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THE
PLACE
REPORT
Top ten global trends redefining how
we shop, live, work and play
2014
THE
PLACE
REPORT
Top ten global trends redefining how
we shop, live, work and play
About Place Associates
Place Associates is a property consultancy
which creates strategies that position, market
and activate places.
This approach in managing and developing
places increases customer visitation, spend
and loyalty. Working with the owners, operators
and occupants of places, we provide the insight
through research which ensures that places
develop a competitive advantage, allowing
them to command a price premium and
achieve financial returns above the market.
Cover page:
Library and
Learning
Centre, Vienna
University of
Economics and
Business
THE PLACE REPORT
This report was compiled from November 2013 to
March 2014 and all information is accurate at the time
of publication. Every effort has been made to identify
individual copyright holders of all imagery used in this
publication. However, should any copyright holder not
be acknowledged, please notify us and we will include
the details in future issues.
In-house Presentations
of the 2014 Report
If you do not have time to read this report, or want
to find out more about a specific trend, we can
present the 2014 report in person to your project
team, department or organisation. Please get in
touch to arrange a presentation:
[email protected]
Custom Trend Reports
and Presentations
If you are interested in a particular trend, area or
location, we offer custom reports or presentations
which respond to your exact needs. As a costeffective alternative to study tours, this provides
all the same information in significantly less time.
Please get in touch to brief us with your requirements:
[email protected]
Project Trend Workshops
If you have a specific project which you would like
us to address, we offer project trend workshops.
These three-hour sessions are held with the project
team and equip everyone with the knowledge to
respond to your unique set of challenges. Please
get in touch to brief us with your requirements:
[email protected]
1
Contents
01
Culture Quarters
Precinct operators and owners
are leveraging the power
of cultural quarters to offer
a thriving all-day proposition.
02
Incubating Growth
About this
Publication
We have gathered the most progressive
property examples from the past 12
months and distilled them into ten
trends defining how we are changing
the way we live, work, eat, shop, stay
and play.
Please share this document with
your colleagues – all information
contained within is published under
a Creative Commons licence.
Refer to the Acknowledgements
page for more details.
The Place Trends Report is published
annually in the first quarter. More
information on each of the case
studies can be found on our trends
website: wecreateplaces.com
Proudly supported by:
Incubators are appearing
as growth strategies for
commercial regeneration
and social revitalisation.
03
Creative technological
solutions around parking
management help balance
supply and demand
in real time.
04
Risk-Sharing
New models are emerging
for dividing risk between
owners, operators, occupants
and users, to ensure the most
balanced economic outcome
for all parties.
05
Commercial Co-habitation
The deliberate sharing
of commercial workspaces
by organisations to provide
a mixture of cultural, strategic
and financial benefits.
THE PLACE REPORT
08
Intelligent Parking
Retail Repurposing
06
Library 2.0
The role of libraries in the
digital age is changing how we
learn, share, socialise and shop.
07
Urban Microclusters
Dynamic small businesses
are actively choosing to
‘cluster’ with complementary
operators to reduce risk and
operating costs and increase
market appeal and exposure.
Redundant retail and hospitality
spaces are being repurposed
for a range of uses to support
a competitive advantage and
point of distinction.
09
Empowered Prosumers
The improved mass customisation
technologies which provide accessible,
flexible, time-efficient construction,
production and distribution of
products for use in and around
the built environment.
10
Mainstream Urbanism
Mainstream interest in urban
planning and the built
environment is permeating
mainstream consciousness.
2
TREND NO
01
Culture
Quarters
Artistic and cultural activations are becoming
major attractors of people in unexpected places,
with museums, councils and developers using
innovative installations and programming to
influence how people spend their leisure time.
THE PLACE REPORT
2
CULTURE QUARTERS
TREND NO 1
Clockwise
from top left:
Gap Filler,
Christchurch
Introduction
Art is in more demand than
ever in the Western world,
and it is becoming a symbol
of status and power in emerging
BRIC countries (that is, Brazil,
Russia, India and China).
THE PLACE REPORT
In response, culture is being
used as a drawcard, to create
memorable experiences, making
unused laneways safe and
attractive, and revitalising
run-down precincts. It has been
used to counteract underuse
wrought by natural disaster,
economic decline and the
impacts of suburbanisation.
Gap Filler is a creative urban
Gap Filler
Christchurch regeneration initiative that started
in response to the 2010 and 2011
earthquakes in Christchurch, New
Zealand. The quake devastated
the downtown area and many
key cultural, spiritual and social
buildings were destroyed. The
organisation re-activates vacant
sites awaiting redevelopment with
non-commercial creative projects.
These have included pedalpowered flicks, a social arena built
from pallets and a book exchange.
By all accounts, Christchurch has
benefited from the experimental
activations, bringing vibrancy to
the dilapidated downtown area
and people back to local shops.
‘Bringing vibrancy
to the dilapidated
downtown area
and people back
to local shops.’
3
CULTURE QUARTERS
TREND NO 1
Rote Fabrik (Red Fabric)
Zurich
Rote Fabrik (Red Fabric) in
Zurich, Switzerland, wasn’t born
from national disaster; instead,
an economic downturn of the
local silk industry created an
opportunity for the local creative
industry. Located in an abandoned
silk factory in Zurich, Rote Fabrik
provides about 80 long-term
studios for musicians, actors,
media designers and artists.
The city of Zurich rents out more
than 60 art studios to artists.
THE PLACE REPORT
Rote Fabrik also provides
rehearsal studios for music,
theatre and the fine arts. The
mixed-use space has contributed
to the bustling cultural life on the
premises, with approximately
80
permanent employees and up
to 200 freelance contributors
involved. About 200,000 people
per year attend the visual and
performing arts events, schools
and workshops, the restaurant
or the exhibition hall. Rote Fabrik
is considered one of the largest
cultural centres in Europe.
80
80
Long-term
studios
Permanent
employees
60
200
Art
studios
Freelance
contributors
Clockwise
from top left:
Rote Fabrik
(Red Fabric),
Zurich
4
CULTURE QUARTERS
TREND NO 1
Clockwise
from top left:
High Line,
New York City;
K11 Art Mall,
Hong Kong
High Line
New York
City
THE PLACE REPORT
The ‘golden child’ case study
continues to be the High Line
in New York City. The initiative,
which involved the transformation
of a disused elevated freight rail
line into a public park, attracts
around four million visitors a
year. People want to live near
it; restaurants, boutiques and
galleries want to be in close
proximity to it. Rents in the
surrounding neighbourhoods
have increased, and local building
projects have drawn big-name
architects, creating 8000
construction jobs.
‘Rents in the
surrounding
neighbourhoods
have increased.’
It has also strengthened the local
community, which was engaged
and consulted on each part
of the project.
Interestingly, other cities such as
Sydney have learnt from the High
Line experience and are planning
similar re-use of the Goods Line
railway corridor in Ultimo, the city’s
educational precinct.
Developers in Hong Kong
used culture to create a
point of difference for their
new shopping centre in a
competitive landscape.
K11 Art Mall
Hong Kong
K11 Art Mall is a shopping centre
that displays locally made public
art on each floor among the
boutiques. There are serious
public art displays, as well as
more playful exhibits. The dense
program of openings, activities,
lectures, design competitions
and exhibitions fosters visitors’
active participation. The concept
was adopted after the success
of an earlier art mall, created
by the same developers
in Shanghai, China.
5
THE PLACE REPORT
6
CULTURE QUARTERS
TREND NO 1
Clockwise
from left:
Lourve Museum,
Lens
Museums and art
galleries are finding
ways to strengthen
their brand by building
satellite locations and
reinvigorating surrounding
neighbourhoods.
