Global megatrends like rapid urbanization, shape our world and challenge us to examine our future in new ways. It's estimated that by 2050, almost 70 percent of the world's population—approximately seven billion people—will live in cities.1 As of 2021, North America was the most urbanized continent worldwide.2 If carefully considered, urbanization can have a positive outcome providing opportunities for growth, sustainable development, and social integration. However, without conscientious planning, urbanization can increase congestion, noise, and air pollution—both indoors and out.
For decades, architects, engineers, contractors and manufacturers have been working to address rapid urbanization by reexamining building design for performance, efficiency, sustainability, and occupant health, comfort and safety. One critical area of consideration continues to be indoor air quality. As city populations grow and bring with them the probability of increased air pollution, how can the Architecture/Engineering/Construction community best create buildings and spaces that provide improved IAQ and promote occupant wellness?