If you have followed our channels, you probably already know that we moved to a new office in Pursimiehenkatu (Helsinki). The building is called Mestaritalo “Master Building” and it was Karl Fazer’s initial chocolate factory, one of Finland’s most popular chocolate brands.
When we were thinking of the interior design of our office, it was important to allow different persons (colleagues, shareholders, providers) to be part of this process and contribute with their ideas. This co-creation of the space brought us closer together and strengthened the bond between us. Like a family. I suppose this is just a tiny example of what cities are. A blend of thoughts, personalities, and tastes.
Jorge Urias, an architect dividing his time between New York and Juárez and shareholder of CHAOS, is the author of the pictures that today decorate one of our meeting rooms. These photos belong to a wide collection of images taken from random scenes in New York City (see more here).
"In a time where our media channels are full of climate resilience propaganda, we should also stop and think that a sustainable city is not only controlling CO2 emissions and measuring the performance of buildings, but a sustainable future is one where humans can coexist and respect each other."
Cities have existed since mankind started to settle into a single place and evolved through the exchange of goods. Some research also argues that it is not the settlements but the commercial activities that gave life to cities. The cities we know today are an inherent part of our lives, buzzing hubs, full of excitement. They are a mosaic of expressions and randomness. They provide the platform and space that people use to express themselves.
I especially like looking at these photos and imagining what people were feeling or experiencing at the moment these pictures were taken. It makes me ponder that, no matter how hard we try as urban planners to control the city, or as real estate investors to maximize the return of investment; these rigid structures that we carefully plan and layout, will always depend on this flexible fabric, this soul of our cities: people.
In a time where our media channels are full of climate resilience propaganda, we should also stop and think that a sustainable city is not only controlling CO2 emissions and measuring the performance of buildings, but a sustainable future is one where humans can coexist and respect each other.
Today, when we celebrate cities, let’s remind ourselves that cities are the manifestation of the big economic, environmental, and social forces at play.
Where standing for a cause is important, and taking the streets it’s a sign of boldness and firm convictions. Cities serve as platforms for governments, NGOs, associations, and communities to raise their voice and transform the future into a better one.
It doesn’t matter the cultural background of people; a culture is only richer when we learn to accept others.
As the mayor of Bogota Enrique Peñalosa has continuously indicated, we are much happier as persons when we have a space where we can be out. People, all of us, need to walk, be with other people, in contact with nature, and we need a space where we feel like equals, not inferiors. A well-designed public space has the ability to provide this.
Because what is life without joy. How many of us don’t smile when we see balloons, and even wonder how these bundles can fit in a metro, a taxi, or a bus. The celebration of life, that’s important. Being able to laugh at yourself also is.
Le Corbusier, an icon of modern architecture, several times opposed the preservation of old buildings. He is known for many things, among them, his bold urban plan for Brazil. Nonetheless the cultural significance of icons like the Flatiron keeps communities togethers while remaining a link to the past.
No society advances without people questioning the status quo. This last photo is a gentle reminder that a bicycle has as much right to own the street as a car does. Isn’t this what we mean by building cities for everyone?
For me cities are an opportunity. They represent possibility. So, what do Karl Fazer, the city of New York, and a startup in Helsinki have in common? Perhaps just the desire of doing something amazing in a very different way we all are used to.
Happy world cities day!
PhDc on participatory urban planning and smart cities, complemented by a strong background in computer science.
Natalia Rincón drives social impact within business and politics. She values resilience and constantly questions the status quo.
Natalia's motivation behind her work & hobbies is always the people. She strongly believes that this world should be a better place for everyone.
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