THE PLACE REPORT
Louvre Museum
Lens
One such example comes from
the famous Louvre Museum,
which has created a satellite site
in the industrial town of Lens,
in northern France. Lens is not
an obvious choice for a cultural
institution: the town has fewer than
40,000 residents and had been
in an economic slump since a
local mine closed in 1960,
with an unemployment rate
three times the national average.
But within a year of opening,
750,000 people have already
visited the sleek glass and
polished aluminium building.
Lens Mayor Guy Delcourt has
publicly applauded the satellite,
and called it a ‘lifeline’ for the city.
7
CULTURE QUARTERS
TREND NO 1
‘Marrying the
crucial historical
elements with
an innovative
concept of
galleries and
wayfinding.’
THE PLACE REPORT
Maritime Museum of Denmark
Copenhagen
An ambitious award-winning design for the
Danish Maritime Museum has played its part
in a collaborative effort to bring life back to a
local harbour. Located 50 kilometres north of
Copenhagen, Kronborg Harbour now offers a variety
of cultural experiences to residents and visitors
to the city of Helsingor (Elsinore). The Maritime
Museum, an innovative sunken building within a
dry dock, sits between one of Denmark’s most
important and famous buildings and a new, ambitious
cultural centre. By marrying the crucial historical
elements with an innovative concept of galleries
and wayfinding, architecture firm BIG’s renovation
scheme reflects Denmark’s past and present role
as one of the world’s leading maritime nations.
Clockwise
from top left:
Maritime
Museum of
Denmark,
Copenhagen
8
CULTURE QUARTERS
TREND NO 1
Finally, even
grassroots movements
are finding success
by using an incubator
format to increase
economic resilience.
Coops
New York
City
THE PLACE REPORT
New York City is currently home
to at least 23 worker cooperative
businesses in Manhattan, the
Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.
Coops are democratic businesses
and organisations that are owned
and managed by the people who
work in them. This structure keeps
money and jobs within the local
community where they operate.
They have also shown to be more
resistant in economic downturn,
by finding alternatives to reducing
staff. –PR
9
CULTURE QUARTERS
TREND NO 1
Trend Overview
Culture Quarters
1.
ap Filler
G
Christchurch
gapfiller.org.nz
2. R
ote Fabrik (Red Fabric)
Zurichrotefabrik.ch/en/home
3. H
igh Line
New York Citythehighline.org
4. K
11 Art Mall
Hong Kong k11concepts.com/en
5. Louvre Museum
Lenslouvrelens.fr/en/home
6. D
anish Maritime Museum
Copenhagenmfs.dk/en/
7. Coops
New York Citynycworker.coop
THE PLACE REPORT
10
TREND NO
02
Incubating
Growth
Incubators use a range of strategies such
as lowering rent, mentorship, expertise
and networking to boost productivity.
Once predominantly found in the tech industry,
cities, private businesses and individuals
are creating their own incubators within
a range of industries with successful results.
THE PLACE REPORT
11
INCUBATING GROWTH
TREND NO 2
Clockwise
from top left:
London Tech
City, London
Success within these pockets
is usually achieved through a
commitment from the public
sector, the private sector and
individuals.
Introduction
Incubators, long part of the start-up culture,
have now spread into other industries.
This approach has created hotbeds of innovation
in global cities where some of the most dynamic
work is being undertaken.
THE PLACE REPORT
Only a few years ago this
trend materialised when large
corporations – think Google, Nike,
and Urban Outfitters – started
creating campuses for their staff
in separate locations. However,
industry incubators have evolved
and reconsidered this segmented
approach. Today’s innovative
hotspots are located within the
fabric of a city, engaging with the
areas around them. Siloed forms
of working are out; collaboration
and teamwork are in.
London Tech
City
London
The disruption and growing
dependence on technology in
each industry has caused tech
hotspots to pop up in almost every
major city. One such example is
London Tech City. The area has
actively cultivated a tech focus,
attracting investors such as
Google, Facebook, Cisco and Intel
to the area. This in turn has seen
a community of entrepreneurial
companies follow suit. There were
200 businesses at the time of
launching, and now 1300 digital
companies are located in the
area. Due to the singular focus,
Tech City has been able to foster
innovation and collaboration within
like-minded companies. With easy
access to the financial centre of
‘Actively
cultivated a tech
focus, attracting
investors such as
Google, Facebook,
Cisco and Intel
to the area.’
the city and quick access
to Europe, it is an ideal location
to grow an international business.
12
INCUBATING GROWTH
TREND NO 2
Similar tech
incubators exist
in Berlin and
Mexico City.
Incentivising
start-ups with
below-average
rental rates,
mentorship and
added benefits
is an important
means of drawing
and developing
promising talent.
Factory
Berlin
500 Startups
Mexico City
Google
San Francisco
Sapiens Park
Brazil
Factory in Berlin was created so
start-up and mature technologydriven companies could
collaborate. A key focus at Factory
is using mentors to advise and
develop early-stage start-ups.
Private investors have been
attracted by the rich sources of
talent being nurtured. Google, for
example, has recently come on
board, funding training, mentoring,
events and other programs to
support start-up development.
500 Startups, a part seed fund, part mentorship
model, has just opened the doors of its first
satellite company, located in Mexico City.
Mexico is a growing digital market, and a strategic
move for the company that is based in Silicon Valley.
Its acceleration program provides start-ups with
seed capital, mentorship, office space and direct
support to establish a strong foundation and drive
their business forward rapidly. This arrangement
gives local Mexican start-ups the benefits of the
global knowledge and expertise of the Silicon Valley
employees, and the international 500 Startups
brand is able to cultivate the next breed of developers
in the emerging Latin American market.
Once a key advocate of the
segmented ‘campus’ idea, Google
has just purchased office space
in San Francisco’s trendy Mission
District to house workers who
don’t want to commute to their
headquarters in Mountain View.
The company reportedly sees
purchasing the 35,000-squarefoot former newspaper factory as
a key strategy in attracting startup businesses, whose employees
want to remain more closely
engaged with the innovative San
Francisco community, to work
with the company.
Sapiens Park, in Santa Catarina,
Brazil, set on 1.2 million square
metres of land, was created
by non-profit tech company
Fundação Certi. It has since
attracted local, municipal
and federal funding to help
incubate and grow local start-up
businesses. Sapiens Park offers
start-up companies in tourism,
technology and entertainment
office space with cheap rent,
mentors, partnerships with
local universities and free
administrative support.
THE PLACE REPORT
13
INCUBATING GROWTH
TREND NO 2
Having seen
the success
and innovation
resulting from
the incubator
approach, other
industries, such
as the arts, are
now trialling
similar strategies.
THE PLACE REPORT
New Museum
USA
One such example of this is the
Incubator for Art, Technology,
and Design, run by the New
Museum in New York City, USA.
The New Museum has provided
two million dollars in funding to
create a collaborative work and
educational space for 60 people.
Innovators from multiple creative
industries – architecture, design,
technology and art – have been
invited to use the space, due
to open in mid 2014.
Clockwise
from top left:
New Museum,
USA;
Los Angeles
County Museum
of Art (LACMA),
Los Angeles
14
INCUBATING GROWTH
TREND NO 2
Clockwise
from top left:
Los Angeles
County Museum
of Art (LACMA),
Los Angeles
On America’s West
Coast, a similar
project is being
undertaken by
the Los Angeles
County Museum
of Art (LACMA).
THE PLACE REPORT
Los Angeles
County
Museum of
Art (LACMA)
Los Angeles
LACMA has created a collaborative space
in bringing artists and technologists together
to undertake projects that they plan to share
with the public at the museum. Interestingly,
unlike the New Museum, this project has funding
from private businesses, such as Accenture,
Google and SpaceX. Both LACMA and the New
Museum illustrate the impact of utilising space
to create long-term repayment to the organisation
– in producing cutting-edge material to display
in the gallery, and for investors to be linked to the
helm of new trends and meet future employees.
