Communities in a century

Flying cars, personalised robots and homes constructed from recycled materials will be commonplace in 2110 according to a junior think tank.

The research – commissioned by housebuilder Taylor Wimpey – asked 1,000 seven to 11 year-olds how they thought we’d live in 100 years time and showed younger generations were already aware of the impact the environment will have on the way we live in the future.

Over half (56%) believed homes would be heated by solar power, with 35% thinking wind turbines would provide energy to heat our homes. Greener methods of transport were also predicted, with 61% of children believing we would be driving electric cars. Other methods of transport included solar-powered cars, hover boards, moving pavements and teleporting.

“We were really impressed with the creativity and imagination of the panel as well as their clear understanding of the impact of environmental issues on the way we might live in the future and the role that technology could play in shaping our lives,” said Karen Cullis, head of marketing for Taylor Wimpey and head of the project.

Over 30% of respondents believed robots would carry out most household chores, with gadgets including a self-cleaning toilet, clothes that don’t need washing and automated dinner-making machines (ADMs).

Homes will be made out of high tech materials say respondents – 54% believed most would come from recycled materials while 64% believed un-invented materials will be used. Man-made floating islands in the sea (33%) underground bases (31%) and space stations (31%) would be needed to accommodate the world’s growing population. However 69% of respondents still wanted their future communities to have plenty of open green spaces, parks, woods and fields.

The research is part of the ‘Changing Lives Changing Communities’ project a nationwide curriculum-based history project for schools in England, Scotland and Wales.