COVID-19, overflowing cities, and global warming have common roots in exponential population growth. More of us scramble for fewer resources, especially food and land. Many worked at home during the sheltering. As we gradually return to concrete buildings, architects ponder will work from home change city landscapes.
Could Work From Home Change City Landscapes Profoundly?
Home heating is far less efficient than commercial HVAC and insulation. There would have been a net increase in our personal carbon footprint, even if most of the office functioned as normal. We may want to return to the office to relieve domestic friction caused by blurring household roles.
However, if working from home becomes the new normal, then cities are due for a shake-up. Liquid Space says New York houses 11% of total office inventory in the United States. Manhattan alone has the largest concentration of office space in the country. Large scale migrations to work-from home scenarios will change that city landscape profoundly.
What About Counter-Pressure from Social Distancing?
The COVID-19 epidemic made us more aware of our responsibility to take care of ourselves. Large office buildings with shared lobbies, escalators and stairwells made us more aware of people around us. Perhaps these concerns will lead to what city planners call ‘hollowing out’ of city landscapes.
If that happens, we may see mass-conversion of offices for residential living according to Paul Cheshire chatting to BBC. However, some space will remain for desk-sharing in the city. Some sociologists say we are hard wired for workplace interaction, and virtual meetings will never replace that.
So will work from home change our city landscapes permanently? Miriam Tuerk writing in Forbes expects major changes in technology to accommodate a blend of in-office and remote workers. Less people in the city frees up more space for cycle paths and pedestrian routes. However, the lure of the city may call us back.
Related
Reopening the Office for Work after Lock Down
Getting There Safely on a Subway Train
Preview Image: Cherry Laurel Blooms in Manhattan