15
INCUBATING GROWTH
TREND NO 2
Clockwise
from top left:
Digital Media
City (DMC)
Seoul,
South Korea
These clusters
aren’t only being
created by private
companies.
THE PLACE REPORT
Digital Media City (DMC)
Seoul
In Seoul, Korea, for example, the government created
Digital Media City (DMC) to reinvigorate an area of
the city by encouraging digital media entertainment
companies to lease there. Launched in 2002, and
with completion planned for 2015, DMC was seen
as a way to expand Korea’s advanced IT, human
resources and entertainment industries. The Seoul
Metropolitan Government provided funding to create
broadband and wireless networks and infrastructure,
as well as tax incentives and desirable land prices
to attract innovative tenants. –PR
16
INCUBATING GROWTH
TREND NO 2
Trend Overview
Incubating Growth
1.
London Tech City
London
techcityuk.com
2. F
actory
Berlinfactoryberlin.com
3. 500 Startups
Mexico City
500mexicocity.com
4. Google
San Francisco
sanfrancisco.travel/neighborhoodmission-district
5. Sapiens Park
Santa Catarina
sapiensparque.com.br
6. New Museum
USAnewmuseum.org
7.
os Angeles County
L
Museum of Art (LACMA)
Los Angeles
lacma.org
8. D
igital Media City (DMC)
Seouldmc.seoul.go.kr/eng/index.do
THE PLACE REPORT
17
TREND NO
03
Intelligent
Parking
Driven by the capabilities of location-based
technology and wi-fi access, we are seeing the
emergence of intelligent and integrated parking
solutions. These systems offer scalable pricing
systems for parking, based on demand, and
help alleviate parking pressures by intelligently
matching drivers or passengers with the best
available option.
Apps
THE PLACE REPORT
Carpool
18
INTELLIGENT PARKING
TREND NO 3
Introduction
Despite the fact that modern
urban planning widely
promotes non-motorised
modes of transport, or active
transport, parking is still
a common challenge.
Parking lots are also usually
visually uninspiring, and dead
space. But with the influx of
technology, the age of parking
2.0 has arrived. Creative solutions
for parking management can
make parking easier, help cope
with demand or explore how active
transport can live side by side
with motor vehicles.
THE PLACE REPORT
Creating scalable pricing systems
for parking, based on demand,
has eased parking pressures in
downtown San Francisco. SFpark,
an initiative by the San Francisco
Municipal Transportation Agency,
has increased parking availability
in a city where parking is often
challenging. SFpark periodically
adjusts meter and garage pricing
to match demand.
Throughout the United States,
more examples of scalable
pricing to streamline parking are
appearing. In Los Angeles, smart
meters and low-power sensors
help city officials determine
pricing based on demand.
The availability and pricing data
is freely available to the public
through a free app called Parker.
Pre-booked and paid parking
services, such as Click and Park,
assist with parking for large events
in the US and Canada. Pricing can
also be scaled to suit demand.
‘Pricing can also
be scaled to suit
demand.’
Choose an event
Select location
Print your permit
Click and Park also utilises
existing space within the
surrounding neighbourhood by
allowing local businesses to work
with large entertainment venues
to offer parking space on their
premises, and receive financial
reward. The business is well
established, and continues to grow
in cities across the United States.
19
INTELLIGENT PARKING
TREND NO 3
In the past
few years
a slew of apps
and websites
have been
created to assist
drivers with
the challenges
of parking.
Their services include providing
crowd-sourced information
about available, free-of-charge
or long-term spots. BestParking.
com is a parking search engine
that steers drivers towards the
cheapest and most convenient
garages and lots in 100 cities
and 115 airports across North
America. Brooklyn-based Roadify
relies on information from users
to let the online community know
when a spot has been recently
vacated. Users who are after
a spot send a text and receive
a list of available spots nearby.
THE PLACE REPORT
Cheap 115 100
Garages and
lots for parking
Airports
Cities
‘Peer-to-peer
car pooling apps
include: Lyft,
Jayride and
Share your Ride.’
Another strategy is to provide
options to combat traffic
congestion. Peer-to-peer
car pooling apps, such as Lyft,
Jayride and Share your Ride,
cut down the number of cars
on the roads and let someone
else worry about the headache
of parking. Lyft is now offered
in 19 US cities, and Share your Ride
is available in seven countries.
20
INTELLIGENT PARKING
TREND NO 3
At Sihlcity,
a mixed-use
shopping centre
just outside the
Zurich city centre,
cars and bikes
live together
harmoniously.
Sihlcity
Zurich
In order to get building permission,
the developers agreed to a
number of transport solutions.
The shopping centre has 19,000
visitors per day and approximately
2300 employees. However, the
agreed number of parking spaces
offered in the centre is only 850.
To balance the lack of car spaces,
600 bike parking spaces, a bike
home delivery service and initial
financing for the improvement
of a tramway and a bus line were
included in the design. The effects
are clear: approximately 70 per
cent of trips to the development
are made by active transport. –PR
THE PLACE REPORT
Statistics
19,000 visitors per day
2300 employees
850 car spaces
600 bike parking spaces
Improvements
A bike home delivery service
A tramway and a bus line
were included in the design
Approximately
70 per cent
of trips to the
development
are made by
active transport.
21
INTELLIGENT PARKING
TREND NO 3
Apps
Carpool
Trend Overview
Intelligent Parking
1.
SFpark
San Francisco
sfpark.org
2. C
lick and Park
US and Canada
clickandpark.com
3. BestParking.com
North America
bestparking.com
4. Roadify
Brooklynroadify.com
5. L
yft
Digitallyft.com
6. S
hare your Ride
Digitalshareyourride.net
7. SihlCity
Zurichsihlcity.ch/de
THE PLACE REPORT
22
TREND NO
04
Risk-Sharing
Businesses and developers are rethinking
traditional pricing, place and product offering
to see how risk can be reduced. Innovative models
typically based on pay-for-use, diversification
of purpose and commercial partnerships are all
smart ways of minimising the risk, appropriately
sharing the liability between owners, operators,
occupants and users.
THE PLACE REPORT
23
RISK-SHARING
TREND NO 4
‘Rent a space for 30 mins, an hour
or a day and pay for your length
of stay.’ – Breather App
Book
Introduction
Risk is an inevitable part
of any new venture, whether
you’re the owner or the tenant,
the financier or the customer.
THE PLACE REPORT
Businesses and developers are
rethinking traditional pricing,
place and product offering to
see how risk can be reduced.
Success depends on finding the
right incentive for the clientele,
recognising whether they are
price sensitive or responsive to
exclusivity or demand flexibility.
Technology is facilitating risk
reduction through better
management of supply and
demand with the use of dynamic
pricing. However, innovative
models based on pay-for-use,
diversification of purpose and
commercial partnerships are all
low-tech ways of minimising risk,
appropriately sharing liability
between owners, operators,
occupants and users.
Clockwise
from left:
Ace Hotels,
London
Unlock
Meet, Work, Rest
Ziferblat
London
Breather
Montreal and New York
London’s first pay-per-minute cafe
and co-working space has just
opened its doors in Shoreditch.
Ziferblat, part of a Russian chain
of the same name, created its
original pricing scheme to appeal
to price-sensitive customers.
Tea, coffee and basic amenities
are offered for free. This approach
would also help lower the average
length of stay, ensuring there are
always tables available in a highdemand area. The concept has
proved popular in Russia, with
Ziferblats there attracting a total
of 30,000 customers a month.
Launched in February 2014,
Breather offers super short-term
private workspaces available for
30 minutes, an hour, or an entire day.
An iOS app is used to view, book,
and unlock the door with a simple
tap of their phone, users are only
charged for the length of their stay.
Currently they have 3 locations in
Manhattan with plans to expand
across the US, San Francisco as
the next city.
