What we do in the city’s in-between spaces

Every generation leaves its mark and continues building on a city’s existing culture. That is why cities are always developing. The motivation to develop has given us a boost during the pandemic, but it was already pushing us before that, and it will follow us into the future.

Now more than ever, we know just how much we appreciate human contact. And these meetings will take place in the important in-between spaces around the city – the public spaces.

There are many who suggest that cities will take the lead in the work to create climate neutral solutions, environmentally friendly modes of transport, and not least a local environment that promotes a high quality of life, with clean air, clean water, climate positive buildings, and fossil-free mobility options. In parallel with this, there is increasing talk of the “thoughtful city”. The technological advancements are not the only solution to new challenges. Social innovation is also required.

Despite dreams of living in the countryside popping up every now and then, cities have proven to be the most attractive place to live among the children and youth of today, globally speaking. The UN estimates that by 2050, 68 per cent of the world’s population will be living in cities.

Paris coined the term “15-minute City”, which has since been used in a variety of contexts. Anne Hidalgo, the city’s major, proposed that in big cities, all inhabitants’ needs must be catered for within a fifteen minute walk or bike ride in order for people and planet to thrive. This means that cities within the cities are emerging, with the local neighbourhoods becoming more important and one’s own backyard becoming super important.

People will be walking and cycling and have plenty of time to spare as technology makes our everyday lives more efficient. Your work is an activity, not a location, which means that we will be working in many places other than the office in order to avoid commuting and to achieve a good work-life balance.

The generations born in the digital age will not know anything other than shopping via a screen and getting lots of work done using an interactive desk. Services and processes will largely be automated, meaning we will have more time for other activities.

All our new insights from the pandemic, the swift development of technological solutions, and the current megatrends surrounding the environment and health will result in an unprecedented increase in creativity, a desire to learn, and a focus on physical and mental well-being.

Is it not so strange then that we are building parks on our roofs, outdoor gyms in bustling city environments, or even a miniature golf course in the city square. In many cities, parking lots are being transformed into living rooms, so called parklets, and become spaces for having barbecues or fixing bikes with our neighbours.

The city’s in-between spaces are where we will meet!