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MEDIA
Sharing Ideas to Shape Conversations
From press features to podcasts Nikki Greenberg is a trusted voice on future trends. Her insights have been featured in leading media outlets and platforms around the world.
Combining thought leadership with practical foresight, Nikki contributes to meaningful conversations that help industry leaders navigate what’s next. As the creator and host of The Visionaries podcast, a keynote speaker, and a frequent contributor of editorial content, she brings clarity to complex topics and sparks bold ideas that drive progress. Whether speaking on stage or behind the mic, Nikki's voice resonates with decision-makers shaping the future.
ARTICLES
Ideas That Shape When's Next
Nikki Greenberg's original future-focused insights explores bold ideas, emerging trends and practical strategies to help you navigate what’s next.
Top Futurist & AI Speaker
Who do you trust to be the voice on your stage guiding people into the future?
The Restaurant Revolution
As digital dining grows, so will the counter-trend of exclusive, community-focused experiences.
The Cyborg Organization
Generative AI alongside generational change, opens new opportunities for organizations for the future of work, reshaping organizational structures and workforce dynamics.
Generative AI, essentially an algorithm that generates human-like responses, significantly enhances organizational efficiency by automating laborious tasks.
Cyborgs - the synergy of human intelligence and AI - hold ‘superhuman’ abilities.
Cyborgs capitalize on AI’s rapid information processing and vast data access (using Natural Language Processing for communication), alongside human intuition and empathetic capabilities.
Modern organizations must recognize the widening generational gaps, defined by differing technological backgrounds, values, and worldviews. Each generation brings unique strengths to the workplace:
Baby Boomers and Gen-X, started working before the digital era, and excel in deep, focused work, and value job security and stability. They offer a rich organizational history and deep analytical skills.
Millennials and Gen-Y, the bridge between the pre-internet and digital worlds, are adaptable, and entrepreneurial, and serve as effective communicators across experience levels.
Generation Z, digital natives, are adept at using new technologies intuitively and are characterized by their impatience and job fluidity. Their drive for efficiency makes them ideal for training AI in organizational contexts, discovering innovative uses for such tools, and imparting digital skills to older generations.
AI’s role in the workforce is pivotal, excelling in data analysis and executing repetitive, administrative tasks. This shift allows human employees to focus on higher-order tasks, leveraging AI as a tool to enhance their work rather than replace it.
While technical skills are essential, uniquely human capabilities are in short supply.
The concept of ‘cyborg organizations’ emerges, where AI is integrated into the human workforce, becoming a vital component of human capital. This integration frees employees from mundane tasks, enabling them to focus on creativity and stakeholder relationships. The success of such organizations hinges on their ability to adapt to this new paradigm.
However, this shift presents challenges for Human Resources departments, now required to understand and integrate emerging technologies.
Generative AI, essentially an algorithm that generates human-like responses, significantly enhances organizational efficiency by automating laborious tasks.
Cyborgs - the synergy of human intelligence and AI - hold ‘superhuman’ abilities.
Cyborgs capitalize on AI’s rapid information processing and vast data access (using Natural Language Processing for communication), alongside human intuition and empathetic capabilities.
Modern organizations must recognize the widening generational gaps, defined by differing technological backgrounds, values, and worldviews. Each generation brings unique strengths to the workplace:
Baby Boomers and Gen-X, started working before the digital era, and excel in deep, focused work, and value job security and stability. They offer a rich organizational history and deep analytical skills.
Millennials and Gen-Y, the bridge between the pre-internet and digital worlds, are adaptable, and entrepreneurial, and serve as effective communicators across experience levels.
Generation Z, digital natives, are adept at using new technologies intuitively and are characterized by their impatience and job fluidity. Their drive for efficiency makes them ideal for training AI in organizational contexts, discovering innovative uses for such tools, and imparting digital skills to older generations.
AI’s role in the workforce is pivotal, excelling in data analysis and executing repetitive, administrative tasks. This shift allows human employees to focus on higher-order tasks, leveraging AI as a tool to enhance their work rather than replace it.
While technical skills are essential, uniquely human capabilities are in short supply.
The concept of ‘cyborg organizations’ emerges, where AI is integrated into the human workforce, becoming a vital component of human capital. This integration frees employees from mundane tasks, enabling them to focus on creativity and stakeholder relationships. The success of such organizations hinges on their ability to adapt to this new paradigm.
However, this shift presents challenges for Human Resources departments, now required to understand and integrate emerging technologies.
2050 Vision
A bold vision of the future with big-picture, ambitious ideas —a vision of a better society for us all—is what’s needed. From there, the steps to get to this vision can be mapped out in a strategy.
Predicting 2024 trends is too narrowly focused. By looking to the longer-term horizon, you can put plans into place to create the reality that our planet needs. Architect BIG exemplified this approach with their concept of Masterplanet to "prove that a sustainable human presence on planet Earth is attainable with existing technologies".
Here are some big-picture ideas for what the world might look like in 2050 if all goes according to plan:
Environmental Regeneration - AI will create the business case, demonstrating the financial benefits (near and long term), and design a strategy towards a net-positive built environment and industry. It will include principles of the circular economy and efficiency improvements.
Autonomous Transport Systems - Operating via swarm robotics, the transportation system on land, sea, and air will be coordinated and optimized. This will lead to fewer collisions, less traffic, optimized routes, and less pollution.
Elevated Longevity - People everywhere will live better, healthier, and longer lives. 'Old age' will no longer be associated with declining mental and physical abilities but with a different perspective formed by experiences from another era - and highly valued. Medical advancements and robotics will facilitate longevity.
Robot Helpers - Robots will walk among us and perform physical tasks that are ill-suited to people in a more efficient, safer, and healthier way, such as moving heavy parcels. Jobs today that are physical in nature will transform to be more greatly assisted by robots, such as using robotic exoskeletons, or as robot operators.
Fulfilled Workforce - This is perhaps the most novel concept— but let's contemplate it (and perhaps debate it in a future article).
"The only thing we know for sure about the future is that it will be different from our predictions." John Maynard Keynes, Economist
Predicting 2024 trends is too narrowly focused. By looking to the longer-term horizon, you can put plans into place to create the reality that our planet needs. Architect BIG exemplified this approach with their concept of Masterplanet to "prove that a sustainable human presence on planet Earth is attainable with existing technologies".
Here are some big-picture ideas for what the world might look like in 2050 if all goes according to plan:
Environmental Regeneration - AI will create the business case, demonstrating the financial benefits (near and long term), and design a strategy towards a net-positive built environment and industry. It will include principles of the circular economy and efficiency improvements.
Autonomous Transport Systems - Operating via swarm robotics, the transportation system on land, sea, and air will be coordinated and optimized. This will lead to fewer collisions, less traffic, optimized routes, and less pollution.
Elevated Longevity - People everywhere will live better, healthier, and longer lives. 'Old age' will no longer be associated with declining mental and physical abilities but with a different perspective formed by experiences from another era - and highly valued. Medical advancements and robotics will facilitate longevity.
Robot Helpers - Robots will walk among us and perform physical tasks that are ill-suited to people in a more efficient, safer, and healthier way, such as moving heavy parcels. Jobs today that are physical in nature will transform to be more greatly assisted by robots, such as using robotic exoskeletons, or as robot operators.
Fulfilled Workforce - This is perhaps the most novel concept— but let's contemplate it (and perhaps debate it in a future article).
"The only thing we know for sure about the future is that it will be different from our predictions." John Maynard Keynes, Economist
Metaverse Malls
Today, 2/3 of Gen-Alpha are already engaged in games like Roblox, where they spend an average of two hours daily.
Brands have recognized an opportunity to directly market and establish brand awareness (building brand loyalty), as seen in platforms like Roblox, where children spend time independently, away from parental supervision.
Gen-Alpha children are allocating their pocket money for virtual clothing for their online personas.
Gen-Alpha and Gen-Z represent a lucrative and rapidly expanding consumer demographic. By 2030, their spending is expected to grow three times faster than that of other generations.
A remarkable 52% of Gen-Z gamers have reported feeling more authentic in the Metaverse than in the real world.
Morgan Stanley estimates that by 2030, the Metaverse will contribute to a $50 billion increase in revenue for the fashion industry. This is not surprising, considering that a single set of virtual fashion items (skins) in the online game Fortnite generated $50 million in revenue. Despite being a free game, the average Fortnite player spends approximately $100 per year. As Gen-Alpha and Gen-Z consistently invest time and conduct commerce in video games and the Metaverse, these behaviors are likely to persist.
Owners of retail assets should pay greater attention to how they can attract and appeal to Gen-Alpha and Gen-Z consumers to ensure their engagement remains relevant.
Failure to do so may lead to the loss of consumers to other platforms, such as social media and online games.
Brands have recognized an opportunity to directly market and establish brand awareness (building brand loyalty), as seen in platforms like Roblox, where children spend time independently, away from parental supervision.
Gen-Alpha children are allocating their pocket money for virtual clothing for their online personas.
Gen-Alpha and Gen-Z represent a lucrative and rapidly expanding consumer demographic. By 2030, their spending is expected to grow three times faster than that of other generations.
A remarkable 52% of Gen-Z gamers have reported feeling more authentic in the Metaverse than in the real world.
Morgan Stanley estimates that by 2030, the Metaverse will contribute to a $50 billion increase in revenue for the fashion industry. This is not surprising, considering that a single set of virtual fashion items (skins) in the online game Fortnite generated $50 million in revenue. Despite being a free game, the average Fortnite player spends approximately $100 per year. As Gen-Alpha and Gen-Z consistently invest time and conduct commerce in video games and the Metaverse, these behaviors are likely to persist.
Owners of retail assets should pay greater attention to how they can attract and appeal to Gen-Alpha and Gen-Z consumers to ensure their engagement remains relevant.
Failure to do so may lead to the loss of consumers to other platforms, such as social media and online games.
2025 Predictions: Good-bye 9-to-5
Only three predictions? Let’s cut to the chase: here’s where the future of work is headed by 2025.
1. Work Will Be "Outcome as a Service"
In 2025, the “9 to 5” will feel like a relic of the past, replaced by a results-driven approach I call "Outcome as a Service." Instead of enforcing strict office hours or meeting schedules, companies will focus on deliverables. Imagine this: your team is tasked with building a new website, and rather than micromanaging hours and meetings, leadership sets a budget and a deadline.
It will be up to managers to determine how best to get it done, leveraging the right tools, people (or AI), and working hours that make the most sense. This shift will unlock a new level of innovation, efficiency, autonomy and agility, empowering teams to work smarter rather than harder.