24
RISK-SHARING
TREND NO 4
Pay-per-minute
schemes would
have the opposite
effect on luxury
and entertainment
businesses.
Apartment 58
London
Instead, Apartment 58, also
located in London, reduces risk
by asking clients to commit on
a long-term basis, requiring all
visitors to have memberships.
Apartment 58 is a chameleon
property that provides office
space by day and event space,
a restaurant and bar by night.
THE PLACE REPORT
Memberships are by invitation
only, but there is a range of options
to suit every need, with day- and
month-long passes, multi-location
and even lifetime passes. This
strategy, completely reliant on its
exclusivity, has proved popular
after the business upgraded from
a 1000-square-metre location to
an 8000-square-metre location
within two years of opening.
Hotels are
prime examples
of spaces
with inherent
fluctuations
in use and
hence risk.
Ace Hotels
London
Hotels are prime examples of
spaces with inherent fluctuations
in use and hence risk. For a few
years the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch,
London – the US-based chain’s
first international location – has
reduced risk by diversifying its
offering and making its common
areas open to the public. The
hotel provides a mix of services,
retail and hospitality, including
workshops, a gallery space, casual
workspaces, a cafe, restaurant,
a florist and bike hire.
Clockwise
from top:
Ace Hotels,
London
25
RISK-SHARING
TREND NO 4
Clockwise
from top:
Takeo Library,
Japan
Even public
services are
starting to
be offered
through a risk
partnership.
THE PLACE REPORT
Takeo City Library
Japan
In Takeo City, Japan, Mayor
Keisuke Hiwatashi has offered
a revolutionary new concept
for the local public library.
Hiwatashi has enlisted the
support of public companies,
including a popular movie rental
and bookstore company and
a Starbucks, to lower the risk
of a public asset that is losing
relevance in the digital age.
Population
50,000
Visitors
260,000
Titles for loan
200,000
The space includes a bookshop,
cafe and restaurant as well
as more than 200,000 titles
available for loan. The facility
attracted 260,000 visitors in its
first three months, which is
especially impressive when you
consider that Takeo City has a
population of only 50,000 people.
–PR
26
RISK-SHARING
TREND NO 4
Trend Overview
Risk-Sharing
1.
Ziferblat
London
2. B
reather
Montreal and New York
london.ziferblat.net
breather.com
3. Apartment 58
Londonapartment58.com/about
4. Ace Hotels
Londonacehotel.com/london
5. T
akeo City Library
Japanepochal.city.takeo.lg.jp/winj/opac/top.do
THE PLACE REPORT
27
TREND NO
05
Commercial
Co-habitation
Co-working, a popular option for entrepreneurs,
freelancers and start-ups, is spreading to more
formalised spaces within large businesses
and commercial buildings. From city-scale
to office-scale, attracting, balancing and
retaining an ideal mix of capabilities is seen
as the key to enhancing working culture
and business agility. In turn, this builds an
organisation’s ability to adjust to change and
capitalise on market opportunities as they arise.
THE PLACE REPORT
28
COMMERCIAL CO-HABITATION
TREND NO 5
Clockwise
from top:
Downtown
Project, Las
Vegas; HUB,
Melbourne
The key is not just
offering staff access
to wi-fi, quiet breakout
spaces and fluid
working arrangements;
it’s offering access
to other people.
Introduction
The concept of the traditional
office space is changing rapidly.
Where once the image of a hard
worker was one who slaved
away at a desk, now mobility
is embraced. Mobile, flexible
working conditions are creating
both change and opportunity
for managers, developers and
the accommodation industry.
THE PLACE REPORT
They also result in more
productive, innovative and
happier staff who have a more
equal work–life balance.
The key is not just offering staff
access to wi-fi, quiet breakout
spaces and fluid working
arrangements; it’s offering access
to other people. Tony Hsieh,
Zappos’ CEO and founder of
the Downtown Project in Las
Vegas, USA, calls it ‘collisionable
hours’ – hours he’s able to spend
‘colliding’ with people who can
help influence his mindset.
By building this idea of
collaboration into workplaces,
buildings and even cities,
new levels of innovation
can be unlocked.
Entrepreneurs and start-ups
have understood the benefit
of ‘collisionable hours’ for years.
The recent rise of start-ups
across every industry has resulted
in national and international
co-working chains emerging
– Regus, General Assembly,
HUB, WeWork and Central
Working, to name but a few.
The format is simple. Provide
a desk, business infrastructure,
shorter-term rental arrangements,
fast wi-fi and tech support and
you’ve got a dynamic workspace
that creates demand through
convenience and connectivity.
29
COMMERCIAL CO-HABITATION
TREND NO 5
Co-working
spaces aren’t always
‘one size fits all’;
experimentation
is needed to
get the balance
of size and
density just
right for the
mix of workers.
THE PLACE REPORT
NeueHouse
New York
City
Examples of this experimentation
include spaces that are tailored
to specific industries. NeueHouse,
based in New York City, USA,
is a ‘private membership work
collective’ that caters exclusively
for creative businesses in film,
design, fashion, publishing and
the arts with up to ten staff. Niche,
curated spaces have also started
opening, such as the Melbourne
co-working space The Workery,
which offers just ten desks.
30
COMMERCIAL CO-HABITATION
TREND NO 5
Larger businesses
are also seeing
the benefit of daily
collaboration with
other companies
and are exploring
the concept of
co-working spaces.
THE PLACE REPORT
CoCo
Minneapolis
US Bank, the fifth largest
bank in the United States, has
purchased memberships and
rented meeting space at local
co-working facility CoCo, a
short walk from the bank’s
headquarters in Minneapolis.
Google too has chosen to house
its United Kingdom headquarters
within ‘Campus’, a multi-storey
co-working building in London.
Google, a partial owner of
Campus, and its staff benefit from
interaction with innovative people
and possible new clients.
Portland
Incubator
Experiment
Portland
Some larger, established
businesses are trialling the
idea of bringing start-ups
and smaller businesses to work
with their staff. Internationally
renowned advertising agency
Weiden + Kennedy (W+K) began
Portland Incubator Experiment
(PIE), which offers developers,
bloggers and entrepreneurs desk
space in their Portland, Oregon
offices. W+K staff and clients
benefit not only from the culture,
knowledge sharing and innovation
that comes from having close
relationships with tech staff,
but also from developing new
digital platforms together.
There is more reverence for
an advertising agency that
can provide both award-winning
social campaigns and awardwinning social media networks.
31
COMMERCIAL CO-HABITATION
TREND NO 5
Matchmaking
Services
There has been such
an increase in co-working
spaces that businesses
offering a matchmaking
service have started
to appear.
68 | THE PLACE REPORT
Pivot Desk
USA
One example is Pivot Desk, based
in the United States – a search
directory that profiles spaces
for one to 20 people in six
locations around the country.
‘Hosts’, managers of co-working
spaces or private businesses
with empty desk space, can
also list their space on the site.
LiquidSpace provides a similar
service, on a much larger scale.
Their database has more than
2000 spaces across 250 cities.
32
COMMERCIAL CO-HABITATION
TREND NO 5
Innovative hotels
are making their
casual breakout
spaces in lobbies
and meeting
rooms more
appealing to this
mobile workforce.
THE PLACE REPORT
Marriott International has created
Workspace on Demand in
collaboration with LiquidSpace.
The concept allows quiet areas
or meeting rooms within Marriott
hotels in the United States to be
booked just as a guest would book
a room for the night. After the
success of the pilot of 35 hotels,
Marriott International plans to
expand the program to 300 hotels
across the US.
Clockwise
from top left:
Lindholmen,
Gothenburg
The idea of
collaborative
working is
also inspiring
urban design.
The Downtown Project infamously
offered no-interest loans to
businesses in Las Vegas so that
the Zappos HQ, located in the
town hall, could be surrounded
by innovative minds to inspire
the staff.
