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November 2, 2007

The creatives: Rengen, Cultural Creatives, Creative Class

Who are the creatives?

Many of you in the know have heard about the Creative Class, the Cultural Creatives, and now, the Renaissance Generation. What is the difference between these groups, and if there is, how are they interrelated and what do they have to do with cool towns?

Cultural Creatives - 50 million in the U.S., aka the New Progressives, introduced by author Paul Ray in his book, The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing the World. These are the people who care, and specifically care about the bigger picture, from sustainability to authenticity to humanity.

Creative Class - 38 million in the U.S. representing the creative industry workforce in science, engineering, architecture, design, education, arts, music and entertainment. Based on research by Richard Florida, author of Rise of the Creative Class and Flight of the Creative Class, their presence is directly tied to economic prosperity.

Renaissance Generation (RenGen) - Take the Cultural Creatives and the Creative Class and apply them to a defined movement and time period rather than a demographic or psychographic, the result of which is literally a second renaissance. There will always be a creative class and cultural creatives, but it is only here at the beginning of the 21st Century, a time of unprecedented need and opportunity, will we have a RenGen.

The result of which will be the coolest of towns, the likes of which we've never seen before - think of the mindset and population of Silicon Valley in the urban fabric of a Venice, or of course, Florence, Italy.

Image source: madjid.

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November 1, 2007

Make way for the second Renaissance

It is happening in our cities now, and it rivals the Renaissance of the 1300s, according to author Patricia Martin in her new book, Rengen: The Rise of the Cultural Consumer - and What It Means to Your Business.

Who are the Rengens? Patricia says it's more of a mindset than a specific demographic - "a thirty year swath of individuals who are living comtemporaneously", fueled by a large group of boomers and a very large group of 16-28 year olds.

Why is there a renaissance happening now? At the same time there's a universal sense that we're in an unprecedented decline (uncontrolled population growth, global warming), we're experience a monumental technological shift (ie the web, internet).

What is the Rengen aesthetic? A look and feel based on the natural world, with a preference for imperfection in order to have something more authentic and ecologically sound, such as the gnarly biodegradable flower pot over the perfect green plastic one, or historic buildings vs brand new steel and glass versions.

What is the Rengen spirituality? It's about 'fusion', a diverse coming together, a mashup, of differences in arts, culture, ethnicities and incomes, not segregated and divided.

The book lays out the key criteria for identifying Rengen cities:
- Density of people - the source of ideas;
- Efficient circulatory system - to allow people to connect and share ideas;
- Catalytic personalities/leaders that initiate conversation and vision;
- Ways to learn - universities, arts & culture, public library, good media outlets;
- Green cities - probably an expression of the above.

Among the author's list of Rengen cities: Chicago; Providence, RI; Philadelphia; and Seattle - the latter of which she describes as overflowing with ambition, founded by entrepreneurs, though constrained by bureaucratic government. She leaves out New York - too expensive - though by sheer density alone there are enough creatives who find a way to still live there that I believe it's still a Rengen city.

One key takeaway from the author: The average consumer wants to be marketed to as being bright and creative. Indulge them.

You can catch more of Patricia in her Smart City Radio interview.

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October 31, 2007

The 'little urban experiences' of Buenos Aires

Looking for a little 'hands on' inspiration for a cool town? Venture south of the equator to Argentina...

Making the list of both Fast Company magazine's 30 Fastest Cities to Work, Live and Play and Travel + Leisure's World's Best Cities' to Visit is quite a feat, so what is Buenos Aires attraction? Referred to as the Paris of the South, here's a fitting local viewpoint:

"Buenos Aires is not a place for grand sights or world famous buildings**, it's more about the little urban experiences such as stumbling across a passionate tango display in the street (watched with as much appreciation, if not more, by locals as tourists), catching the purple jacaranda blooms in November, enjoying the occasional graphics and murals, trying not to notice tongue-entwined lovers on a bench while strolling a landscaped park, shopping for high quality local goods at very low prices, eating out at one of BA's sophisticated restaurants for the price you would pay for breakfast in Paris - and starting to party at 3 a.m."