It’s about shifting from task lists to mission-focused work that prioritizes results over rigid processes.
2. AI and Automation Integrated Seamlessly into Daily Life
AI isn’t just the future—it’s already here. From tools like ChatGPT to automated scheduling assistants, we’re increasingly replying on AI for a growing list of tasks. in 2025, AI and automation will be seamlessly embedded into both personal and professional routines, simplifying tasks and decision-making in ways we’re only beginning to imagine. Businesses will have clear guidelines to help teams use AI responsibly and productively, whether that’s for customer service, data analysis, or creative work. In our personal lives, AI will quietly handle the mundane: Roomba’s will do their thing without needing to be asked, digital assistants will not only remind us of meetings but suggest healthier, more efficient ways to tackle the day.
These AIs will operate unobtrusively in the background, requiring little to no setup—a true example of tech working for us, not the other way around. Businesses will set standards and offering training that ensure AI use is empowering not overwhelming.
3. TikTok Tutorials and On-Demand Up-skilling
As automation advances, the workforce of 2025 will revolve around adaptability and continuous learning. Roles will evolve to embrace new technologies, and self-guided learning will become an essential part of the workday. Expect more YouTube videos and TikTok tutorials playing during work hours. Companies will either provide formal on-the-job training or encourage employees to pursue new skills on-demand, allowing everyone to tailor learning to their preferred style.
There will be a focus on developing soft skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy—abilities that machines can’t replicate. Businesses that invest in upskilling and mindset shifts will stay ahead, helping employees see the benefits of integrating AI into everyday tasks, working beyond traditional methods, and giving time and space to explore new skills.
The changes coming in 2025 aren’t about sudden shifts—they’re the next step in the rapid evolution we’re already experiencing.
These predictions might sound bold, but they’re less about guesswork and more about preparation.
Want to shape your future? Stay proactive, keep an open mind, and be ready to adapt as the world changes.
1. Work Will Be "Outcome as a Service"
In 2025, the “9 to 5” will feel like a relic of the past, replaced by a results-driven approach I call "Outcome as a Service." Instead of enforcing strict office hours or meeting schedules, companies will focus on deliverables. Imagine this: your team is tasked with building a new website, and rather than micromanaging hours and meetings, leadership sets a budget and a deadline.
It will be up to managers to determine how best to get it done, leveraging the right tools, people (or AI), and working hours that make the most sense. This shift will unlock a new level of innovation, efficiency, autonomy and agility, empowering teams to work smarter rather than harder.
It’s about shifting from task lists to mission-focused work that prioritizes results over rigid processes.
2. AI and Automation Integrated Seamlessly into Daily Life
AI isn’t just the future—it’s already here. From tools like ChatGPT to automated scheduling assistants, we’re increasingly replying on AI for a growing list of tasks. in 2025, AI and automation will be seamlessly embedded into both personal and professional routines, simplifying tasks and decision-making in ways we’re only beginning to imagine. Businesses will have clear guidelines to help teams use AI responsibly and productively, whether that’s for customer service, data analysis, or creative work. In our personal lives, AI will quietly handle the mundane: Roomba’s will do their thing without needing to be asked, digital assistants will not only remind us of meetings but suggest healthier, more efficient ways to tackle the day.
These AIs will operate unobtrusively in the background, requiring little to no setup—a true example of tech working for us, not the other way around. Businesses will set standards and offering training that ensure AI use is empowering not overwhelming.
3. TikTok Tutorials and On-Demand Up-skilling
As automation advances, the workforce of 2025 will revolve around adaptability and continuous learning. Roles will evolve to embrace new technologies, and self-guided learning will become an essential part of the workday. Expect more YouTube videos and TikTok tutorials playing during work hours. Companies will either provide formal on-the-job training or encourage employees to pursue new skills on-demand, allowing everyone to tailor learning to their preferred style.
There will be a focus on developing soft skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy—abilities that machines can’t replicate. Businesses that invest in upskilling and mindset shifts will stay ahead, helping employees see the benefits of integrating AI into everyday tasks, working beyond traditional methods, and giving time and space to explore new skills.
The changes coming in 2025 aren’t about sudden shifts—they’re the next step in the rapid evolution we’re already experiencing.
These predictions might sound bold, but they’re less about guesswork and more about preparation.
Want to shape your future? Stay proactive, keep an open mind, and be ready to adapt as the world changes.
Efficient Airports
Navigating through American airports has long been associated with inefficiencies and frustrations, from lengthy border security lines to the intricacies of boarding planes and outdated air traffic control systems.
During peak travel periods such as Thanksgiving, inefficiencies add to both travel time and stress - taking the sheen off what should be an otherwise wonderful experience.
In several significant ways, AI can be applied to improve the experience. Here are some thoughts I had recently at 6am while in an hour-long line at JFK, having returned from Mexico.
Border Security - despite the abundant passenger data categorizing individuals as local, foreign or on special visas, long queues persist. AI can be leveraged to determine optimal staffing needs based on data analysis to expedite the screening process and minimise passenger wait times.
Facial Recognition - some airlines, such as Delta, have embraced facial recognition technology at gates, streamlining the boarding process. This innovation not only enhances security but also significantly accelerates passenger flow, setting a precedent for the wider adoption of biometric identification systems across the industry.
Boarding Procedures - the perennial debate surrounding the most efficient boarding method has found a potential resolution in the windows first, every 2nd row approach. There are challenges in the realities of implementation with factors such as the custom of prioritizing veterans, families and passengers with airline status also needing to be considered.
For AI, challenges are data points. AI can create a cueing system for optimal boarding.
Air Traffic Control - air traffic control systems use antiquated technology. Until it is upgraded, AI cannot yet be applied in any meaningful way.
Meal Customization and Waste Reduction - waste generated from disposable containers and uneaten food is a considerable concern. Customizing meals based on individual preferences and sorting waste during collection could significantly reduce environmental impact. AI algorithms could play a pivotal role in tailoring meal options and optimizing resource utilization.
Ground Transport Guidance - navigating airports and finding efficient ground transportation options can be challenging, especially for non-native speakers. AI-equipped mobile devices could provide personalized guidance, making it easier for travelers to navigate through airports and access public transport. Furthermore, AI can facilitate ride-sharing among passengers heading to similar destinations, promoting cost efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Convenient, sustainable and enjoyable air travel in America holds immense potential for improvement through the integration of AI technologies. From enhancing security processes to optimizing boarding procedures and reducing meal waste, AI has the capacity to revolutionize the industry.
During peak travel periods such as Thanksgiving, inefficiencies add to both travel time and stress - taking the sheen off what should be an otherwise wonderful experience.
In several significant ways, AI can be applied to improve the experience. Here are some thoughts I had recently at 6am while in an hour-long line at JFK, having returned from Mexico.
Border Security - despite the abundant passenger data categorizing individuals as local, foreign or on special visas, long queues persist. AI can be leveraged to determine optimal staffing needs based on data analysis to expedite the screening process and minimise passenger wait times.
Facial Recognition - some airlines, such as Delta, have embraced facial recognition technology at gates, streamlining the boarding process. This innovation not only enhances security but also significantly accelerates passenger flow, setting a precedent for the wider adoption of biometric identification systems across the industry.
Boarding Procedures - the perennial debate surrounding the most efficient boarding method has found a potential resolution in the windows first, every 2nd row approach. There are challenges in the realities of implementation with factors such as the custom of prioritizing veterans, families and passengers with airline status also needing to be considered.
For AI, challenges are data points. AI can create a cueing system for optimal boarding.
Air Traffic Control - air traffic control systems use antiquated technology. Until it is upgraded, AI cannot yet be applied in any meaningful way.
Meal Customization and Waste Reduction - waste generated from disposable containers and uneaten food is a considerable concern. Customizing meals based on individual preferences and sorting waste during collection could significantly reduce environmental impact. AI algorithms could play a pivotal role in tailoring meal options and optimizing resource utilization.
Ground Transport Guidance - navigating airports and finding efficient ground transportation options can be challenging, especially for non-native speakers. AI-equipped mobile devices could provide personalized guidance, making it easier for travelers to navigate through airports and access public transport. Furthermore, AI can facilitate ride-sharing among passengers heading to similar destinations, promoting cost efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Convenient, sustainable and enjoyable air travel in America holds immense potential for improvement through the integration of AI technologies. From enhancing security processes to optimizing boarding procedures and reducing meal waste, AI has the capacity to revolutionize the industry.
Repurposing Parking
In the US today, there are an estimated 2 billion parking spaces - that’s 5-8 spaces for every car, and almost 6 spots for every person. The future of parking needs to be different.
Parking benefits only the person who parked and their passenger (when they have one), taking over a substantial amount of space. Parking spaces in the public realm could (and should!) be put to far better use that benefits more people.
Street Parking
In a city like New York, roads occupy 36% of the ground plane. Parked cars are unsightly. They block access to buildings for deliveries. They block views and vistas. There are a number of creative initiatives being considered in NY to rethink streets, parking, and the public domain.
Reducing the number of parking spaces, and instead increasing the number of drop-off spaces. Considering that many people are moving away from cars to use rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, this will be a safe passage for passengers and reduce traffic from double-parking.
Outdoor dining, which was popularized during the pandemic. In New York, this has been formalized and will continue in the summer months. This fosters economic growth as restaurants can have more customers. Plus, people get to dine alfresco, so the community benefit is increased.
Sealed trash containers. As New York seeks to overcome its problems with trash, rats, and refuse, a solution is to have closed containers to house such trash. These containers would benefit multiple households and would sit in a parking space. Again, multiple benefits for multiple people.
Open-Air Parking
Open-air parking at places such as offices, parks, entertainment centers, and malls offers another opportunity for repurposing. There tend to be peaks and troughs when parking is needed, with peaks during holidays and shopping seasons, for example, and most of the time the occupancy is less than optimal yielding surplus cars paces. Repurposing open-air parking may include:
Fresh food and weekend markets. Expand the retail footprint and create an experiential anchor activity. While not a new idea, when done well, it can be a great drawcard. I recall going to the Rosebank Sunday markets as a kid in Johannesburg where there were high quality vendors, artists and entertainment.
Temporary sheds or containers, can expand the use of these spaces, which can be rented out. Such uses might include distribution hubs for logistics, indoor farming (e.g., mushrooms that thrive in dark spaces), self-storage, and more.
Beautify through public art. Activities that require flat surfaces, such as driving schools, skate parks, running tracks, learn-to-cycle tracks for kids, or ball sports, could also use the spaces on a temporary or more permanent basis. make it a hard surface playground, such as painting hopscotch graphics or activities for kids to enjoy. This is a fantastic way to benefit the community once you remove cars from the equation.