Similarly Lindholmen, a business
park in Gothenburg, Sweden,
incorporates collaborative space.
The business park has revitalised
a former industrial area by offering
purpose-built commercial and
educational buildings, facilitating
collaboration between unique
industries with shared green
spaces, facilities and cafeterias.
Its unique layout mixes
educational buildings with
commercial buildings, housing
and tenants that work in
a range of different industries.
–PR
33
COMMERCIAL CO-HABITATION
TREND NO 5
Trend Overview
Commercial
Co-Habitation
THE PLACE REPORT
1.
NeueHouse
New York City
neuehouse.com
2. C
oCo
Minneapoliscocomsp.com
3. P
ortland Incubator
Experiment
Portlandpiepdx.com
4. P
ivot Desk
USApivotdesk.com
5. L
iquidSpace
Global liquidspace.com
6. Lindholmen
Gothenburg lindholmen.se/en
34
TREND NO
06
Library
2.0
Globally, the role of libraries has been
challenged by the declining access of print
as the preferred medium. In response, libraries
are extending their relevance by diversifying
information across many channels and providing
mixed-use spaces, while ensuring knowledge
sharing remains the key focus.
THE PLACE REPORT
35
LIBRARY 2.0
TREND NO 6
Clockwise
from top left:
Seattle Central
Library
Introduction
For the past century, libraries
have played a central role in
communities the world over.
The new-breed libraries are no
longer destinations for storing
and cataloguing print media;
instead, they offer knowledge
sharing across all channels
and mediums. In order to facilitate
this, libraries are becoming
multi-use, collaborative, flexible
and sometimes even noisy.
These changes are ensuring
libraries have continued relevance.
The new breed of libraries is still
focused on making information
as accessible as possible.
THE PLACE REPORT
But now they’re diversifying the
channels in which knowledge
sharing takes place. Where once
libraries offered only books, there
is a smorgasbord of channels and
formats, including multimedia and
face-to-face learning programs.
The Seattle Central Library, for
example, offers more than one
million books, a language centre,
areas specifically for younger
visitors, computers, internet
access, an auditorium, a meeting
place with a cafe and an events
program including film screenings.
‘Where once
libraries offered
only books,
there is now
a smorgasbord
of channels and
formats, including
multimedia
and face-to-face
learning programs.’
36
LIBRARY 2.0
TREND NO 6
Clockwise
from left:
The Black
Diamond,
Copenhagen
‘The Black Diamond
in Copenhagen combines
exhibition spaces,
a bookshop, a restaurant,
a cafe and two museums
under one roof.’
THE PLACE REPORT
37
LIBRARY 2.0
TREND NO 6
Clockwise
from top left:
Library and
Learning
Centre, Vienna
University of
Economics and
Business;
Helsingor Public
Library, Denmark
Architects are
using futuristic
aesthetics
to signal the
beginning of
the new age
of the library.
THE PLACE REPORT
Take Zurich University’s Law
Library, designed by Santiago
Calatrava, or the Library and
Learning Centre at the Vienna
University of Economics and
Business, designed by Zaha Hadid.
Both examples have light-filled,
collaborative spaces designed
to promote fluid movement
throughout and different forms
of learning. They comprise
numerous public spaces and
quiet spaces to read, write or
research through a variety of
mediums. Their chosen design
creates a strong statement for
the universities of which they are
part – that they are innovative,
modern universities, and that
learning is at the heart of what
they do.
Design features
to maximise
length of stay are
also being used.
In Denmark, a popular branch
of the Helsingor Public Library,
located in the Culture Yard within
the Helsingor harbour cultural
precinct, has created a dedicated
following and the building’s design
entices visitors to stay longer.
Wayfinding in the building is clear
and fun, appealing and accessible
to people of all ages. Kids are
treated to playrooms that house
toys and interactive screens, and
rooms are made to look homely.
38
LIBRARY 2.0
TREND NO 6
As well
as providing
dynamic spaces,
libraries are
providing
innovative and
curated content.
The Los Angeles Public Library
in the USA is even going so far
as to formalise a high school
diploma course at the building.
At the privately owned Idea Stores
in the UK, more than 900 adult
learning courses and an extensive
activities and events program
are offered, as well as traditional
library services. Even some
brands have started exploring
how they can utilise the cultural
place of libraries.
THE PLACE REPORT
Libraries are
diversifying
not only what
they provide,
but where.
In Seoul, South Korea, visitors
who own a Hyundai credit card
have access to a members-only
library, curated by design writers
and curators.
The role of libraries is also
changing. Once merely sources
of information, libraries are
starting to take on the role
of a town centre. In Brazil,
a governmental initiative to bring
more state services to poorer
areas will see libraries act as
cultural centres, offering theatres
and meeting spaces.
Sydney’s own Green Square
Library, due for completion before
2020, will act as the cultural centre
for the suburb. The approved
design features an underground
library and street-level mixed-use
area, with sites for play, work and
rest. An amphitheatre, storytelling
garden, water play zone and
places for community events
are also included in the design.
Clockwise
from top left:
Sydney Festival’s
Hyde Park
Festival Village,
Sydney
Seattle
Central
Library
USA
A team of ten librarians from the
Seattle Central Library in the USA
is taking to the streets on their
bikes with a customised trailer
filled with books. The trailers are
towed to popular events and offer
guests a quiet respite.
In Sydney the City of Sydney
recently held a pop-up library
within the Sydney Festival’s Hyde
Park Festival Village. The library
offered books from local branches,
all of which could be taken home,
within a modular structure along
with a program of events. –PR
39
LIBRARY 2.0
TREND NO 6
Trend Overview
Library 2.0
1.
Seattle Central Library
USA
spl.org
2. T
he Black Diamond
Copenhagenkb.dk/en/dia
3. U
niversity’s Law Library
Zurichuzh.ch/services/libraries
4. H
elsingor Public Library
Denmarkhelsbib.dk
5. G
reen Square Library
Sydneycityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision
6. S
ydney Festival’s Hyde
Park Festival Village
Sydneysydneyfestival.org.au/2014
THE PLACE REPORT
7. Library and Learning Centre
Vienna wu.ac.at/library/en
8. Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles lapl.org
9. Hyundai Card Design Library
Seoul
hyundaicard.com/index.jsp
40
TREND NO
07
Urban
Microclusters
Like-minded small businesses and retailers
are decreasing risk by sharing low-cost locations
and increasing demand through association.
While businesses can gain a financial advantage
from co-locating with similar niche operators,
they are also en masse transforming the
economic vitality of the surrounding area.
THE PLACE REPORT
41
URBAN MICROCLUSTERS
TREND NO 7
Clockwise
from far left:
Temescal Alley,
Oakland; OC
Mix, Southern
California
‘This shopping
centre is home
to locally owned
boutiques and
food spots,
rather than
national brands.’
Introduction
Opening a new business,
especially in the current
economic climate, is a
big risk.
New generations of businesses
are attempting to decrease this
risk by choosing not to go through
the process alone.
THE PLACE REPORT
There has been an increase
in the number of examples
of businesses deciding to
open in association with others
who complement their offering,
are more well known or are
simply willing to share rental
costs. Perhaps one of the most
interesting results of this trend,
in addition to these businesses
benefiting from association,
is the positive effect microclusters have had on the
surrounding community.
Temescal Alley
Oakland
OC Mix
Southern California
One such example is that
of Temescal Alley. A row
of former horse stables just
off Oakland’s 49th Avenue
has become a destination
micro community for the Bay
Area artists’ and designers.
The area lures families and
hipsters alike to take in wares
from the artists’ open studios.
A similar example is OC Mix,
in Southern California, USA.
This shopping centre is home
to locally owned boutiques and
food spots, rather than national
brands. By clustering together
and focusing on providing
local, high-quality produce
and merchandise, the OC Mix
has become a favoured option
for Orange County locals.
