The real estate sector’s relationship with technology has changed beyond belief in the last few decades. While this is of course a positive transition for our somewhat old-school industry into the modern, digital world, we need to be mindful that we are using technology – more specifically, data – in the right way.

For something that has undoubtedly become the undercurrent for everyday life, technology brings with it a plethora of exciting opportunities. Savills Urban Design Studio and Planning division is using a number of different processes and emerging new technologies to analyse the city, interpret data and inform the design and planning process.

This extends from reinterpreting the complex morphology of the city via the use of GIS (Geographical Information System) utilising new software to design on the move, exploring new parametric software to quickly assess development quantum and technical layouts and introducing the use of VU.CITY within the design and planning process.  

VU.CITY has created the largest and most accurate interactive digital city platform; Savills itself is an investor via its Grosvenor Hill Ventures investment arm. Used by local government, public bodies, architects, land owners, developers and property experts, new interventions can be tested informed by tangible constraints and planning policy.

These applications and ground-breaking technologies have not only helped to speed up the way in which we work, but have also enabled us to assess first-hand the variety of options that are available throughout the planning and development process. The introduction of new analytical and design software is revolutionising the way we work allowing us to develop further our research and design-led commercial intelligence 

Behind the scenes, this is creating an enormous amount of data which, used in the right way, can be used to cut down timescales, eliminate delays and make every day processes far less painful.

Although this represents a veritable way to improve timescales, it is important to remain mindful in the face of efficiency; there is a real danger of too much information becoming available and not enough of it being analysed.

So how should we be using data to our benefit? This is where it becomes particularly important with regards to whom you employ to be analysing this data. Getting the right people on board is key to knowing what to look for and, vitally, for knowing when to stop digging to ensure that the content is valuable – quality over quantity if you like.

As the lines between pure-play property and technology continue to blur, it is becoming much more important to cross-pollinate in order to attract a variety of skills into the real estate sector; those which are best-placed to use data most advantageously.  

Looking forward to the rest of the decade and we can expect to see the role of technology in the planning process become even more resolute. What will remain key is keeping the sense of 'human' about our work front of mind as we navigate through unprecedented levels of disruption in the sector.

Join Guy Ruddle and guests Andy Dowding, Head of Savills London Urban Design Studio, and Jamie Holmes, CEO of VU.CITY, as they discuss what the future of the planning industry looks like and how technology is affecting these changes.

This podcast is for general information only and should not be considered professional advice. Savills accepts no liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of, reference to or reliance on, this podcast or its content. Savills makes no warranty as to the accuracy of the information in this podcast. This podcast, and all copyright in this podcast, is the property of Savills and it shall not be used, reproduced or quoted in whole or in part without Savills prior written consent. 

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