On the edgier, less-traveled, culturally-enriching side...

"La Boca's (a neighborhood in 'B.A.') cobblestone streets and somewhat dilapidated yet brightly painted, multi colored tin buildings, serve as a haven for the many artists who use this area to display their excellent works. To spend a little time in the 'Caminito', the pedestrian area of La Boca, is a 'must do' and photo opportunities are a given here. Entertainment is constant and street performers are busy dancing the Tango, posing as mimes, or performing musical numbers on a variety of instruments."

Finally, from an expat...

"I find that this city doesn't simply attract creative types; it spawns them. There are plenty of former workin'-for-the-man defectors from countries around the world who choose BA for its charm, vibrancy and low cost of living, and though they might be expecting to settle into a nice little quasi-retirement, what many are finding is that they are inspired to engage in creative pursuits of all kinds. Technology, talent and tolerance... BA has these, plus tango! It's fascinating to see what expats are bringing to this equation--namely, capital, connections and confidence. It's a creative soup that is simmering with surprising flavors."

**This illustrates the point behind this rather graphic graphic's lead title posted just previously.

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October 30, 2007

A sampling of the emerging consciousness for better cities...

So what are progressive, creative people saying about cities these days? Well, the only thing better than asking the regulars at a local, independent coffeehouse, is to ask the regulars at local, independent coffeehouses in 40 countries around the world.

That's just what the folks at likemind, a rhythmic gathering of likeminded individuals sharing coffee and stories every third Friday morning at local third places did on October 19, 2007. The question they posed that morning for people to answer:

“If you were to rebuild your city from scratch, how would you build it differently and what would you keep the same?”

Here's the conclusion:

- Create The Right Mix To Create The Right Neighborhoods
- Waterways as Transport Alternatives
- Bury The Car
- Green Space, More Urban Farms
- Build Up Not Out
- Slow Down, Ride A Bike, Take A Walk
- Where’s My Transport System?

Likemind summaries by city can be found here.

Pictured is one New Yorker's graphic (in more ways than one) answer that the likemind crowd provided as a model answer. Larger, readable version here.

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October 29, 2007

Green building 201: Water

Green buildings to the people reading this website is like buildings with four walls and a ceiling to the general population. So, it's time to take a look at more advanced specifics of green building, especially with what is becoming less and less of a commodity: water. For instance, flying over Vegas last week for the ULI conference, one can easily see that that its main water supply, Lake Mead is down 100 feet and now only at half capacity. Coincidentally, the ULI is the source for this story, "Is Water the Next Carbon?.

Of course, halting new development is the most effective means of limiting water use, but until population growth halts altogether, here are efforts to make future destinations blue (smaller water footprint) as much as it is green (smaller carbon footprint).

On a country and master development level: Australia, the world's driest inhabited continent, established Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, which is investing in four model projects that demonstrate progressive water stewardship. One of those, the Wungong Urban Water Project, has the following goals to reduce water usage by 45-75%:
- minimizing the overall consumption of water in the Wungong project;
- reducing traffic impact on the local water system;
- using water-sensitive urban design;
- minimizing water requirements for heating, cooling, lighting, and energy;
- protecting waterways and wetlands;
- maximizing biodiversity and native landscapes;
- recycling water; and
- encouraging water efficiency in buildings.

On a development level: Dockside Green is a 15-acre community on a former industrial site adjacent to downtown Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Potable water use will be 60-65% lower through:
- low-flow fixtures and reclaimed water for toilets;
- self-monitoring of hot and cold water usage via individual meters;
- all sewage water being treated on site and reused primarily for toilets, landscape irrigation, and water features;
- access for all businesses to recycled water for nonpotable uses.
- a recycled water system supporting Dockside Creek, a scenic waterway that plays a key role in stormwater management (pictured).

Real projects that set new progressive benchmarks often make a larger impact than comprehensive (ie 'watered-down') policy.

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