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An open platform that makes urban futures inclusive

Your Future London by Centre For London, UK

London – Your Future London is an online platform welcoming input from city dwellers about the future of the UK capital.

Created by Studio Cronica for think tank Centre of London, the project hopes to create a shared vision for London to 2050 and beyond by welcoming ideas from residents about environmental and economic factors such as public transport and minimum wages. ‘Your Future London is an extraordinary opportunity for Londoners from all walks of life – from business owners to young professionals to community groups,' says Rob Whitehead, director of strategic projects at Centre for London.

The platform is organised into three main parts: a quiz about what Londoners would like to happen in the city, data about London as it is today and future scenarios for the city. After completing the quiz, users will be presented with a personalised illustration that reflects the future they envisage for London.

By inviting input from citizens, the platform echoes ideas we explore in our Equilibrium Cities macrotrend – considering the importance of including diverse viewpoints in future urban spaces.

W'air offers a greener alternative to washing machines

W'air, UK

UK – Venture management company Pilot Lite has introduced a hand-held laundry device, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional washing machines.

The product, W’air, marks a first for the sector in terms of its eco-conscious approach. Using hydrodynamic technology, the device emits air, water and detergent to break down stains and odours on fabrics. Its hand-held and easy-to-use format also enables it to be used on soft furnishings and footwear, making it a more convenient and eco-conscious option than dry cleaning or washing machines.

Through this targeted approach to cleaning, the company aims to extend the lifespan of products, while reducing the energy and water consumption involved in conventional washing methods. Jonathan Hewlett, CEO of W’air, says: ‘With the help of W’air, we hope that people will begin to change their laundry behaviour and re-imagine the way they care for their clothes.’

Recognising the damaging environmental impact of mainstream laundry habits, brands are stepping up to provide more Conscious Aftercare.

Solstice Sounds will flip the script on concert formats

SoundCloud

Australia – Forming part of Sydney’s first city-wide cultural programme since Covid-19, Solstice Sounds is a new concert format hosted by media publications GQ and Vogue Australia.

Taking place at Harbour City’s State Theatre, the two-day event will reject traditional theatre formats and strip away seating plans to instead place the audience on stage with the artists. As part of this intimate set-up theatre seats will take the place of a backdrop, inverting the format of conventional performances and allowing concert attendees to experience an up-close and in-depth look at the artistry of singers and instrumentalists.

This event will also follow GQ magazine’s Big Ideas Talk as part of the wider Sydney Solstice programme, which similarly takes an intimate approach by hosting a dinner and afterparty for guests.

With fandom increasingly taking on new formats and many consumers feeling ready to return to live events, find out more about the future opportunities for media and entertainment in our Inter-Covid Roadmap Webinar.

Stat: New Zealand overtakes Europe for world’s most liveable city

Xuhui Runway Park by Sasaki, Shanghai

The impact of Covid-19 is forcing many people to reconsider the appeal of European cities, with The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) finding that Auckland is now considered the most liveable city in the world.

According to its recent survey, New Zealand’s success in containing the Covid-19 outbreak – including its ability to safely allow restaurants, theatres and schools to stay open – has pushed Auckland to the top of the rankings. This is followed by Osaka, Adelaide and Wellington, with Asia-Pacific noted as a destination for the highest quality of life. Meanwhile, the European city of Vienna has fallen to 12th place, having previously topped the list from 2018 to 2020.

Explaining the shift in rankings, The EIU said: ‘The extent to which cities were sheltered by strong border closures, their ability to handle the health crisis and the pace at which they rolled out vaccination campaigns drove significant changes in the rankings.’

To discover more about the ways that global cities are developing into civic spaces, delve into our Urban Wellness Market.