A few days ago I was paraphrasing philosopher Alain de Botton in my post about the future of the city. A more accurate transcription of his words follows:
True diversity comes from communication and contact [...] if there is no meeting point [the city] is not diverse [... a city] can look superficially very diverse, but if you actually look at the levels of integration and communication and public space and places where very different communities can come together, then all of the sudden [the city] can start looking at lot less diverse.
He was talking about London. Today I came across an article in Spacing magazine that questions the same issues, this time in Toronto. The article “Come Together” by Dale Duncan reports the activities of residents associations in what is known as “immigration gateway communities”. To understand the context, it is important to know some stats about the Toronto population mix:
- 30% The percentage of all recent immigrants to Canada that live in Toronto.
- 50% The percentage of Torontonians born outside of Canada
- 47% The percentage of Torontonians who have a mother tongue other than English or French
Immigration gateway communities is a creative way to label rough neighbourhoods characterized for lack of infrastructure and a high turn-over among their residents as people get out of them as soon as they can afford to do it. While the city has clearly identified 13 priority neighbourhoods, it is their citizens who are making a difference by creating the spaces where people can come together to talk about their needs, frustrations and sometimes even find solutions and have a stronger representation at City Hall.
When people migrate to the big cities assuming the better life style they will find, the reality of these communities -the only areas where they can afford to live in- quickly sinks in. Having travelled from so far away to find these obstacles only emphasizes the gap that exists between social groups. It aggravates the situation as they can see people around them with access to the life style they dream about, but they can’t get to it. For some this gap is an unmanageable trap as access to resources and opportunities becomes increasingly difficult. In the best case scenario the years that it will take a new immigrant to “graduate” from these neighbourhoods into better places will be remembered as a necessary sacrifice to realize the ultimate dream.
A responsible city has to create opportunities for integration. Not only by developing infrastructure that makes “gateway communities” better connected with the productive engine that requires these immigrants, but by creating public spaces that invite all the various social groups within a city to converge… More than two years ago I wrote the post “observe, analyze, generalize” as a tribute to what I was convinced was the quintessential “meeting point” suggested by Alain de Botton. In Toronto we call it Harbourfront Centre.
To be fair with the City of Toronto, there are major plans to improve infrastructure to better connect some of these areas via a new railway system. If only some of these plans could live up to the standards of other major cities with transportation that is not only functionally efficient but a distinctive trademark that makes it as unique as its diversity.
It would seem as if large corporations, in their quest to spread around the world, are functioning as the engine for a more powerful effect than their mundane mission: they are forcing the convergence of centuries of customs and cultural manifestations within the economic hubs they require, creating a new global culture. All the participants will have no remedy but to confront each other and transform themselves in the process.
This is how I started this blog over two years ago. Since then the idea of a global culture has continued to evolve and I admit the 180 posts have taken me in directions I didn’t suspect. The understanding of cosmopolitanism has more recently taken this blog through an upbeat phase that aligns better with the events of my life. This month, my job got a little bit easier…
This is the theme of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. For a few weeks the whole world will be going oriental as McLuhan once said. Tourists impressed by the sights of a transformed Beijing, spectators bombarded by hours of “place branding” or Chinese not used to the sudden attention. Everyone should have a better understanding of China’s place in the world after the games.
I was told by an influential writer that science fiction is the literature of possibilities. Beyond all the laser beams, inter-galactic trips and aliens there are ideas explored that deserve full consideration. One such idea inspired me to start writing this blog: a society in which language had evolved to a point where the boundaries between English and Chinese had been blurred by centuries of integration. Forgotten the days when each nation would have its own language, everyone was able to communicate with each other using this lingua franca.
Spanish being my mother tongue, migrating to Canada implied using English on a daily basis to conduct business. Over the years I noticed how my brain “rewired” and started playing interesting tricks, creating concepts that could only be represented in one or another language forcing me to mix words at times. Most people would assume this to be a sign of lost cultural identity, but embracing the possibility that one day our children would have to play similar tricks to communicate with an increasingly diverse society I let it happen hoping I would be better equipped for the inevitable.
