What is the best way for a city to drive innovation?
Last June, MIT Center for Real Estate kicked off its 40th Anniversary with the 2024 MIT World Real Estate Forum (June 17+18). The event brought together 300 industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academics to explore the future of real estate — offering inspiration and practical strategies for navigating an uncertain future.
Watch James von Klemperer, President of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, expand on the forum’s theme by focusing on the role of urban design in fostering innovation and community resilience. He argues for a departure from “regimented bunker-like buildings” to more adaptable, sustainable structures that promote community and innovation.
“The worst buildings that we can make for the future are the ones that have to be ripped down”, says James.
Diverse Design Revives Cities
In his keynote, James emphasizes the importance of flexible design in urban development, “Affordable space, room for growth, housing, and then the less tangible aspects of life and a city of a healthy environment, access to nature, industrial heritage, transport efficiency, et cetera”, play a critical role in the “fortunes of cities”. He calls for diverse architectural and urban design solutions to revive cities experiencing economic and social decline, due in part, to the decline of in-person office work.
For full details on the MIT World Real Estate Forum speakers and sessions, visit: https://www.mitworldreforum.com and WATCH on YouTube.