42
URBAN MICROCLUSTERS
TREND NO 7
Other examples
are appearing
worldwide,
within different
economic climates
and cultures.
THE PLACE REPORT
Frau Gerolds Garden
West Zurich
In West Zurich, Switzerland,
a small group of businesses
collaborated to become Frau
Gerolds Garden. The cluster
has temporarily set up in an
industrial landscape that is due
to be redeveloped in the future.
Their shared interest in locally
grown and sourced food,
some of which is grown on site,
has won favour from residents
on the border of the old
industrial area.
Clockwise
from left:
Frau Gerolds
Garden,
West Zurich
43
URBAN MICROCLUSTERS
TREND NO 7
Other businesses
opt to gather with
larger brands
to benefit from
association.
THE PLACE REPORT
Melrose
Market
Seattle
Melrose Market, in Seattle,
USA, used the strong name
of an anchor tenant – chef
Matt Dillon’s popular restaurant,
Sitka & Spruce – to curate
a collection of complementary
businesses to strengthen
the overall offering. Dillon
actually helped curate
the other businesses within
the building.
Gotham
West Market
New York
Similarly, in New York’s Hell’s
Kitchen neighbourhood, Gotham
West Market is located beneath
554 luxury rental apartments.
Eight boutique food stalls and
a bike shop accommodate the
ground level of the building,
benefiting from a captive audience
from within the building as well
as foot traffic from the street.
Clockwise
from left top:
Melrose Market,
Seattle; Gotham
West Market,
New York
44
URBAN MICROCLUSTERS
TREND NO 7
While businesses can
gain advantage from
association with each
other, the combined
strength of their offering
can also improve the
surrounding area.
Clockwise
from far left:
IM Viadukt,
West Zurich
IM Viadukt
West Zurich
THE PLACE REPORT
In an undeveloped old industry
quarter in West Zurich,
Switzerland, boutique shops
and a fresh market have sprung
up in 36 viaduct arches,
collectively known as the
IM Viadukt. Owners, The PWG
Corporation, offer tenants
below-average rental rates.
This strategy has lured enough
tenants to create vibrancy
within the local area, District 5.
45
URBAN MICROCLUSTERS
TREND NO 7
Schrannenhalle
Munich
Similarly, by instigating the
Schrannenhalle in Munich,
Germany, a building destined
for foreclosure has been turned
into a shopping, dining and
entertainment destination
thanks to the successful
mix of businesses.
THE PLACE REPORT
Clockwise
from left:
Schrannenhalle,
Munich
Many of these
microclusters
signify their
association
through use
of a distinctive
aesthetic.
46
URBAN MICROCLUSTERS
TREND NO 7
Clockwise
from far left:
Downtown Project,
Las Vegas;
The Tabloid
Creators’
District, Tokyo
Downtown
Project
Las Vegas
THE PLACE REPORT
The downtown container park
in Las Vegas, for example,
part of the Tony Hseih-funded
Downtown Project, is housed
in a number of shipping
containers and modular cubes.
It communicates the playfulness
of the businesses within its
community through public
art and themed buildings,
such as a barbershop situated
within a train caboose.
The Tabloid
Creators’
District
Tokyo
The Tabloid Creators’ District,
a cluster of creative businesses
within an industrial area of Tokyo,
Japan, has reflected the spirit
of the fashion label offices, gallery,
cafe and performance space
within the building by choosing
graphic, stylistic wayfinding
designs throughout the structure.
–PR
47
URBAN MICROCLUSTERS
TREND NO 7
Trend Overview
Urban
Microclusters
1.
OC Mix
Southern California
shoptheocmix.com
2. Temescal Alley
Oaklandtemescalalleys.com
3. F
rau Gerolds Garden
West Zurich
fraugerold.ch
4. M
elrose Market
Seattlemelrosemarketseattle.com
5. G
otham West Market
New York gothamwestmarket.com
6. I M Viaduct
West Zurich
im-viadukt.ch
7. Schrannenhalle
Munichschrannenhalle.de
8. Downtown Project
Las Vegas
downtownproject.com
9. T
abloid Creators’ District
Tokyotabloid-tcd.com
THE PLACE REPORT
48
TREND NO
08
Retail
Repurposing
Growth in alternative uses of larger-format
spaces is being driven by the rise in economically
unfeasible retail spaces. Places are responding
by marketing themselves through dramatically
extended types of use – from restaurants
to nightclubs, exhibition spaces, shopping
centres and showrooms. The key to embracing
this trend, regardless of the industry,
is multi-functionality in one destination.
THE PLACE REPORT
49
RETAIL REPURPOSING
TREND NO 8
Clockwise
from left:
MIra Moon,
Hong Kong
Introduction
A business strategy is emerging
within the retail, hospitality
and hotel industries, which
aims to increase demand
through dramatically extended
types of use.
THE PLACE REPORT
Some retailers are presenting
the experience as the main reason
for visitation, not the act of buying.
Food is being held as a drawcard
to attract patrons into physical
locations that aren’t restaurants
and completely different uses
are being introduced within
underperforming big-box retail
stores. The key to embracing this
trend, no matter what industry,
is by offering multi-functionality
in one destination.
Hotels are pioneers in this
space and are exploring
innovative territory by
examining how rooms and
common areas can be used
more productively.
Mira Moon
Hong Kong
Mira Moon, a 91-room boutique
art hotel in Hong Kong, has
created a retail experience
by enabling guests to purchase
furniture, accessories and even
designer items displayed in the
room closet. Each item can be
purchased through the online
store, called ‘Boutique on the
Moon’, which is loaded onto the
TVs and iPads in each room.
50
RETAIL REPURPOSING
TREND NO 8
Clockwise
from left:
25hours Hotel,
Zurich
‘The hotel lobby also
displays lifestyle products
from local businesses,
all of which can be bought
around the clock.’
THE PLACE REPORT
25hours
Hotel
Zurich
The 25hours Hotel in Zurich,
Switzerland, offers a range
of diverse applications within
its common areas. One of
these is ‘The Living Room’,
an open-plan space that is
used for design exhibitions,
ping-pong tournaments, cooking
classes and functions.
The hotel lobby also displays
lifestyle products from local
businesses, all of which can
be bought around the clock.
52
RETAIL REPURPOSING
TREND NO 8
Clockwise
from left:
‘Buildings earn more per
square metre when filled with
computer servers than when
operating as auto retailers.’
Sears
Holdings
USA
Perhaps the most drastic
example of reuse of retail
space is that of Sears Holdings,
the parent company for US
retailers Sears and Kmart,
which is choosing to convert
some of its underperforming
stores in surprising ways.
With a strong network of
Sears Auto Centres in most
neighbourhoods, the buildings
will apparently earn more per
square metre when filled with
computer servers than when
operating as auto retailers.
ABC Cooking
Studio, Tokyo
‘Shopping centres are
utilising consumers’
desire for constant
learning to increase
the time in centres.’
THE PLACE REPORT
ABC Cooking
Studio
Tokyo
In Tokyo, Japan, within the busy
Midtown shopping centre, visitors
are able to learn a new skill while
indulging in some retail therapy.
The ABC Cooking Studio, one
of 124 already in Japan, allows
visitors to develop cooking
skills with ongoing or one-day
multilingual cooking classes.
ABC Cooking Studio offers
classes in cake making, bread
baking and worldwide cuisine.
Lessons are held multiple times
a day and places can easily be
reserved on a smart phone.
Some underperforming Sears
stores, located within suburban
malls, will even be turned into
community disaster recovery
centres. Their proximity to stores
that sell homewares, food and
supplies is ideal when providing
mass shelter for extended
periods of time.
53
RETAIL REPURPOSING
TREND NO 8
The hospitality
sector is also
looking outside
its own industry
to increase
demand.