If you are building a new carpark, consider future uses. Think about having adequate head height to enable the space to be enclosed in the future, ventilation, and as much as possible - flat slabs.
Rooftop Parking
Some ways to repurpose rooftops for alternative income generation include:
Solar panels. This is an opportunity for sustainable, green power generation, supporting E.S.G. and energy reduction goal. Plus, surplus power can (in some instances) be sold back to the grid, generating alternative income.
Drone deliveries are already being trialed around the world, including Walmart in Fort Worth Texas. As it is a clear space, somewhat unobstructed and can be sectioned off from people for safety, it’s an opportunity to create drone delivery landing and distribution locations.
Flying taxis. As flying taxis are beginning to become a reality, they will need places from which to take off and land. REEF has already entered into a partnership with Archer Aviation to create an ecosystem of UAM landing and takeoff sites.
Of course, there are barriers to adoption - there always is when a change is proposed. In many places, the building code has not necessarily kept up with the trend towards lower coronership rates, and there is are mandate for creating more parking spaces for developments.
Removing car spaces can be perceived by some car-owners as removing an amenity that they are entitled to, which can also be met with resistance.To balance this concern, if a city/private development is to ‘take something away’ from a neighborhood, it needs to give something back. That means demonstrating the benefit asap - and - providing a better alternative to private car ownership via public transport.
Parking benefits only the person who parked and their passenger (when they have one), taking over a substantial amount of space. Parking spaces in the public realm could (and should!) be put to far better use that benefits more people.
Street Parking
In a city like New York, roads occupy 36% of the ground plane. Parked cars are unsightly. They block access to buildings for deliveries. They block views and vistas. There are a number of creative initiatives being considered in NY to rethink streets, parking, and the public domain.
Reducing the number of parking spaces, and instead increasing the number of drop-off spaces. Considering that many people are moving away from cars to use rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, this will be a safe passage for passengers and reduce traffic from double-parking.
Outdoor dining, which was popularized during the pandemic. In New York, this has been formalized and will continue in the summer months. This fosters economic growth as restaurants can have more customers. Plus, people get to dine alfresco, so the community benefit is increased.
Sealed trash containers. As New York seeks to overcome its problems with trash, rats, and refuse, a solution is to have closed containers to house such trash. These containers would benefit multiple households and would sit in a parking space. Again, multiple benefits for multiple people.
Open-Air Parking
Open-air parking at places such as offices, parks, entertainment centers, and malls offers another opportunity for repurposing. There tend to be peaks and troughs when parking is needed, with peaks during holidays and shopping seasons, for example, and most of the time the occupancy is less than optimal yielding surplus cars paces. Repurposing open-air parking may include:
Fresh food and weekend markets. Expand the retail footprint and create an experiential anchor activity. While not a new idea, when done well, it can be a great drawcard. I recall going to the Rosebank Sunday markets as a kid in Johannesburg where there were high quality vendors, artists and entertainment.
Temporary sheds or containers, can expand the use of these spaces, which can be rented out. Such uses might include distribution hubs for logistics, indoor farming (e.g., mushrooms that thrive in dark spaces), self-storage, and more.
Beautify through public art. Activities that require flat surfaces, such as driving schools, skate parks, running tracks, learn-to-cycle tracks for kids, or ball sports, could also use the spaces on a temporary or more permanent basis. make it a hard surface playground, such as painting hopscotch graphics or activities for kids to enjoy. This is a fantastic way to benefit the community once you remove cars from the equation.
If you are building a new carpark, consider future uses. Think about having adequate head height to enable the space to be enclosed in the future, ventilation, and as much as possible - flat slabs.
Rooftop Parking
Some ways to repurpose rooftops for alternative income generation include:
Solar panels. This is an opportunity for sustainable, green power generation, supporting E.S.G. and energy reduction goal. Plus, surplus power can (in some instances) be sold back to the grid, generating alternative income.
Drone deliveries are already being trialed around the world, including Walmart in Fort Worth Texas. As it is a clear space, somewhat unobstructed and can be sectioned off from people for safety, it’s an opportunity to create drone delivery landing and distribution locations.
Flying taxis. As flying taxis are beginning to become a reality, they will need places from which to take off and land. REEF has already entered into a partnership with Archer Aviation to create an ecosystem of UAM landing and takeoff sites.
Of course, there are barriers to adoption - there always is when a change is proposed. In many places, the building code has not necessarily kept up with the trend towards lower coronership rates, and there is are mandate for creating more parking spaces for developments.
Removing car spaces can be perceived by some car-owners as removing an amenity that they are entitled to, which can also be met with resistance.To balance this concern, if a city/private development is to ‘take something away’ from a neighborhood, it needs to give something back. That means demonstrating the benefit asap - and - providing a better alternative to private car ownership via public transport.
Roblox iCommerce
iCommerce is the new eCommerce, where customers enjoy an immersive digital experience.
Major brands are venturing into Roblox because they can not only access Generation Z and Generation Alpha audiences where they are spending their time, but brands gain valuable data insights on these customers.
If mall owners want to compete with the iCommerce, they must offer a superior experience and customer data insights - which may prove to be a challenging endeavor.
For years, malls have been synonymous with experiences, transitioning from merely a convenient shopping destination to a place where people seek entertainment and immersive experiences. Roblox has become the ultimate hub for socializing and experiences particularly for younger generations.
Roblox stands as the most popular metaverse, boasting more gamers than Fortnite, Zepeto, Minecraft, and others. It enjoys 66 million daily active users, 67% of whom are under the age of 16, a lucrative emerging group of customers. On average they spend 2.6 hours a day on Roblox.
Two thirds of 9-12 year old American kids play Roblox.
Within the metaverse, you can encounter experiences unlike any other. Your chosen avatar can be an astronaut, a dinosaur, or any character you desire, and you can bend the laws of time, space, gravity, and reality. A study by Razorfish revealed that 52% of Gen Zs individuals feel more like themselves in the metaverse than in real life.
On average, gamers spend over two hours a day on Roblox, surpassing the time spent on YouTube, Instagram, and Netflix. It's where they invest the majority of their time.
Roblox grants brands access to a wealth of valuable data insights. This includes distinguishing new and returning visitors, tracking their frequency of visits in the past 30, 60, and 90 days, and gathering demographic information. It even monitors their purchasing behavior and frequency.
Similar to how traditional advertising mediums (newspapers, TV, magazines, signage) struggled to compete with digital advertising (on websites and social media) due to its ability to quantify campaign success by tracking impressions and engagement, mall asset owners may face challenges if they can't provide data insights. They risk losing tenants' budgets to those who can demonstrate store success.
Mall owners can no longer afford complacency. Foot traffic remains a vital metric for demonstrating an asset's health and success, but even accurately counting visitors has proven to be a challenging task.
If we can't get the basics right, how can we hope to catch up? Mall owners must invest in a forward-looking strategy for their technology infrastructure.
This entails high-quality sensors, hardware upgrades, advanced reporting technology, connectivity, and a comprehensive data strategy for collecting, recording, securing, analyzing, and integrating data with proprietary in-house and third-party data to provide exceptional insights to both themselves and their tenants.
As retail technology advances in other areas, such as AI, i-commerce, e-commerce, and digital advertising, raising the expectations of retailers, more asset owners must adapt to meet these customer expectations to avoid falling behind.
Major brands are venturing into Roblox because they can not only access Generation Z and Generation Alpha audiences where they are spending their time, but brands gain valuable data insights on these customers.
If mall owners want to compete with the iCommerce, they must offer a superior experience and customer data insights - which may prove to be a challenging endeavor.
For years, malls have been synonymous with experiences, transitioning from merely a convenient shopping destination to a place where people seek entertainment and immersive experiences. Roblox has become the ultimate hub for socializing and experiences particularly for younger generations.
Roblox stands as the most popular metaverse, boasting more gamers than Fortnite, Zepeto, Minecraft, and others. It enjoys 66 million daily active users, 67% of whom are under the age of 16, a lucrative emerging group of customers. On average they spend 2.6 hours a day on Roblox.
Two thirds of 9-12 year old American kids play Roblox.
Within the metaverse, you can encounter experiences unlike any other. Your chosen avatar can be an astronaut, a dinosaur, or any character you desire, and you can bend the laws of time, space, gravity, and reality. A study by Razorfish revealed that 52% of Gen Zs individuals feel more like themselves in the metaverse than in real life.
On average, gamers spend over two hours a day on Roblox, surpassing the time spent on YouTube, Instagram, and Netflix. It's where they invest the majority of their time.
Roblox grants brands access to a wealth of valuable data insights. This includes distinguishing new and returning visitors, tracking their frequency of visits in the past 30, 60, and 90 days, and gathering demographic information. It even monitors their purchasing behavior and frequency.
Similar to how traditional advertising mediums (newspapers, TV, magazines, signage) struggled to compete with digital advertising (on websites and social media) due to its ability to quantify campaign success by tracking impressions and engagement, mall asset owners may face challenges if they can't provide data insights. They risk losing tenants' budgets to those who can demonstrate store success.
Mall owners can no longer afford complacency. Foot traffic remains a vital metric for demonstrating an asset's health and success, but even accurately counting visitors has proven to be a challenging task.
If we can't get the basics right, how can we hope to catch up? Mall owners must invest in a forward-looking strategy for their technology infrastructure.
This entails high-quality sensors, hardware upgrades, advanced reporting technology, connectivity, and a comprehensive data strategy for collecting, recording, securing, analyzing, and integrating data with proprietary in-house and third-party data to provide exceptional insights to both themselves and their tenants.
As retail technology advances in other areas, such as AI, i-commerce, e-commerce, and digital advertising, raising the expectations of retailers, more asset owners must adapt to meet these customer expectations to avoid falling behind.
5D Entertainment Venues
Increasingly, the real world serves as a stage for online events. The grand unveiling of Sphere in Las Vegas, an 18,600-seat multimedia venue, quickly turned into a viral sensation.
Social media platforms were flooded with photos and videos featuring a diminutive U2 performing on stage, surrounded by dynamic motion graphics and enthusiastic attendees striving to capture the perfect angle. Content creation is the 5th dimension.
Gone are the days when concertgoers raised their hands in the air to show support for the band and dance to the music. Today, hands are held aloft, not in tribute to the musicians, but to provide mobile phone cameras with the ideal vantage point for capturing the ultimate shot.
Sphere was meticulously designed with audience-generated photos and video vignettes in mind. The expectation was that anyone fortunate enough to attend Sphere in person would enthusiastically share their experiences across the internet.
