If cities are in a constant state of flux, shouldn’t the built environment flex along with them? It turns out that adaptable architecture might be more prevalent than we think. Concepts from New York and London illustrate that semipermanent structures present viable options for housing, as well as temporary and ad hoc activities, from art exhibits to sporting events.

Against the backdrop of the Great Recession, Hines creates a $1 billion pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use complex on 10 acres in downtown Washington’s commercial, cultural, arts, and entertainment epicenter.

As cities around the world deal with population booms, governments, civic groups, developers, and research organizations have turned their attention to the idea of counteracting suburban expansion with targeted, concentrated urban development, marked by mid- to high-rise multi-tenant buildings with structured or centrally-located parking.

Businesses and consumers are inundated with “green,” whether watching TV or going to the car wash. It’s enough to force many to simply tune-out, ignoring calls for lower carbon footprints, recycling, and driving less. So what does this mean for commercial building owners?

The industrial market continues its recovery nationwide, driven by tenant demand for more space to accommodate growth and the need for more efficient locations and buildings to reduce costs. According to the most recent NAIOP Industrial Space Demand Forecast, “the U.S. industrial market is poised for significant growth, with annual net absorption forecast to reach 150 million and 175 million square feet in 2013 and 2014 respectively.”

In an era of hypertechnology, Opus Development Corporation is doing its best to enable future residents of a luxury residential building, now going up in downtown Minneapolis, to use foot power to access the city’s office towers, shopping, and parks — and to reconnect with the environment and each other.

Old warehouses are excellent candidates for adaptive reuse, especially those that are well located and eligible for historic tax credits.

Despite roadblocks over ten years, including community opposition, environmental concerns, and the economy, Westfield delivers a unique retail complex offering a resort-like experience.

Tim Huffman, executive vice president, national director, Technology Solutions Group at Colliers International, gets about a call a day from a developer-owner that has an older building with a good power supply and floors capable of supporting significant weight. The developer-owner has heard that the data center business is thriving and wants to convert his building.