Laneway Learning
Australia
In Australia, Laneway Learning
is a casual and affordable program
of evening classes taught by
local industry experts in Sydney,
Melbourne and Brisbane. The
diverse curriculum ranges from
pottery to film and hula hooping.
Each class is held in a partner cafe
or restaurant, taking advantage
THE PLACE REPORT
of unused after-hours space.
For example, classes have been
held in Bean Cafe in Brisbane,
Shebeen bar in Melbourne and
Cowbell 808 in Sydney’s Surry
Hills. Cowbell 808 does not charge
for the use of space; instead,
it remains open during the class
and serves food and drinks.
Right:
Punch bowl
Social,
Portland
54
RETAIL REPURPOSING
TREND NO 8
Clockwise
from left:
Punch Bowl
Social,
Portland
‘Attracts patrons
with a diverse
offering of games,
entertainment and
novelty dining.’
THE PLACE REPORT
Punch Bowl Social
Portland and Denver
Punch Bowl Social, with locations
in Portland (Oregon) and Denver,
USA, attracts patrons with
a diverse offering of games,
entertainment and novelty dining.
The 32,000-square-foot Portland
space provides games such
as bowling, ping-pong, darts
and board games. Private
karaoke rooms are available,
as is a 70-space ‘gastro-diner’.
The diner is of a much higher
quality than those of any other
game arcades, with craft beer
and a menu featuring favourite
local dishes. –PR
55
RETAIL REPURPOSING
TREND NO 8
Trend Overview
Retail Repurposing
1.
ira Moon
M
Hong Kong
miramoonhotel.com
2. 2
5hours Hotel
Zurich25hours-hotels.com
3. ABC Cooking Studio
Tokyoabc-cooking.co.jp
4. S
ears Holdings
USA searsholdings.com
5. L
aneway Learning
Australialanewaylearning.com
6. P
unch Bowl Social
Portland and Denver
THE PLACE REPORT
punchbowlsocial.com
56
TREND NO
09
Empowered
Prosumers
Improvements in technology, better distribution
networks and lowered costs have allowed mass
customisation to impact the built environment.
The resulting effects will be astronomical for the
construction and creative industries.
THE PLACE REPORT
57
EMPOWERED PROSUMERS
TREND NO 9
Introduction
With technology infiltrating
every part of our lives,
increased digital literacy
and the recent widespread
availability of 3D printers,
everyone has the capacity
to be a producer.
THE PLACE REPORT
The ‘maker movement’ trend
-also called the fourth industrial
revolution – has been gaining
momentum over the last few
years, but it has started to reach
mainstream status with increased
availability of tools through new
distribution channels and more
affordable technology. This
will have astronomical effects
on construction and creative
industries. The increased
accessibility also reduces risk
for small-or large-scale producers,
by being able to produce items
more inexpensively and
on demand.
Clockwise
from top:
FabCafe,
Tokyo
The maker
movement
has inspired
experimentation
in each aspect
of construction
from robotic
labourers
to temporary
materials.
Advances in technology
and innovative design are
revolutionising building
construction. They bring efficiency
to projects, saving time through
the production process, choice
of materials, off-site fabrication
and digital printing of buildings.
LivingHomes, for example,
is a company that creates
architecturally designed,
high-volume, modular prefab
homes made from sustainable
materials. Strategies such as
these can help create more
homes, more quickly, for less
money and produce less waste.
The Center for Rapid Automated
Fabrication Technologies
(CRAFT) is part of the University
of Southern California’s Viterbi
School of Engineering. Its
objective is ‘to develop the
science and engineering needed
for rapid automated fabrication
of objects of various size out
of a variety of materials’ (www.
craft-usc.com/). Their research
has delivered a 3D printing style
called Contour Crafting that can
build a two-storey house in 24
hours. The same printer can also
efficiently build electrical and
plumbing systems, tiling, flooring
and cabinets.
A team from the research
unit for Architecture and Digital
Fabrication at the Federal
Institute of Technology Zurich
(ETHZ) has successfully built
several structures with a team
of robotic bricklayers without
human assistance. Japanese
architect Shigeru Ban provided
Christchurch, New Zealand, with
a temporary, yet structurally
sound cathedral made of
cardboard. The cathedral is only
going to be used for ten years
but could last as many as 50
years. This case study opens
up discussion about the possibility
for more low-cost, structurally
sound, temporary buildings.
58
EMPOWERED PROSUMERS
TREND NO 9
Clockwise
from left:
MakerHaus,
Seattle
Savvy businesses have emerged as
part of the growth of this movement.
They cater to members of the maker
movement who aren’t ready to invest
in their own equipment by offering
construction tools on premises.
THE PLACE REPORT
MakerHaus
Seattle
Bobbin and Ink
Sydney
One example of this business–
production fusion is MakerHaus.
Based in Seattle, USA, the
company offers classes, studio
and event space, a materials
library and state-of-the-art
equipment for 3D printing,
laser cutting, sewing and CNC
milling within the space.
On a smaller scale, a shop
in Newtown, Sydney, Bobbin
and Ink, offers overlockers and
sewing machines on an hourly
basis, classes, expertise, and
a pattern library.
59
EMPOWERED PROSUMERS
TREND NO 9
‘Create with
3D printers
and other
craftsmanship
devices.’
THE PLACE REPORT
FabCafe
Toyko
Loftwork
Digital
FabCafe in Tokyo, Japan, provides
production tools within a relaxed
cafe environment. It allows people
to connect and create with 3D
printers and other craftsmanship
devices and offers an events and
education program alongside a
more traditional cafe menu. Due
to the success of the first iteration,
FabCafes have opened in various
locations around the world.
The space holds an additional
benefit for the business that
operates it – Loftwork.
Loftwork is a digital media
production company that seeks
to collaborate with a network
of designers. They are now not
only able to facilitate collaboration
within the space, but also grow
brand preference due to being
one of the few providers that
offer these kind of tools publicly.
Clockwise
from left:
FabCafe, Toyko;
Loftwork
60
EMPOWERED PROSUMERS
TREND NO 9
Existing businesses are
also trialling the offer
of 3D printing instore.
In the US this includes
businesses such as UPS,
and in Britain, ASDA.
Each has introduced
or expressed interest
in offering 3D printing
hire instore.
THE PLACE REPORT
The trend
doesn’t show
any signs of
slowing down;
if anything,
the maker
movement trend
is just gaining
widespread
momentum.
Maker Faire, an international
‘maker movement’ design fair,
noted record numbers appearing
at its 2013 events. Sydney Design
Festival, run by UTS, is focusing
on ‘Design Futures’ to discuss
the innovations emerging at the
intersection between producers
and consumers at the 2014 event.
Staples, a US stationery chain
store, has also recently launched
a 3D printer that retails for just
over $1000, making it almost
within the budget of mass
markets. With greater numbers
of the public gaining production
skills, the impact on innovation
in methods, techniques and
material will be astonishing
in the next decade. –PR
61
EMPOWERED PROSUMERS
TREND NO 9
Trend Overview
Empowered
Prosumers
1.
enter for Rapid Automated
C
Fabrication Technologies
(CRAFT)
Southern California
craft-usc.com
2. A
rchitecture and Digital
Fabrication at the Federal
Institute of Technology
Zurich (ETHZ)
Zurichethz.ch/en.html
3. M
akerHaus
Seattlemakerhaus.com
4. B
obbin and Ink
Sydneybobbinandink.com
5. F
abCafe
Tokyotokyo.fabcafe.com
6. L
oftwork
Digital THE PLACE REPORT
loftwork.com
62
TREND NO
10
Mainstream
Urbanism
Consumer expectations are changing as people
become more interested, better informed and
consequently more opinionated about how public
and private spaces are designed, maintained
and changed.