Rather than discouraging patrons from documenting their visit on social media, Sphere fully embraces this integral aspect of the concert experience.
The venue incorporates various technological innovations to create a unique immersive experience such as wind, temperature adjustments, Hundreds of thousands of LEDs adorn both the interior and exterior shells, enveloping the audience in a captivating and immersive environment.10,000 seats incorporate 4D haptic technology, allowing attendees to physically feel the rhythm of the drums.
The innovative and visually striking designs of the exterior shell have garnered attention for their creative advertising potential. Whether it takes the form of an eyeball, basketball, or another imaginative concept, this eye-catching spherical billboard has captured the fascination of all who encounter it, prompting them to share their discovery online.
Recognizing that people dedicate a significant portion of their time to online activities, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp (MSG), the owner of Sphere, has seized the opportunity to create memorable social media moments. The goal is for Sphere to be a must-visit destination, much like a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. Plus - MSG have monetizde this endeavor.
The cost to advertise for a day at Sphere is $450,000, while a week-long advertisement costs $650,000. Such prices are achievable due to the sheer number of impressions generated by the billboard.
MSG anticipates that 300,000 individuals will witness the billboard in person each day, with an additional 4.4 million people encountering it online.
Though I have yet to experience The Sphere personally (and if I had, I'd likely have boasted about it already), it strikes me as a bold leap into the future of entertainment venues.
It wholeheartedly embraces emerging immersive environments and acknowledges the reality of how people engage with the world, primarily through photographing and recording their experiences on their mobile devices.
Fueled by the release of advanced AR headsets by Apple and Meta, this year promises to witness the expansion of mixed-reality experiences.
I'm eagerly anticipating a creative approached to mixed-reality at venues such as Sphere - expanding the experience into yet another dimension.
Social media platforms were flooded with photos and videos featuring a diminutive U2 performing on stage, surrounded by dynamic motion graphics and enthusiastic attendees striving to capture the perfect angle. Content creation is the 5th dimension.
Gone are the days when concertgoers raised their hands in the air to show support for the band and dance to the music. Today, hands are held aloft, not in tribute to the musicians, but to provide mobile phone cameras with the ideal vantage point for capturing the ultimate shot.
Sphere was meticulously designed with audience-generated photos and video vignettes in mind. The expectation was that anyone fortunate enough to attend Sphere in person would enthusiastically share their experiences across the internet.
Rather than discouraging patrons from documenting their visit on social media, Sphere fully embraces this integral aspect of the concert experience.
The venue incorporates various technological innovations to create a unique immersive experience such as wind, temperature adjustments, Hundreds of thousands of LEDs adorn both the interior and exterior shells, enveloping the audience in a captivating and immersive environment.10,000 seats incorporate 4D haptic technology, allowing attendees to physically feel the rhythm of the drums.
The innovative and visually striking designs of the exterior shell have garnered attention for their creative advertising potential. Whether it takes the form of an eyeball, basketball, or another imaginative concept, this eye-catching spherical billboard has captured the fascination of all who encounter it, prompting them to share their discovery online.
Recognizing that people dedicate a significant portion of their time to online activities, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp (MSG), the owner of Sphere, has seized the opportunity to create memorable social media moments. The goal is for Sphere to be a must-visit destination, much like a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. Plus - MSG have monetizde this endeavor.
The cost to advertise for a day at Sphere is $450,000, while a week-long advertisement costs $650,000. Such prices are achievable due to the sheer number of impressions generated by the billboard.
MSG anticipates that 300,000 individuals will witness the billboard in person each day, with an additional 4.4 million people encountering it online.
Though I have yet to experience The Sphere personally (and if I had, I'd likely have boasted about it already), it strikes me as a bold leap into the future of entertainment venues.
It wholeheartedly embraces emerging immersive environments and acknowledges the reality of how people engage with the world, primarily through photographing and recording their experiences on their mobile devices.
Fueled by the release of advanced AR headsets by Apple and Meta, this year promises to witness the expansion of mixed-reality experiences.
I'm eagerly anticipating a creative approached to mixed-reality at venues such as Sphere - expanding the experience into yet another dimension.
Extended Longevity
In 1900, the average person's life expectancy was 47. For those being born today in the US and beyond, living beyond 100 will be commonplace. As our lifespans double, the way we perceive work and life goals in relation to extended longevity needs a critical reevaluation.
Millennials faced criticism for postponing significant life milestones. Many lived with their parents longer, married later, acquired their first homes after prolonged savings, and delayed having children. According to Brookings, it's only after establishing a foundation of home, family, and partner that millennials could contemplate setting themselves up for retirement.
With life expectancy exceeding 90, millennials are poised to become the first generation spending a third of their lives as what's colloquially referred to as "old people". Given this extended lifespan, millennials may need to consider working indefinitely to sustain their retirement savings.
While some over-50 individuals currently experience ageism in the workforce, there's a prevailing perception that they are less technically adept, leading to their roles being replaced by younger, more tech-savvy, and cost-effective workers.
If society continues deeming individuals less suited for the workforce as they age, it could lead to a significant problem and a substantial Social Security Debt.
We're already witnessing remarkable skills among younger generations, who demonstrate independence online, engage globally, conduct transactions, learn on platforms like YouTube, and access vast information. The evolving dynamics, where kids mature early and adults remain in the workforce for extended periods, necessitate a fundamental rethink of our societal norms.
Europe is expected to be most affected by this aging population crisis, with an average population age of 47 by 2050, and 75% of the population being over 60. In contrast, African countries will have a younger population, averaging 27. Addressing this impending crisis may necessitate a smoother pathway for immigration to assist Europe and other regions.
Stanford University has a lab exploring longevity and has developed a 'map of life'. With people living beyond 100, they propose reevaluating the rush to meet milestones, urging us to extend the quality of life for those aged 60 and above.
Rather than viewing the 60+ period as a sunset, it should be considered invaluable for continued contributions, not just retirement.
As we envision life in 2050 and shape our future, the significant role of extended lifespans cannot be ignored. Prioritizing physical and mental well-being, financial stability, and maximizing the potential of the 60+ yo should be designed as a thoughtful consideration, rather than an afterthought.
Millennials faced criticism for postponing significant life milestones. Many lived with their parents longer, married later, acquired their first homes after prolonged savings, and delayed having children. According to Brookings, it's only after establishing a foundation of home, family, and partner that millennials could contemplate setting themselves up for retirement.
With life expectancy exceeding 90, millennials are poised to become the first generation spending a third of their lives as what's colloquially referred to as "old people". Given this extended lifespan, millennials may need to consider working indefinitely to sustain their retirement savings.
While some over-50 individuals currently experience ageism in the workforce, there's a prevailing perception that they are less technically adept, leading to their roles being replaced by younger, more tech-savvy, and cost-effective workers.
If society continues deeming individuals less suited for the workforce as they age, it could lead to a significant problem and a substantial Social Security Debt.
We're already witnessing remarkable skills among younger generations, who demonstrate independence online, engage globally, conduct transactions, learn on platforms like YouTube, and access vast information. The evolving dynamics, where kids mature early and adults remain in the workforce for extended periods, necessitate a fundamental rethink of our societal norms.
Europe is expected to be most affected by this aging population crisis, with an average population age of 47 by 2050, and 75% of the population being over 60. In contrast, African countries will have a younger population, averaging 27. Addressing this impending crisis may necessitate a smoother pathway for immigration to assist Europe and other regions.
Stanford University has a lab exploring longevity and has developed a 'map of life'. With people living beyond 100, they propose reevaluating the rush to meet milestones, urging us to extend the quality of life for those aged 60 and above.
Rather than viewing the 60+ period as a sunset, it should be considered invaluable for continued contributions, not just retirement.
As we envision life in 2050 and shape our future, the significant role of extended lifespans cannot be ignored. Prioritizing physical and mental well-being, financial stability, and maximizing the potential of the 60+ yo should be designed as a thoughtful consideration, rather than an afterthought.
Traffic-Free Streets
The industrialist Henry Ford is credited with many accomplishments, including the manufacturing of affordable, personal motor vehicles that enabled the growth of suburbia and suburban sprawl. This fundamentally changed the way cities and regions were shaped, but unfortunately, it also led to an incredible amount of air pollution due to car emissions.
There's an interesting phenomenon that has been studied extensively. It has been shown that adding additional capacity to highways and streets, rather than reducing congestion, actually exacerbates the issue. This is because these improvements entice more people to use cars as their primary mode of transport.
To reduce traffic, we shouldn't reward car use. Instead, we should create barriers to car use, while simultaneously removing barriers from the use of public and shared modes of transport.
On August 29th, the city of London will expand its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to all boroughs, benefiting an additional 5 million people. While this change will affect only 90% of cars, London has long been moving in this direction. Using a strategy of "carrot and stick," car owners have been transitioning to less polluting vehicles and relying more on public transportation.
There's no comparison between the cleanliness and efficiency of London's tube system and that of New York City's subway - which has been lagging behind.
New York City is moving towards introducing congestion pricing (in my opinion, a long overdue move). Monitoring devices are being installed around the city, and residents are beginning to witness the initial materialization of of the scene which will launch in 2024. It's no longer just a topic of discussion; it's becoming a reality. There's a growing realization that habits may need to change and that this change might have an impact. I've never before seen as much fury and resistance as locals protesting against the move. While it is an added costs and inconvenience, it's unfortunate when individuals only consider the impact on their convenience and lose sight of the bigger picture—the reduction in noise, less pollution, less congestion, and greater ease of moving around the city -for everyone - , which ultimately gives the city streets back to the people.
Safer streets mean fewer accidents, more public space, and a more pleasant outdoor dining experience without fumes and noise.
New York is also implementing schemes to pedestrianize more streets, which will also benefit the surrounding businesses. The recently announced scheme to formalize Covid-era outdoor dining is another mechanism to return the streets to the people.
In urban centers like New York and London, the perception of car travel being more pleasurable and convenient will change once roads are decongested, public transport is efficient and clean, cycling is safe, and people's habits shift away from defaulting to driving.
Collectively, we will all enjoy the benefits of better streets and a healthier environment for our urban future.
There's an interesting phenomenon that has been studied extensively. It has been shown that adding additional capacity to highways and streets, rather than reducing congestion, actually exacerbates the issue. This is because these improvements entice more people to use cars as their primary mode of transport.
To reduce traffic, we shouldn't reward car use. Instead, we should create barriers to car use, while simultaneously removing barriers from the use of public and shared modes of transport.
