Proceedings of the Next Generation of Housing Technology: A Conference for Leaders in the Housing Field

摘要

This report includes conference discussions on the cost of current methods of housing construction and the need to identify, test, develop, and implement better, lower cost housing technologies, methods, and materials. It is directd toward the housing industry and its manufacturers as well as to HUD and other government planners. Conference participants generally agreed that the next generation of housing will consist of smaller, smarter houses of higher quality, of greater vertical orientation, frequently clustered, and incorporating many new and different materials and products. Issues touched on at at the conference ranged from the impact of inflation on future building and home construction to the future of systems building. Speakers found that home ownership has become elusive for many persons due to higher taxes and increased inflation. Demographics should be used to predict housing needs in response to population movement and aging. Speakers called for new energy conservation technologies and new tends toward prefabricated components, smaller homes, and new evaluative techniques and measurement methods. Others suggested that the manufactured housing industry should look outside American borders for a market. New applications for compputerized home energy using analysis programs and other emerging technologies were also discussed, and new issues such as indoor air quality were described. Some speakers saw the threat of liability to manufacturers and others as of increasing concern because laws have not developed responsibly in the area of liablity management. A list of conference speakers, panelists, and attendees is appended.