Thousands of Urban Residents Offer Insights on the Environmental and Economic Challenges They Face in Their Daily Lives, While Highlighting the Increased Need for Sustainable Cities
Today, Chaos, a global leader in 3D visualization tools, has published its “Architects of Change” report, which was created to help builders and architects better understand the changing nature of city living. The results paint an increasingly hostile picture for city residents — stemming from climate change, rising energy costs, sustainable materials and more — while also offering a roadmap that can help create better cities of the future.
Conducted in January 2024 by international research firm Censuswide, the survey includes results from over 4,000 adults across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. Respondents ranged 16–55+ years of age and all income brackets, as well as single and multi-occupant residents. Questions focused on the daily lives of urban citizens and the economic and environmental factors affecting them and their well-being.
Of those polled, more than half stated that temperature extremes were adversely affecting their mental well-being, while 20% responded that they would consider moving due to weather. 38% cited air quality as a major issue in their home cities, and one-in-four referenced overcrowding and over-development as major issues for urban residents. Economic pressures in the last year also played a major role in the view of city living, with 63% reporting that increased cost of living, especially rent and mortgage, have led to a decrease in their quality of life.