On August 29th, the city of London will expand its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to all boroughs, benefiting an additional 5 million people. While this change will affect only 90% of cars, London has long been moving in this direction. Using a strategy of "carrot and stick," car owners have been transitioning to less polluting vehicles and relying more on public transportation.
There's no comparison between the cleanliness and efficiency of London's tube system and that of New York City's subway - which has been lagging behind.
New York City is moving towards introducing congestion pricing (in my opinion, a long overdue move). Monitoring devices are being installed around the city, and residents are beginning to witness the initial materialization of of the scene which will launch in 2024. It's no longer just a topic of discussion; it's becoming a reality. There's a growing realization that habits may need to change and that this change might have an impact. I've never before seen as much fury and resistance as locals protesting against the move. While it is an added costs and inconvenience, it's unfortunate when individuals only consider the impact on their convenience and lose sight of the bigger picture—the reduction in noise, less pollution, less congestion, and greater ease of moving around the city -for everyone - , which ultimately gives the city streets back to the people.
Safer streets mean fewer accidents, more public space, and a more pleasant outdoor dining experience without fumes and noise.
New York is also implementing schemes to pedestrianize more streets, which will also benefit the surrounding businesses. The recently announced scheme to formalize Covid-era outdoor dining is another mechanism to return the streets to the people.
In urban centers like New York and London, the perception of car travel being more pleasurable and convenient will change once roads are decongested, public transport is efficient and clean, cycling is safe, and people's habits shift away from defaulting to driving.
Collectively, we will all enjoy the benefits of better streets and a healthier environment for our urban future.
Metaverse for Kids
The Metaverse is the mall of the future, being built today.
What is the Metaverse, and what does it mean to kids and teenagers? To be frank, it’s a virtual shopping mall. It is a place of consumerism, recreation, and gathering. It is a place where kids and teens ‘hang out’.
It is a place where they spend time with friends unsupervised, without the watchful eye of their parents.
Why it matters to retail asset owners is that it’s gaining market share. It’s diverting the eyeballs of customers to its platforms, lowering foot traffic at malls. It’s already getting sales and is becoming a competitor against traditional retail space.
A study found that 52% of Gen-Z gamers felt more like themselves in the Metaverse and in real life.
This raises some questions. Why is it that they are not comfortable in the real world? What is it that makes them feel this way? Is it bullying? Is it social pressure? Is it something else? And what is it about the Metaverse that makes them feel free, that gives them the opportunity to be who they want to be?
In the Metaverse, they get to create their own avatar, a virtual version of themselves. They can represent themselves as they see themselves. Gender, color, size, pimples, fashion – they have control over these elements that shape their identity - and others' perception of them.
Before you roll your eyes at hearing about the question ‘Metaverse’, here are some stats that might surprise you. A recent collaboration between fashion brand Balenciaga and arguably addictive video game Fortnite, where players could purchase ‘skins’, a.k.a. virtual fashion, one collection netted $50 million in revenue!
Big brands, such as L’Oreal, Sothebys, Nike, and more, have already made forays into Metaverse games as a way of building brand loyalty amongst young consumers.
Roblox has 214 million active monthly users. Name one shopping mall that has that many visitors each month. 25% of users are under nine years of age.
Brands such as Amazon have cottoned on to the lucrative opportunities of the Metaverse. Amazon Anywhere is their foray into gaming, where they have teamed up with Peridot, the makers of the addictive augmented reality game Pokémon Go, to sell merchandise within the game.
Imagine the power of Amazon e-commerce in the Metaverse.
In the same way, as e-commerce became synonymous with shopping with online and in-store shopping experiences either complementing each other or converging, the same experience could occur in the Metaverse. When rolling out a new retail store, a virtual replica would be created to serve the customers who prefer to shop in the Metaverse.
24% of Gen-Alphas spend more time with their friends online than they do connecting in person. If this is where they’re hanging out with friends, this is where their fashion and entertainment spend will be channeled.
CRE owners of retail and entertainment assets should consider the Metaverse a direct threat. When Gen-Alpha starts earning an income, that is expected to be the turning point for the Metaverse’s ascendency. They’re already spending hours there with their friends; it’s easier to shop in the Metaverse than to ask their parents to take them to the mall.
What we’ve learned from Gen-Z is that Gen-Alpha is likely to be earning their own money at an earlier age than other generations, which may will see them spending in the Metaverse sooner than one might expect.
What is the Metaverse, and what does it mean to kids and teenagers? To be frank, it’s a virtual shopping mall. It is a place of consumerism, recreation, and gathering. It is a place where kids and teens ‘hang out’.
It is a place where they spend time with friends unsupervised, without the watchful eye of their parents.
Why it matters to retail asset owners is that it’s gaining market share. It’s diverting the eyeballs of customers to its platforms, lowering foot traffic at malls. It’s already getting sales and is becoming a competitor against traditional retail space.
A study found that 52% of Gen-Z gamers felt more like themselves in the Metaverse and in real life.
This raises some questions. Why is it that they are not comfortable in the real world? What is it that makes them feel this way? Is it bullying? Is it social pressure? Is it something else? And what is it about the Metaverse that makes them feel free, that gives them the opportunity to be who they want to be?
In the Metaverse, they get to create their own avatar, a virtual version of themselves. They can represent themselves as they see themselves. Gender, color, size, pimples, fashion – they have control over these elements that shape their identity - and others' perception of them.
Before you roll your eyes at hearing about the question ‘Metaverse’, here are some stats that might surprise you. A recent collaboration between fashion brand Balenciaga and arguably addictive video game Fortnite, where players could purchase ‘skins’, a.k.a. virtual fashion, one collection netted $50 million in revenue!
Big brands, such as L’Oreal, Sothebys, Nike, and more, have already made forays into Metaverse games as a way of building brand loyalty amongst young consumers.
Roblox has 214 million active monthly users. Name one shopping mall that has that many visitors each month. 25% of users are under nine years of age.
Brands such as Amazon have cottoned on to the lucrative opportunities of the Metaverse. Amazon Anywhere is their foray into gaming, where they have teamed up with Peridot, the makers of the addictive augmented reality game Pokémon Go, to sell merchandise within the game.
Imagine the power of Amazon e-commerce in the Metaverse.
In the same way, as e-commerce became synonymous with shopping with online and in-store shopping experiences either complementing each other or converging, the same experience could occur in the Metaverse. When rolling out a new retail store, a virtual replica would be created to serve the customers who prefer to shop in the Metaverse.
24% of Gen-Alphas spend more time with their friends online than they do connecting in person. If this is where they’re hanging out with friends, this is where their fashion and entertainment spend will be channeled.
CRE owners of retail and entertainment assets should consider the Metaverse a direct threat. When Gen-Alpha starts earning an income, that is expected to be the turning point for the Metaverse’s ascendency. They’re already spending hours there with their friends; it’s easier to shop in the Metaverse than to ask their parents to take them to the mall.
What we’ve learned from Gen-Z is that Gen-Alpha is likely to be earning their own money at an earlier age than other generations, which may will see them spending in the Metaverse sooner than one might expect.
City Czars
I saw a New York City miracle this week. Walking along the beautiful street on which I live in New York's Upper East Side neighborhood, there it was. It took me a while to realize that what I was seeing was indeed true. I paused and watched. It was beautiful, magnificent even. It was the removal of the construction scaffolding that had been obstructing 1/3 of the length of the block on which I lived, which had been there since the day I moved in, despite there being no visible construction occurring overhead. Today, I thought, is one to remember.
This week as a member of the ULI New York Technology and Innovation Council (which I also have the pleasure of being a founding member of and past co-chair), we, along with the Infrastructure Council, joined a walking tour of New York's Meatpacking District, culminating with a meeting with Ya-Ting Liu, New York's first Chief Public Realm Officer. Let me say this upfront - she is intelligent, personable, and very impressive.
I asked New York's Public Realm Czar, what is it about New York that makes it so incredibly difficult to have clean streets?
I recently returned from a trip to London, which is also a complicated city of historical relics and moving parts. Yet walking through the streets of London, I did not encounter the trash, rats, and scaffolding that cover the streets of New York. How is it that London could figure it out, and it seems that NYC is only contemporaneously focusing on these issues? Quite simply, NYC is a complicated place with layers of stakeholders and an 'alphabet soup' of city agencies with whom to liaise. The primary motivator behind decision-making appears to be mitigating potential risk, instead of making sense.
The spaghetti of bureaucracy and alphabet soup of New York City agencies are counter-productive to innovation.
What does it mean to be a city czar? The New York Times, in a feature article on departing NYC Night Czar, Ariel Palitz, describes the role as being a 'liaison, a peacekeeper, an educator, and more.' The creation of such an appointment is, in itself, a statement - it says that there is an issue that is a priority, and someone is being tasked to address it head-on.
Across the country, city governments are having many 'firsts'. Phoenix created the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, with David Hondula at the helm as its first Heat Czar. When joining the office, he informed his stakeholders that to affect positive change, there will be a change - that the existing status quo does not serve them, and that they should expect changes to happen to their way of working. I wonder how that approach would go down in NYC. I wonder how it's being received with the City of Phoenix.
New York is a lively city, and a city of many firsts.
This week as a member of the ULI New York Technology and Innovation Council (which I also have the pleasure of being a founding member of and past co-chair), we, along with the Infrastructure Council, joined a walking tour of New York's Meatpacking District, culminating with a meeting with Ya-Ting Liu, New York's first Chief Public Realm Officer. Let me say this upfront - she is intelligent, personable, and very impressive.
I asked New York's Public Realm Czar, what is it about New York that makes it so incredibly difficult to have clean streets?
I recently returned from a trip to London, which is also a complicated city of historical relics and moving parts. Yet walking through the streets of London, I did not encounter the trash, rats, and scaffolding that cover the streets of New York. How is it that London could figure it out, and it seems that NYC is only contemporaneously focusing on these issues? Quite simply, NYC is a complicated place with layers of stakeholders and an 'alphabet soup' of city agencies with whom to liaise. The primary motivator behind decision-making appears to be mitigating potential risk, instead of making sense.
The spaghetti of bureaucracy and alphabet soup of New York City agencies are counter-productive to innovation.
What does it mean to be a city czar? The New York Times, in a feature article on departing NYC Night Czar, Ariel Palitz, describes the role as being a 'liaison, a peacekeeper, an educator, and more.' The creation of such an appointment is, in itself, a statement - it says that there is an issue that is a priority, and someone is being tasked to address it head-on.
Across the country, city governments are having many 'firsts'. Phoenix created the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, with David Hondula at the helm as its first Heat Czar. When joining the office, he informed his stakeholders that to affect positive change, there will be a change - that the existing status quo does not serve them, and that they should expect changes to happen to their way of working. I wonder how that approach would go down in NYC. I wonder how it's being received with the City of Phoenix.