THE PLACE REPORT
63
MAINSTREAM URBANISM
TREND NO 10
Clockwise
from top left:
Candy Chang
transformative
public art;
Still from The
Human Scale
Introduction
A number of factors have
recently broadened the appeal
of urban design.
Once only a specialised field,
the fall of the industrial era, the
continually increasing population
within cities, maturation of suburbs
and increased understanding
of their detrimental effects, and
environmental concerns have
all contributed to urban design
being a more accessible trend.
The result is a public who is more
interested, better informed and,
in turn, more opinionated.
THE PLACE REPORT
The rising
interest in
urban design
can immediately
be seen in
its increasing
coverage
across media.
TV host Oprah profiled Candy
Chang, an artist with an urban
design background, making large
transformative public art works,
in her eponymous magazine,
sharing Candy’s insights on
how to revitalise cities. Iconic
architecture firm Gehl Architects
inspired the film The Human
Scale, based on Jan Gehl’s
design theory that all cities need
to be designed to fit humans.
The movie received international
release in 2012. Closer to home,
the ABC asked the Renew
Newcastle and This Is Not Art
founder Marcus Westbury to
host two series of the Not Quite
Art show on ABC2.
Urban design
is becoming
a recognised
and desirable
skill for young
and old.
DIY.org is an online community
that allows kids to complete
creative challenges, to build
skills and in return earn
embroidered ‘patches’.
The website offers more than
100 different skills to learn.
Alongside traditional scoutworthy skills such as biology,
camping and astronomy,
kids are also able to learn an
urban design skill. To earn their
embroidered patch, kids are
asked to complete challenges
such as designing a park, chalking
in street improvements, and
making a zoning map of their
64
MAINSTREAM URBANISM
TREND NO 10
Automotive brands, seeing
the effect that modern and
sustainable design has on
the future of their sales,
have funded research and
excellence programs.
One such example is the
Audi Urban Future Initiative.
The initiative comprises
workshops, an inter-departmental
think tank, and finally an
architecture and urban design
competition. The focus of each
aspect is to develop a dialogue
about the city of the future.
The results from the initiative
are intended to benefit Audi’s
research and development.
THE PLACE REPORT
BMW
Guggenheim
Lab
BMW also famously partnered
with the Guggenheim to produce
the BMW Guggenheim Lab
from 2011 to 2013. The mobile
lab prompted interdisciplinary
discussion about urban living.
Clockwise
from top left:
Audi Urban Future
Initiative; BMW
Guggenheim Lab
An interesting element of the BMW
Guggenheim Lab was the ability
for the surrounding community
to participate in the talks and
workshops and to provide their
insights and opinions on urban
design trends. City residents are
now not only learning about urban
design, but they’re practising it
and engaging with it. Indeed, one
of the trends uncovered in the lab
was community-led development.
65
MAINSTREAM URBANISM
TREND NO 10
Clockwise
from top left:
Rijksmuseum,
Amsterdam
Informed citizens
can be more
empowered.
THE PLACE REPORT
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam
One such example is the response
from local cycling advocates when
the bicycle path through the iconic
Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands
was under threat of being
destroyed. After much contention,
local cycling advocates prevailed,
and in May 2013 the path finally
reopened, with glass walls allowing
riders to see the museum.
Australia has a few examples
of this happening in our own
backyard. For example,
an industry-run initiative is
petitioning councils nationwide
on the importance of improving
more green space. 202020
is run by the Nursery and
Garden Industry of Australia
and campaigns for landowners
to increase green space in urban
areas by 2020. Melbourne
residents would have recently
been aware of a similar
movement to stop the Eastlink,
with calls to spend the budget
on public transportation instead.
Cities are starting
to attempt to
funnel this new
widespread
interest in urban
development.
Give a Minute, a website and
SMS hotline, endeavours to create
a new kind of public dialogue.
The project asks locals in Chicago,
Memphis, New York City and
San Jose to share ideas that will
make their city a better place.
Ideas submitted are reviewed
by community leaders from the
private and public sectors who
will respond personally to their
favourite ideas. In New York
City local government felt the
project was so worthwhile that
they agreed to run and fund the
program, evolving the name
to ‘Change by Us’. –PR
66
MAINSTREAM URBANISM
TREND NO 10
Trend Overview
Mainstream
Urbanism
1.
Candy Chang Public Art
USA
candychang.com/tag/public-art
2. T
he Human Scale
Digitalthehumanscale.dk
3. N
ot Quite Art
ABC2, Digital
abc.net.au/tv/notquiteart
4. D
IY.org
Onlinediy.org
5. A
udi Urban Future Initiative
Onlineaudi-urban-future-initiative.com
6. B
MW Guggenheim Lab
Berlinbmwguggenheimlab.org
7. R
ijksmuseum
Netherlandsrijksmuseum.nl/en
8. 202020
Australia202020vision.com.au
9. G
ive a Minute
Onlinegiveaminute.info
10. Change by Us
USAnyc.changeby.us/project
THE PLACE REPORT
67
Place Report
Team Credits
Researchers (alphabetical order)
David Grant
Joanna Grygierczyk
Georgia Jenkins
Sonja Kallstrom
Jeanette Lambert
Leanne Sobel
Author
Kylie Boyd
Photographic Editor
Nicola Sevitt
Editor
Ginny Grant (ginnygrant.com.au)
Proofreader
Annabel Adair
Design
Joanna Grygierczyk
Photographers (alphabetical order)
Joanna Grygierczyk
Georgia Jenkins
Jeanette Lambert
Josh Sobel
Ash Watson
Australian Representatives
Acknowledgements
Sydney
Georgia Jenkins
We would like to acknowledge the expertise and
support given by so many people in the production
of The Place Report 2014.
Melbourne
Jeanette Lambert
Brisbane
Louise Raymond
Global Representatives
New York (US/LATAM)
Lauren Brickman
(research)
Nicola Sevitt
(photography)
Thanks to all our photographers and researchers across
the globe who have offered their skills and time in pursuit
of the cause. Much of the global content in this publication
can be attributed to their hard work. And finally, to the
team for an excellent job in assembling a report for
everyone’s enjoyment.
Except otherwise noted, this work is © 2014 Place Associates,
under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs
3.0 Australia licence:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/au/
London (Western Europe)
Paul O’Connor
(research)
Michelle Teh
(photography)
Rome (Southern/Eastern Europe)
Amy Doherty
(sponsorship and marketing)
Production
Georgia Jenkins
THE PLACE REPORT
68
Place Report
Photography Credits
Page
Photographer / Source 03
Henri.Thomas1 / Flickr
07 Forgemind ArchiMedia / Flickr
08
Aquita Cécile/ Flickr
Adam Gimpert / Flickr
Forgemind ArchiMedia1 / Flickr
12 © Central Working
15 John Hill / Flickr
24 © Takeo City Library
25
© Ace Hotels
26 © Ace Hotels
27 © Takeo City Library
29 © NeueHouse
© Portland Incubator Experiment
30
Nathan Dyer / © Hub Melbourne
31
© NeueHouse
32 © Portland Incubator Experiment
33
© Pivot Desk
37 _bclay / Flickr
THE PLACE REPORT
Brew Books / Flickr
Katie & Ian / Flickr
40 Ellen Forsythy / Flickr
43 © Transwestern Bay Area / Flickr
Lindsay Kuipers / Flickr
akiyamakawa / Flickr
50 thingsinspace / Flickr
53 Takashi Yagi / Flickr
60
Chiaki Hayashi / Flickr
63 © Black Rock Arts Foundation / Flickr
Dave Pinter / Flickr
Christian Richters / © 2012 Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
64 © Black Rock Arts Foundation / Flickr
© The Human Scale
65 Dave Pinter / Flickr
© 2012 Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
ALL OTHER IMAGES COPYRIGHT
© PLACE ASSOCIATES
Visit Place's Flickr photostream for additional
global best practice images
69