In 2006 I wrote the post déjà vu forecasting the growth of the Chinese influence on the evolution of the web. I may have been too conservative in my estimates as I realize their culture is about to take a giant leap forward propelled by the Olympic Games. China has invested heavily on the infrastructure required, but the dividends are likely going to be plenty when their culture decides to venture out of “Chinatown” to establish itself as an important component of global culture.
As Richard Florida explores the nature of urban renewal by reusing some of his key hypothesis in his essay “How cities renew” in the latest Monocle, I’m getting word of a research project called “Cosmopolitan Palermo – Inquiry on the future of the city”. In both cases, the affluence of influential protagonists that are willing to invest more than just money to build the city they want seems to be the key factor in transforming cities into truly global hubs. Here is a take on the sicilian project:
The research is based on the hypothesis that change in contemporary cities is increasingly dependent on flows of capital, people, knowledge and skills. In other words, large cities are cosmopolitan because they mix references, investments, trajectories with highly differentiated backgrounds.
More generally, one can talk of a “cosmopolitan urban regime” manifesting itself through the forms of the local governance and the urban texture. A regime that requires social actors able to manage these culturally different references.
Starting from this perspective, “Cosmopolitan Palermo” considers urban forms and actors of cosmopolitanism present in the city in a lapse of approximately fifteen years (1992-2008). The research focuses on recent transformations of the city centre. More specifically, it identifies and analyses a series of urban transformations produced by interactions between local logics and global networks. Through an in-depth study of these changes it clarifies the relationship between flows of people, ideas and capital, on the one hand, and the production of new urban forms on the other.
I find the idea of mapping the flow of key global citizens to the evolution of the urban landscape fascinating. Maybe a new generation of city planners will not be trained in schools, but as apprentices to these global moguls with the will to effect change at each stopover.
Thanks to Maurizio for the tip.
Clustering of like-minded individuals is not a new idea, but new research based on the mapping of personality types reveals one very interesting trend about the group called “Open To Experience People”: they are far more distributed than any of the other groups.
In his post The Personality Map, Richard Florida presents these results in a timely manner to promote his most recent book “Who’s Your City?”. A much better explanation is given in his column on the Global and Mail:
We know that values, beliefs, and attitudes cluster geographically and are sustained over time through social interaction – that’s what defines culture. According to Sam Gosling, a psychologist at the University of Texas, and Jason Rentfrow, a psychologist at Cambridge University, these places (and their inhabitants) will also assume certain personality traits.
They refer to these as “social founder effects.” That is, people come to acquire personality traits that reflect their practices, lifestyles, and beliefs. Places that tolerate or encourage openness to experience will ultimately attract people who seek environments in which they can feel free to express themselves.
People seeking a place where they can express themselves is almost a perfect definition for the global citizen that will move anywhere around the world to find the region that better defines the core values that he/she hold true and treasure the most. This realization provides a very important argument in favor of why cities that have been welcoming to generations of migrants are now among the most important hubs for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. As I have stated in previous posts, one of the most essential tools of the person starting a journey to a new place is a complete willingness to experience and accept a new culture without hesitation. This very same personality treat is probably, according to this research, why these same cities have evolved economies that are a model for a truly global city. Cosmopolitanism and its quest for understanding other cultures may be the key that triggers the desire to relocate to a newly discovered region of the world, but it is that same global knowledge that gives the region an important advantage as more connections with the rest of the world are created with every new individual that arrives. So, while it may be psychological characteristics what drives the clustering shown above, I believe it is the global connections that these people have what fosters a prosperous economy.