New York is a lively city, and a city of many firsts.
Clean Air
This week, I had the privilege of delivering a keynote speech at a remarkable joint event organized by UN-Habitat and FIABCI in New York City. This event coincided with New York's UN Week, creating an opportune moment to discuss an important sustainable development goal. In my address, I focused on SDG 11.6, which calls for reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, with a particular emphasis on air quality.
Recent events, such as the wildfires in Canada that affected New York City, serve as stark reminders of the interconnectedness of our environment. Air pollution travels across borders uninhibited - we have one sky that we share, and each individual has a shared responsibility to all citizens of the globe to keep the air clean.
99% of the world's urban population breathe polluted air.
The building sector is responsible for a staggering 39% of global CO2 emissions. As an industry, we bear a collective responsibility to address this pressing issue. The complexity and cost of compliance dominate discussions around Local Law 97 in New York City has been the focus. It is crucial to shift the narrative towards the greater good and focus on the positive impact it can have on air quality, our health, and well-being.
The benefits of cleaner air are immense - ask Chat-GPT and it will rattle out a plethora of stats relating to respiratory and cardiovascular health, and environmental costs.
In addition, cleaner air improves cognitive ability, with studies indicating an 11% increase in productivity in clean-air environments.
Innovative solutions to clear the air in cities include:
Madrid - is taking proactive steps by building a wind garden, which acts as a cooling mechanism for the city and cleans the air with plants.
Ko-Bogen - in Germany exemplifies sustainable design by incorporating 8km of trees on its facade, which not only purifies the air, but also provides acoustic insulation, shading, and cooling benefits.
Reduce car use - car exhaust fumes are immense polluters. Adoption of concepts such as the 15-minute (walkable) city, congestion pricing, and improved public transport, while not innovative, are effective.
Improving air quality in cities is an essential step toward achieving sustainable development. The alarming statistics regarding air pollution and CO2 emissions demand immediate action. By adopting innovative solutions and reshaping the conversation around air quality, we can create healthier and more productive urban environments. It's up to all of us to build a future where cities thrive while preserving our planet's precious resources.
Recent events, such as the wildfires in Canada that affected New York City, serve as stark reminders of the interconnectedness of our environment. Air pollution travels across borders uninhibited - we have one sky that we share, and each individual has a shared responsibility to all citizens of the globe to keep the air clean.
99% of the world's urban population breathe polluted air.
The building sector is responsible for a staggering 39% of global CO2 emissions. As an industry, we bear a collective responsibility to address this pressing issue. The complexity and cost of compliance dominate discussions around Local Law 97 in New York City has been the focus. It is crucial to shift the narrative towards the greater good and focus on the positive impact it can have on air quality, our health, and well-being.
The benefits of cleaner air are immense - ask Chat-GPT and it will rattle out a plethora of stats relating to respiratory and cardiovascular health, and environmental costs.
In addition, cleaner air improves cognitive ability, with studies indicating an 11% increase in productivity in clean-air environments.
Innovative solutions to clear the air in cities include:
Madrid - is taking proactive steps by building a wind garden, which acts as a cooling mechanism for the city and cleans the air with plants.
Ko-Bogen - in Germany exemplifies sustainable design by incorporating 8km of trees on its facade, which not only purifies the air, but also provides acoustic insulation, shading, and cooling benefits.
Reduce car use - car exhaust fumes are immense polluters. Adoption of concepts such as the 15-minute (walkable) city, congestion pricing, and improved public transport, while not innovative, are effective.
Improving air quality in cities is an essential step toward achieving sustainable development. The alarming statistics regarding air pollution and CO2 emissions demand immediate action. By adopting innovative solutions and reshaping the conversation around air quality, we can create healthier and more productive urban environments. It's up to all of us to build a future where cities thrive while preserving our planet's precious resources.
Happy Helsinki
Finland was again this year crowned the happiest place on earth (watch out Disneyland!). Last month I visited Helsinki to deliver a keynote to the global leadership team of the Finnish elevator company, KONE.
Helsinki has long been one of my favorite places to visit, since I was there in 2019 to give a keynote at RecoTech, the real estate technology side-event for the 30,000+ person tech conference, Slush.
I have included below some insights into what cities can consider for making happier places and improving the quality of life for their citizens.
My observations focus on the experience of the city in shared spaces - both public and private. The city is what happens external to buildings, in the urban domain.
Support experiential retail - the Finnish post office, Posti's parcel store is a great example of experiential retail. I have long used Post as a case study. A far cry from visiting USPS!
Make the library a destination - Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library is a popular destination for people of all ages - especially teens! It has amenities such as gaming rooms, sewing stations, 3D printing, and an outdoor terrace where people can play games. Plus, book returns are sorted and delivered by robots!
Focus on well-organized streets - Helsinki is one of the cleanest cities in the world. No side-walk bridges obstructing sidewalks, trash is underground, a regular cleaning program, and no rats running around (attn: NYC - this one's for you!).
Support second-hand stores - Helsinki has a great selection of second-hand stores which seemed to be equal in number to regular fashion stores. Here owning a piece of pre-loved fashion is seen as a unique/one-of-a-kind piece and highly desirable.
Invest in public transportation - Helsinki has excellent public transportation. It is incredibly simple to get from the airport to the city center on regular public transport thanks to elevators, clean trains, and its reliable schedule. It's affordable, easy, and accessible for everyone.
Make the city more affordable - Helsinki is a very affordable city to live. This is due to decades of planning and sensible development.
Promote healthy food no fast food - Helsinki has a great food scene and it seemed that every second outlet was selling sushi (not fast-food). Food is well-labeled for allergies and intolerance.
Finland is not complacent. It is brave in investing in high-quality experiences, implement new technologies where it sees merits (eg delivery robots), and continually working to do better.
Responsibility for preserving and improving this great country is taken upon by all citizens who have a strong sense of custodianship over the environment. Here people are empowered and take that responsibility seriously.
Helsinki has long been one of my favorite places to visit, since I was there in 2019 to give a keynote at RecoTech, the real estate technology side-event for the 30,000+ person tech conference, Slush.
I have included below some insights into what cities can consider for making happier places and improving the quality of life for their citizens.
My observations focus on the experience of the city in shared spaces - both public and private. The city is what happens external to buildings, in the urban domain.
Support experiential retail - the Finnish post office, Posti's parcel store is a great example of experiential retail. I have long used Post as a case study. A far cry from visiting USPS!
Make the library a destination - Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library is a popular destination for people of all ages - especially teens! It has amenities such as gaming rooms, sewing stations, 3D printing, and an outdoor terrace where people can play games. Plus, book returns are sorted and delivered by robots!
Focus on well-organized streets - Helsinki is one of the cleanest cities in the world. No side-walk bridges obstructing sidewalks, trash is underground, a regular cleaning program, and no rats running around (attn: NYC - this one's for you!).
Support second-hand stores - Helsinki has a great selection of second-hand stores which seemed to be equal in number to regular fashion stores. Here owning a piece of pre-loved fashion is seen as a unique/one-of-a-kind piece and highly desirable.
Invest in public transportation - Helsinki has excellent public transportation. It is incredibly simple to get from the airport to the city center on regular public transport thanks to elevators, clean trains, and its reliable schedule. It's affordable, easy, and accessible for everyone.
Make the city more affordable - Helsinki is a very affordable city to live. This is due to decades of planning and sensible development.
Promote healthy food no fast food - Helsinki has a great food scene and it seemed that every second outlet was selling sushi (not fast-food). Food is well-labeled for allergies and intolerance.
Finland is not complacent. It is brave in investing in high-quality experiences, implement new technologies where it sees merits (eg delivery robots), and continually working to do better.
Responsibility for preserving and improving this great country is taken upon by all citizens who have a strong sense of custodianship over the environment. Here people are empowered and take that responsibility seriously.
Golf Course Office
90% of Fortune 500 CEOs are golfers, and since 2019 midweek golf increased by 83%. In accepting this trend, there are a number of reasons why the golf course could make a great office.
Deals are made on the golf course. A study estimates that 30% of business deals are made on the golf course. Spending quality time with team mates, clients and collaborators engaging in sports, creates a sense of community and belonging that is not present in an office.
When people are happy, they are more productive. Happy employees are 12% - 20% more productive. There is a strong correlation between being happy and work and happy in life. And what makes people happy? Spending time doing things they enjoy - like golf.
Workplace technology is increasingly mobile. Cellphones and portable laptops allow us to work from anywhere - why not leverage it to its' fullest?
Own the commute. For golf enthusiasts, it is a unique experience that you cannot get working from home. A reason to invest the time in commuting.
Fresh air and exercise are great for productivity. Time spent in nature boosts of oxygen, improving cognitive function. Exercise releases endorphins, leading to greater focus, less stress, and improved productivity.
With the potential for AI take over dull, repetitive and dangerous jobs, our time will be freed up to engage in relationship building with clients and collaborators.
While I personally do not play golf, I do believe that if businesses are serious about driving wellness, community and collaboration, that old ways of thinking of work (seated at a desk 9-5) need to be reimagined. If you're changing the paradigm - why not invest in a new one that is enticing for you?
Deals are made on the golf course. A study estimates that 30% of business deals are made on the golf course. Spending quality time with team mates, clients and collaborators engaging in sports, creates a sense of community and belonging that is not present in an office.
When people are happy, they are more productive. Happy employees are 12% - 20% more productive. There is a strong correlation between being happy and work and happy in life. And what makes people happy? Spending time doing things they enjoy - like golf.
Workplace technology is increasingly mobile. Cellphones and portable laptops allow us to work from anywhere - why not leverage it to its' fullest?
Own the commute. For golf enthusiasts, it is a unique experience that you cannot get working from home. A reason to invest the time in commuting.
Fresh air and exercise are great for productivity. Time spent in nature boosts of oxygen, improving cognitive function. Exercise releases endorphins, leading to greater focus, less stress, and improved productivity.
With the potential for AI take over dull, repetitive and dangerous jobs, our time will be freed up to engage in relationship building with clients and collaborators.
While I personally do not play golf, I do believe that if businesses are serious about driving wellness, community and collaboration, that old ways of thinking of work (seated at a desk 9-5) need to be reimagined. If you're changing the paradigm - why not invest in a new one that is enticing for you?
Retail Conversions
Empty stores are like a virus that spreads. They kill the life and vibrancy of retail strips. It's far better to activate a shopfront than to leave it vacant.
