290: the benefits of slow development

I am totally exhausted tonight so won't be long... But I was intrigued by this story in the UK's Guardian newspaper today (though it was actually published a few days ago I noticed). It discusses some of the potentially positive impacts of the current economic downturn - namely the opportunity to take stock of our development pathway and its sustainability. The article cites the slower pace of UK house building specifically, suggesting that there is now a chance to reevaluate the siting, architecture, energy supply etc of proposed developments, as some will be put on hold. It's an interesting perspective. Certainly, it's evident in the US that the current concern over oil prices is beginning to focus minds on sustainable energy supply. Could this prompt a broader reassessment of the established growth model? Well, maybe...