include more effective use of limited space, greater walkability, and ways to support residents across the income spectrum. In addition, the need for improved urban resilience in the face of climate change and other natural and man-made catastrophes adds to the challenges cities face. Integrating new physical and digital technologies to create innovative solutions will offer the best opportunities to address these challenges.