Just the signage showing multiple spaces are up for lease can be contagious and a sure sign (excuse the pun) that an area is in decline. It's simply bad for business. All spaces should be productive spaces. You need only look at the informal economy where ever nook, cranny and shelter is reimagined. It is time to repurpose vacant retail.
Start seeing spaces for what they are - not what they were meant to be.
Repurposing Department Stores:
Malls without walls. One way that department stores have been reimagined is to treat them as mini open-plan malls, as with David Jones in Sydney, Australia's CBD, where each concession has its own counter, staff, and cash register. It feels like a mall without walls.
Creative partnerships. Saks, in partnership with Convene, created exquisite co-working space in space previously occupied by their department stores.
Complete repurposing. Uses that benefit from large open-plan floorplans with internal, private vertical circulation include schools, distribution centers (also benefiting where there are dedicated loading docks and significant back-of-house facilities), and libraries.
Activation by Temporary Use:
Gaming! Add some sofas, add beanbags, add a TV, vending machine and console. I’m yet to see a free gaming station without a few teens attached to it. It'll be a space where teens come to congregate.
Community activities. There are plenty of community initiatives that would benefit from having a space to run what they're doing. It can also tick some ’S’ boxes for ESG.
Study spaces. There are many cafes that are filled with people on their laptops working in a 'third space’ that is not their home. Why not add some Wi-Fi (you may already have district Wi-Fi), bring in a barista or ice cream cart, add some comfy tables and chairs, and promote this as an amenity.
Complete Repurposing of Malls:
eSports Specialty Centers. Putuo District in China created eSports centers such as ESP eSports Experience Centre where 350+ games are played there every year. As a niche specialty center, they attract tenants working in eSports and affiliated industries such as gaming, apparel, and design. The centers attract a clear target demographic. The eSports industry is growing rapidly at an estimate 16.7% CAGR, and presents great opportunity as a specialist center.
Wellness Specialty Center. Taikoo Li in China is a wellness-focused center where there are running tracks, gyms, fitness apparel, spas, etc. It becomes a destination where the target shoppers and tenants are clearly defined.
Distribution Centers. Using its location advantages to be used as distribution centers which benefit from being next to the main road and having loading docks and adequate traffic circulation. In this circumstance, it's always good to think about the impact on the community, as you do not want to create a complete dead space. Bringing in other activities to activate the space is great. You do not want to be turning this into a semi-industrial area, as it will impact the value of the surrounding real estate and adversely impact the community, which is not good for anyone.
The biggest conversion in retail is the change that the industry is undergoing for quite some time. As the retail landscape evolves, what malls provide need to evolve alongside to stay relevant.
Just the signage showing multiple spaces are up for lease can be contagious and a sure sign (excuse the pun) that an area is in decline. It's simply bad for business. All spaces should be productive spaces. You need only look at the informal economy where ever nook, cranny and shelter is reimagined. It is time to repurpose vacant retail.
Start seeing spaces for what they are - not what they were meant to be.
Repurposing Department Stores:
Malls without walls. One way that department stores have been reimagined is to treat them as mini open-plan malls, as with David Jones in Sydney, Australia's CBD, where each concession has its own counter, staff, and cash register. It feels like a mall without walls.
Creative partnerships. Saks, in partnership with Convene, created exquisite co-working space in space previously occupied by their department stores.
Complete repurposing. Uses that benefit from large open-plan floorplans with internal, private vertical circulation include schools, distribution centers (also benefiting where there are dedicated loading docks and significant back-of-house facilities), and libraries.
Activation by Temporary Use:
Gaming! Add some sofas, add beanbags, add a TV, vending machine and console. I’m yet to see a free gaming station without a few teens attached to it. It'll be a space where teens come to congregate.
Community activities. There are plenty of community initiatives that would benefit from having a space to run what they're doing. It can also tick some ’S’ boxes for ESG.
Study spaces. There are many cafes that are filled with people on their laptops working in a 'third space’ that is not their home. Why not add some Wi-Fi (you may already have district Wi-Fi), bring in a barista or ice cream cart, add some comfy tables and chairs, and promote this as an amenity.
Complete Repurposing of Malls:
eSports Specialty Centers. Putuo District in China created eSports centers such as ESP eSports Experience Centre where 350+ games are played there every year. As a niche specialty center, they attract tenants working in eSports and affiliated industries such as gaming, apparel, and design. The centers attract a clear target demographic. The eSports industry is growing rapidly at an estimate 16.7% CAGR, and presents great opportunity as a specialist center.
Wellness Specialty Center. Taikoo Li in China is a wellness-focused center where there are running tracks, gyms, fitness apparel, spas, etc. It becomes a destination where the target shoppers and tenants are clearly defined.
Distribution Centers. Using its location advantages to be used as distribution centers which benefit from being next to the main road and having loading docks and adequate traffic circulation. In this circumstance, it's always good to think about the impact on the community, as you do not want to create a complete dead space. Bringing in other activities to activate the space is great. You do not want to be turning this into a semi-industrial area, as it will impact the value of the surrounding real estate and adversely impact the community, which is not good for anyone.
The biggest conversion in retail is the change that the industry is undergoing for quite some time. As the retail landscape evolves, what malls provide need to evolve alongside to stay relevant.
Full Occupied Office
The hotel industry has it right; they proudly display the 'fully occupied' sign when fully booked on their website, third-party listings, or on signage outside the establishment. Offices can learn from their example.
Hotels understand that different travelers have different needs. During weekdays, they cater to business travelers and conferences, while on weekends, they cater to leisure travelers. By understanding these alternating calendars, they can achieve full occupancy. The same applies to when work is in session versus holiday times.
Today many offices are occupied 3 days a week, from Monday through Thursday. What can they learn from the hotel's calendar strategy to attract more occupants? The future of fully occupied offices lies in rethinking the calendar and associated offering.
The workweek is a hangover from an age before the always-on internet, where office workers squeezed work into a five day workweek with set hours.
Many people elect to freelance because of the flexibility it affords. Working outside of the 9-5 M-F has been embraced by freelancers but not yet fully adopted by large corporations.
Too often conversations about the office forget its original purpose. An office is meant to be a place purpose built for work. As the nature of work changed, the office space should have evolved with it. However, work has changed while the office has not kept pace.
I previously proposed a two-team system, with Team One working from Monday through Thursday and Team Two from Friday through Monday. Outside of office work, many industries operate seven days a week roster, such as hospitals, call centers and hospitality.
It's time to think of the workweek as seven days, and the calendar as 365.
Another area where hotels excel in achieving high occupancy is through anchor events. By hosting functions like conferences or weddings, they not only fill hotel rooms but also utilize other facilities like on-site catering. Can offices adopt a similar approach? What could be an anchor activity to draw people into the office, waiting for occupancy? Perhaps a more structured and fixed corporate calendar is needed.
What if we rethink the office as a place we get to go, rather than a place we have to go?
This shift in perspective could make going to the office feel like a privilege, similar to going on vacation or dining out. What if people looked forward to going to the office because it offered a unique opportunity for them to come together? It's about viewing the office as a desirable experience, not something taken for granted. What if we reconceptualise the office in this way?
Hotels understand that different travelers have different needs. During weekdays, they cater to business travelers and conferences, while on weekends, they cater to leisure travelers. By understanding these alternating calendars, they can achieve full occupancy. The same applies to when work is in session versus holiday times.
Today many offices are occupied 3 days a week, from Monday through Thursday. What can they learn from the hotel's calendar strategy to attract more occupants? The future of fully occupied offices lies in rethinking the calendar and associated offering.
The workweek is a hangover from an age before the always-on internet, where office workers squeezed work into a five day workweek with set hours.
Many people elect to freelance because of the flexibility it affords. Working outside of the 9-5 M-F has been embraced by freelancers but not yet fully adopted by large corporations.
Too often conversations about the office forget its original purpose. An office is meant to be a place purpose built for work. As the nature of work changed, the office space should have evolved with it. However, work has changed while the office has not kept pace.
I previously proposed a two-team system, with Team One working from Monday through Thursday and Team Two from Friday through Monday. Outside of office work, many industries operate seven days a week roster, such as hospitals, call centers and hospitality.
It's time to think of the workweek as seven days, and the calendar as 365.
Another area where hotels excel in achieving high occupancy is through anchor events. By hosting functions like conferences or weddings, they not only fill hotel rooms but also utilize other facilities like on-site catering. Can offices adopt a similar approach? What could be an anchor activity to draw people into the office, waiting for occupancy? Perhaps a more structured and fixed corporate calendar is needed.
What if we rethink the office as a place we get to go, rather than a place we have to go?
This shift in perspective could make going to the office feel like a privilege, similar to going on vacation or dining out. What if people looked forward to going to the office because it offered a unique opportunity for them to come together? It's about viewing the office as a desirable experience, not something taken for granted. What if we reconceptualise the office in this way?
Hotel Rooms
Hotels are vibrant vertical cities, seamlessly integrating entertainment, accommodation, office facilities, and dining within a single space.
They excel at prioritizing customer experience and brand consistency, leveraging data and customer feedback to constantly enhance their offerings. In fact, I believe hotels are the only real estate asset class that takes such a comprehensive data-led approach.
During the past nine months, I've had the pleasure of being a guest at 25 leading hotels. As an architect, I can't help but geek out over these immersive short-term stays. Here are some observations on how typical hotel rooms can be tailored to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's travelers.
Time Zones - Enhance the sleep experience by implementing smart lighting systems and scents that assist travelers in adjusting to their jet lag. Understand their circadian rhythms and create the optimal environment for a restful night's sleep.
One Size Does Not Fit All - Take inspiration from the JW Marriott at Marco Island, FL, which offers an exclusive wing for adults aged 21 and above. This ensures a tranquil, kid-free space at amenities like the pool and restaurants, catering to the preferences of many travelers - especially business travelers.
Custom Spaces - Leverage customer data to personalize and enhance the guest experience. For vegan guests, provide non-dairy milk at their in-room coffee bar, and equip power outlets with international adapter plugs for international travelers. Tailor amenities to the specific needs and preferences of guests, such as charging options for Dell or Mac users.
Self Storage:- Implement self-storage technology that allows guests to store their belongings at the hotel, eliminating the need to transport items back and forth on every trip. This not only generates an additional revenue stream but also fosters customer loyalty.
Dark Kitchens - Embrace the concept of dark kitchens, as utilized by delivery apps, to serve surrounding businesses' catering needs from hotel kitchens. This diversifies income sources while improving the room-service experience and expanding menu options for hotel guests.
There is an immense opportunity to expand alternative revenue streams while improving customer experience and loyalty at hotels.