Every year Stan Stalnaker and his team of global citizens gather their experiences around the world and summarize in this, their now famous Hub Culture’s Zeitgeist Ranking, the cities that for a variety of reasons seem to be at the center of the Universe. An elusive classification that doesn’t get impressed with economic power, flawless life-styles or centuries-old traditions, is mostly based on heuristics that related to the needs and desires of global citizens hoping from hub to hub networking their way into urban authorities. This is their veredict:
- Los Angeles, United States
In some ways, the doom and gloom LA has experienced recently has presaged the general red alerts now being felt elsewhere – from environmental crisis to economic lapse, LA seems to have arrived in the shits just before everyone else.
- Berlin, Germany
As the cutting edge vibe in London wanes, Berlin continues to draw the young and the restless, and its ties to a resurgent East (i.e. Moscow, Warsaw) are really showing dividends.
- Mumbai, India
Even as Mumbai gridlock threatens to become a 24/7 state of affairs, India in general and Mumbai in particular continue their assault on the global consciousness. It’s hard to argue against Mumbai, especially with so many new innovations popping up here. That includes the arrival of the TATA Nano, which will soon change the economics of transport across the developing world. Add in booming hotels, real estate and a stronger rupee, and Mumbai holds the course.
- Beijing, China
2008 is Beijing’s year, and not just because of the Olympics. The financial meltdown occurring in other capitals has cast Beijing in a new light as the Chinese continue to show fiscal reserve while strengthening their own position.
- Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is steaming! A combination of low prices, an awakening in the real estate sector, smart yen plays and new innovation in the music scene have breathed new life into Asia’s sleeping Godzilla.
- London, United Kingdom
Overpriced by any measure and past the crest in nightlife, London seems to have dulled in line with the smaller bonuses being handed out in the City.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
BA has problems, but Argentina’s cheap prices are attracting legions of globalized people, especially financial types looking to make investments in everything from wine to hotels.
- Dubai, U.A.E.
Global investment capability and a city awash in cash and construction make Dubai one of the world’s few economic bright spots in 2008.
- New York, United States
While not great for the locals, that makes for a wonderful hub moment in the city: a bargain for visitors and a place more remarkably open and international than it has been for a long time.
- Hong Kong, China
The scene remains predictable, but predictably fun, and Hong Kong’s leadership in fashion and Asian pop culture is steady – even if everyone is increasingly obsessed with Korean daytime TV.
- Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has dropped from last year – not because it is any less hot, just because other locations are now taking up more mind space. As the Islam threat feels like its cooling Istanbul continues to set the leadership example for the region while integrating ever closer to Europe.
- San Francisco, United States
San Francisco continues to punch above its population weight, mostly because it continues to reinvent itself. From the technology space it is now leading the global green charge, spearheading investments and opportunity in the sector.
- Sao Paolo, Brasil
Brazil’s macro success is manifesting in booming design, nightlife, and real estate in South America’s largest city with a young, increasingly educated, party population.
- Shanghai, China
The city has recently blossomed and is now genuinely a fun place to live, filled with interesting people, a cosmo scene and true cultural innovation.
- Moscow, Russia
Putin was named TIME’s Man of the Year for a reason: Moscow continues to grow its sphere of global influence, and instead of saber rattling the new vogue is suitcase rattling: as in suitcases of cash.
- Madrid, Spain
Sunny Madrid is benefiting from stability and language. As South America continues to do well, Madrid benefits back in Europe, and a continuing influx of Northern Europeans adds to the cultural mix. Add in some of the best nightlfe in Europe, a hot art scene and lower living prices than other regional hubs, and Madrid looks ever more enticing.
- Singapore, Singapore
Whether stepping up to the financial plate globally or announcing another outlandish designer building project, the tiny city state continues innovation at the macro level, providing economic security and iced whipped chai for its people in an ever more turbulent world.
- Sydney, Australia
Sydney is the terrycloth towel of urban hubs – rich, beautiful and soft enough to feel comfortable. In a land aloft in buoyant commodity prices and closer ties with the economic engines of Asia, some would argue Sydney never had it so good.
- Mexico City, Mexico
The worlds largest city remains a study in contrasts, but times are so good that Mexican immigrants are even returning from California to seek opportunity in Mexico City. The city elite are still preoccupied with gringonomics to the north, but local growth and development auger well. Add in the city’s super young vibe, and one gets the feeling anything is possible.
- Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver gets this year’s wild card, in the spirit of No. 10 Geneva last year. A combination of factors are benefiting this coastal hub, ranging from preparations for the 2010 Winter Games in nearby Whistler to an avalanche of business in the film industry on the heels of LA woes. Clean and pristine, Vancouver sums up the new environmental feel, and that strong Canadian dollar has Vancouver strutting its stuff in a newly confident way, from Seattle all the way to Shanghai.
A year is a long time and many cities have fought battles for the attention of this elite crowd. Take a look at the now obsolete 2007 ranking.
A few months ago I echoed the notion that “nationalism is a disease”, and while out of context it may come across as a strong position, with this post I document some of the arguments that support it and perhaps soften the tone and conclude that more than a disease, nationalism is a doctrine that is fading and giving way to an updated notion of cosmopolitanism that is more compatible with our times and the beliefs of modern and progressive societies.
I’m also using this post to reorient the ongoing discussion hosted in this blog to assume the more optimist view provided by cosmopolitanism: migration and globalization have acquired negative properties and convey images of abusive corporations, defenseless people crossing borders illegally or having a very hard time to survive in their host countries. I’ve explored these issues and produced very few suggestions on how to fix them.
On the other hand, I’m finding the conversation around global citizens (not migrants) more productive, as they invest heavily in both their hometown and their destination. Global Culture becomes the backbone that allows people to find common ground when establishing relationships with people abroad and eases the way to better understanding among cultures, blurring the boundaries between them. Cosmopolitanism becomes a clear objective that is attainable given the current social, economic, political and cultural trends. I think it communicates a positive message even though it may be based on many of the same principles as globalization. It feels like a more deserving journey.
In this context it may be a little bit ironic that Monocle’s latest edition set to deliver a guide on “Making a modern state…” yet every page is a sophisticated ad to the various cultures showcased. It seems as if trying to create a nation these days had to be accomplished by selling the benefits of culture, life style, resources to global citizens that may be interested in establishing lasting relationships. That proposition dilutes the idea of “nation” as it implies that over time the survival of a region depends on how well it can incorporate other cultures and a diverse population. But this is not criticism, it’s a sign that even when we are trying to defend the notion of nations, our common sense will do nothing but weaken the concept. Us humans will always want to visit other places and expand our horizons. Just reading through the magazine I find myself wanting to move to South Tyrol and visit √Öland on my next vacation.
One of my first posts in this blog described a simple method to exchange valuable information among global citizens. The method suggested in global citizen was never adopted by anyone but the idea didn’t die. This past week our team released a Facebook application called My City, which has the potential to accomplish the same goal.
Since I have a global audience it is important to mention that Facebook was the platform of choice for its widespread adoption and ability to accept applications from others. If you haven’t heard about it in your region, chances are that other social networks dominate the market. Still, you should be able to join.
The application itself works on a very simple premise: rather than trusting city guides that tell you the best places to conduct your day to day activities, we allow you to see what your friends recommend. Exploring all facets of city life from the perspective of those you already trust can be entertaining at first, but we believe it can be taken even further. Consider the following two scenarios:
- You have visitors from abroad and want to take them to a hip place, maybe a patio for drinks, but you’re not the type to frequent those places, therefore you have no clue where to go. Check the application for what your friends (and you know which ones are really hip) recommend. Impress your guests
- You have a business trip to the West Coast and it will be your first time there. You have an evening to spare and would like to make the most out of it. Knowing where the hot spots are may make the difference between having dinner at the bar of the hotel or having a memorable evening among locals. Check the application for what locals in such city suggest.
As I mentioned, the premise is quite simple. We plan to keep adding themes or questions and all we ask is that every user answers them in the best possible way for the city they know and love. It is Saturday night and you may be reading this because you have no idea of where to go. Install the application and see what your friends recommend.
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