Embracing Global Mobility: Architecture in Evolving Downtows
We are seeing unprecedented and increasing global mobility trends, spurred by both opportunity and necessity. I firmly believe that this trend will continue and accelerate in the next decades.
The future of architecture stands at a crossroads, tasked with navigating the convergence of global trends and local needs. As more individuals choose to relocate in pursuit of better prospects or are compelled by the impacts of climate change, the traditional boundaries of home and workplace will increasingly blur. It will be increasingly interesting for people to answer the question: Where do you come from?
Simultaneously, the rise of hybrid work models reshapes the urban landscape, with fewer individuals commuting to downtown hubs. This tendency exacerbates the perception of homelessness and drug consumption in major American cities, making it harder for companies to bring back employees. To address this downward spiral, local leaders must enact evidence-based policies that address the root causes of homelessness actually within U.S. cities.?(1)
To achieve economic recovery in the nation’s downtowns we should draw inspiration from Jane Jacobs' concept of "eyes on the street" to foster vibrant, inclusive urban environments.? In cities like Pittsburgh, where overall growth may be stagnant but one-person household numbers are on the rise (2), the demand for networking and connectivity presents an opportunity to reimagine public spaces in Downtown as hubs of serendipitous interaction. This shift underscores the importance of architecture in fostering social cohesion and economic vitality, offering spaces that cater to diverse needs and facilitate community engagement.
In an excellent Publisher’s note in "Breaking Ground" magazine, Jeff Burd reflects on how Pittsurgh has been thriving, even if not necessarily growing in population. He notes that the city is much younger than what you’d expect, ‘just not enough to offset the number of people dying’. (3) We must persevere, he recommends, and be patient. This will put us in a position to keep attracting young people and still much needed new companies.
Quoting from a mid-January 2024 Pittsburgh Business Times article, ‘The Golden Triangle drew in 2.2 million visitors during the year-end holiday season of 2023, measuring a healthy increase over the year before, according to new reporting from the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership called December 2023 one of the busiest months for downtown since 2019, that benchmark year before the pandemic changed everything’ (4)
Despite the challenges posed by evolving demographics and economic dynamics, it is worth it to invest in Downton Pittsburgh.
Architects are poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of urban development. By embracing innovation and leveraging their expertise in design and project management, architects can steer cities towards inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience, ensuring they remain vibrant and adaptable in the face of change.
From a political standpoint, the smartest move is to embrace the potential of global migration as a source of strength and innovation, rather than resisting change. Policies that foster integration and diversity not only enhance social cohesion but also fuel economic growth, positioning cities like Pittsburgh as dynamic hubs of opportunity and creativity. This means we have to prepare now. Even a City like New York was recently overwhelmed by a sudden influx of immigrants, causing Mayor Adams to recognize that: ‘Our hearts are endless, but our resources are not’. ?
My hope is that the National government and local Pittsburgh foundations can create the conditions for bringing in much needed workers, fulfilling the shortage that plagues Pittsburgh and other American cities. (5)
As urban centers evolve to accommodate shifting demographics and work patterns, architects must collaborate with local governments and stakeholders to reimagine zoning regulations (6) and reinvent existing structures. By prioritizing adaptive reuse and mixed-use development, cities can maximize their existing resources while fostering higher density and economic diversity.
Ultimately, the journey towards a more globally responsive architecture and urbanism requires foresight, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace change. By designing cities that cater to the needs of a diverse and dynamic population, architects can create environments that are not only sustainable and resilient but also inclusive and vibrant, ensuring they thrive well into the future.? If we keep designing cities only for and around that portion of the population that is aging now, we will find ourselves with grossly underprepared cities when they will inevitably have to interact younger, more diverse generations of residents.
Change is inevitable. Preparing for what’s coming, at the right time, can make it a good change.
(6) https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2024/01/11/zoning-code-facing-growing-criticism.html
Absolutely spot-on observation! ??? Jane Jacobs once said, "Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody." Let's aim for inclusive, adaptable urban spaces that cater to all generations. ???? #InclusiveDesign #FutureReady #JaneJacobs