At the core is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, into leveraging the insights provided by rich customer data to provide personalized experiences.
They excel at prioritizing customer experience and brand consistency, leveraging data and customer feedback to constantly enhance their offerings. In fact, I believe hotels are the only real estate asset class that takes such a comprehensive data-led approach.
During the past nine months, I've had the pleasure of being a guest at 25 leading hotels. As an architect, I can't help but geek out over these immersive short-term stays. Here are some observations on how typical hotel rooms can be tailored to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's travelers.
Time Zones - Enhance the sleep experience by implementing smart lighting systems and scents that assist travelers in adjusting to their jet lag. Understand their circadian rhythms and create the optimal environment for a restful night's sleep.
One Size Does Not Fit All - Take inspiration from the JW Marriott at Marco Island, FL, which offers an exclusive wing for adults aged 21 and above. This ensures a tranquil, kid-free space at amenities like the pool and restaurants, catering to the preferences of many travelers - especially business travelers.
Custom Spaces - Leverage customer data to personalize and enhance the guest experience. For vegan guests, provide non-dairy milk at their in-room coffee bar, and equip power outlets with international adapter plugs for international travelers. Tailor amenities to the specific needs and preferences of guests, such as charging options for Dell or Mac users.
Self Storage:- Implement self-storage technology that allows guests to store their belongings at the hotel, eliminating the need to transport items back and forth on every trip. This not only generates an additional revenue stream but also fosters customer loyalty.
Dark Kitchens - Embrace the concept of dark kitchens, as utilized by delivery apps, to serve surrounding businesses' catering needs from hotel kitchens. This diversifies income sources while improving the room-service experience and expanding menu options for hotel guests.
There is an immense opportunity to expand alternative revenue streams while improving customer experience and loyalty at hotels.
At the core is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, into leveraging the insights provided by rich customer data to provide personalized experiences.
Dark Malls
Dark malls can be hidden within existing office buildings. They are a retail destination exclusively discoverable online. Visitors aren't there for the 'experience', they're there with a clear and efficient purpose - to efficiently do what they need and leave.
Why is it that tall commercial buildings in the US are for office space but seldom for retail showrooms, entertainment destinations and convenience services?
With the stagnant low occupancy rates in CBDs across the country, now is the time to rethink the tenant mix.
Customers today overwhelming search for businesses online, whether it's through Google, Instagram, Tik-Tok, or review sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor. Walk-ins on account of passing foot-traffic is far less common today than a customer discovering a business online.
The vertical mall prioritizes digital lead generation, bulk-buying advertising and investing in influencer promotional campaigns for its' tenants.
In my 20+ years of working in CBD office buildings, very, very, very, very rarely have I had any interaction with another tenant other than the ground floor cafe. Why is it that physical proximity of complementary businesses is rarely leveraged?
Digital masterplanning provides the framework to create the connection.
Here are some examples to create a thriving vertical city:
Digital technology - while tenant building apps is a step towards creating a connected ecosystem, facilitating thriving commerce is not their priority. Landlords should develop a strategy to facilitate commerce for its' tenants, connecting them to local customers.
Retail showrooms - customers already know about the business's products through their online search. Their visit is less about meandering, window shopping, and experiential retail, it is more about serving a clear purpose for the customer visiting the location.
Childcare - there’s an extreme shortage of affordable childcare. Creating more high quality and centrally located childcare solutions remove a barrier for working parents in returning to work from the office.
Bars & karaoke - the novelty of discovering a speakeasies and hidden laneways adds to the experience. With influencers and guides like Time Out dictating what's cool, customers can be directed to find entertainment inside the building - it does not need to be on the lobby level. This can happen after hours. It is not uncommon in Asian cities.
Landlords that expand their services beyond the provision of space, and into lead generation will be able to tap into their tenants' marketing budgets.
Future-forward real estate players, understand that the necessity to embrace the digital economy is paramount. With relationships between leasing teams and tenants already established, there is an opportunity to expand the service offering further into the digital space.
Why is it that tall commercial buildings in the US are for office space but seldom for retail showrooms, entertainment destinations and convenience services?
With the stagnant low occupancy rates in CBDs across the country, now is the time to rethink the tenant mix.
Customers today overwhelming search for businesses online, whether it's through Google, Instagram, Tik-Tok, or review sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor. Walk-ins on account of passing foot-traffic is far less common today than a customer discovering a business online.
The vertical mall prioritizes digital lead generation, bulk-buying advertising and investing in influencer promotional campaigns for its' tenants.
In my 20+ years of working in CBD office buildings, very, very, very, very rarely have I had any interaction with another tenant other than the ground floor cafe. Why is it that physical proximity of complementary businesses is rarely leveraged?
Digital masterplanning provides the framework to create the connection.
Here are some examples to create a thriving vertical city:
Digital technology - while tenant building apps is a step towards creating a connected ecosystem, facilitating thriving commerce is not their priority. Landlords should develop a strategy to facilitate commerce for its' tenants, connecting them to local customers.
Retail showrooms - customers already know about the business's products through their online search. Their visit is less about meandering, window shopping, and experiential retail, it is more about serving a clear purpose for the customer visiting the location.
Childcare - there’s an extreme shortage of affordable childcare. Creating more high quality and centrally located childcare solutions remove a barrier for working parents in returning to work from the office.
Bars & karaoke - the novelty of discovering a speakeasies and hidden laneways adds to the experience. With influencers and guides like Time Out dictating what's cool, customers can be directed to find entertainment inside the building - it does not need to be on the lobby level. This can happen after hours. It is not uncommon in Asian cities.
Landlords that expand their services beyond the provision of space, and into lead generation will be able to tap into their tenants' marketing budgets.
Future-forward real estate players, understand that the necessity to embrace the digital economy is paramount. With relationships between leasing teams and tenants already established, there is an opportunity to expand the service offering further into the digital space.
Vertiports
Flying taxis are a concept that has been around for decades, but they are finally starting to become a reality and could revolutionize transportation in cities.
One of the key challenges to the widespread adoption of flying taxis is the need for infrastructure. These aircraft will need places to take off and land, and they will also need to be able to navigate safely through congested airspace. This is where vertiports come in:
Vertiports will be in strategic locations near airports, train stations, and major commercial areas. They will include landing pads, charging stations, and passenger terminals.
The development of vertiports will have a major impact on the real estate industry. Cities that are early adopters of flying taxis will see a surge in demand for property near vertiports. This is because these locations will be highly desirable for both residents and businesses.
Residents will want to live near vertiports so that they can easily access the flying taxi network. Businesses will want to locate near vertiports so that they can attract and retain employees who want to use flying taxis to get to work.
New investment opportunities will be created for real estate investors near vertiports to lease space to businesses or individuals who want to be close to the flying taxi network.
While the full impact of flying taxis on the real estate industry is still uncertain, the potential impact of vertiports on the future of urban transportation hubs and transit-oriented development immense.
Cities that are early adopters of flying taxis will be well-positioned to reap the benefits of this new technology.
The impact of flying taxis on cities will be a game-changer. There is a significant opportunity today for real estate investors and developers to create the vertiport infrastructure that enables this emerging industry.
One of the key challenges to the widespread adoption of flying taxis is the need for infrastructure. These aircraft will need places to take off and land, and they will also need to be able to navigate safely through congested airspace. This is where vertiports come in:
Vertiports will be in strategic locations near airports, train stations, and major commercial areas. They will include landing pads, charging stations, and passenger terminals.
The development of vertiports will have a major impact on the real estate industry. Cities that are early adopters of flying taxis will see a surge in demand for property near vertiports. This is because these locations will be highly desirable for both residents and businesses.
Residents will want to live near vertiports so that they can easily access the flying taxi network. Businesses will want to locate near vertiports so that they can attract and retain employees who want to use flying taxis to get to work.
New investment opportunities will be created for real estate investors near vertiports to lease space to businesses or individuals who want to be close to the flying taxi network.
While the full impact of flying taxis on the real estate industry is still uncertain, the potential impact of vertiports on the future of urban transportation hubs and transit-oriented development immense.
Cities that are early adopters of flying taxis will be well-positioned to reap the benefits of this new technology.
The impact of flying taxis on cities will be a game-changer. There is a significant opportunity today for real estate investors and developers to create the vertiport infrastructure that enables this emerging industry.
Mall Conversions
Repurposing vacant malls leverages the benefits of their central location and building footprint, bringing vitality back to neighborhoods.
The rise of e-commerce has led to a decline in popularity at malls over the years. As a result, many malls have suffered increasing vacancy rates, and some have even been demolished.
There are a number of examples of innovative adaptive reuse projects in the US:
St. Lawrence Centre mall is being considered as an e-Sports arena
Big Snow sits within Jersey’s American Dream Mall
Avalon Alderwood Place will be a 300-unit apartment complex with underground parking
Samsung and Casey Neistat Turned an Abandoned Shopping Mall Into a Winter Wonderland for Kids
San Francisco’s Stonestown Galleria was converted into a mixed-use development that includes apartments, offices, and retail space.
Downtown Burlington High School was once a department store
Minneapolis, Midtown Global Market was converted into a marketplace
Benefits of adaptive reuse include:
Revitalizing public space by bringing new activities to buildings with diminished use.
Economic development, creating new jobs replacing those lost.
Reduced embodied carbon and waste by preventing the demolition of existing buildings.
The rise of e-commerce has led to a decline in popularity at malls over the years. As a result, many malls have suffered increasing vacancy rates, and some have even been demolished.
There are a number of examples of innovative adaptive reuse projects in the US:
St. Lawrence Centre mall is being considered as an e-Sports arena
Big Snow sits within Jersey’s American Dream Mall
Avalon Alderwood Place will be a 300-unit apartment complex with underground parking
Samsung and Casey Neistat Turned an Abandoned Shopping Mall Into a Winter Wonderland for Kids
San Francisco’s Stonestown Galleria was converted into a mixed-use development that includes apartments, offices, and retail space.
Downtown Burlington High School was once a department store
Minneapolis, Midtown Global Market was converted into a marketplace
Benefits of adaptive reuse include:
Revitalizing public space by bringing new activities to buildings with diminished use.
Economic development, creating new jobs replacing those lost.
Reduced embodied carbon and waste by preventing the demolition of existing buildings.
Ups & Downs: The US Real Estate Luxury Rollercoaster
Article by Nikki Greenberg for Henley & Partners' US Luxury Real Estate Report (2023)
When Lambo?: How Crypto-Rich Centi- Millionaires Cash Out
by Nikki Greenberg for Henley & Partners' Centi-Millionaire Report (2022)
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