Shaping Tomorrow's Cities: A Conversation on Hybrid Work and Urban Transformation

Downtown districts are made to be central hubs, but the purpose of these hubs evolved over time. As the world changes socially and professionally, maintaining relevant locations is important for communities to thrive. What choices do we make to revitalize central hubs for cities across America?

Welcome to the second season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.

Today we are joined by Emily Badger, a distinguished journalist writing about cities and urban policy for The Upshot from the New York Times Washington bureau. Emily is particularly interested in the intricate and dynamic connections between housing, transportation, and inequality within the built environment. In our conversation, we will delve into the impact of hybrid work on serendipitous interactions, and discuss possible opportunities to revitalize central business districts in cities.

Listen as we discuss how we can reimagine cities for the upcoming years. With the rise of hybrid work and vacant office spaces, Emily suggests that central business districts can be revitalized by integrating more affordable housing, public education, health clinics, performance spaces, and community centers to attract people.

Emily's perspective on the need to rethink our cities and downtown's as a call for architects and planners to consider dimensions we may not have explored before. She reminds us that serendipitous encounters, which are essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community in an urban environment, do not solely rely on office workers commuting into cities. Cities are interesting because they are vibrant hubs filled with all types of people.

 

Time stamps:

[01:09] - Emily Badger talks about why it’s important for coworkers to be near each other.

[03:37] - Asking bigger questions about the meaning and value of cities. PART 1

[05:38] - Asking bigger questions about the meaning and value of cities. PART 2

[07:16] - Emily talks about central business districts and how their purpose evolved.

[10:16] - What uses could appear in downtown districts more frequently?

[12:35] - Emily talks about cities and accessibility.

[15:10] - What are some similarities between strong communities across America?

[17:29] - Reimagining cities for the upcoming years.

[20:19] - Emily encourages everyone to be open minded for creating more alluring environments.

[23:14] - Thank you Emily for reminding us that serendipitous encounters and a sense of community are inspired by diversified locations.

 

Links / Resources:

Guy Geier

Instagram | Twitter

 

Emily Badger

The Upshot

Twitter