The transformation challenge for the Property Sector: Rethinking form and space in the 21st Century.
The form and space of our cities reflects what we have valued and what we value. The banks with their Roman or Greek columns, churches with spires and formal botanic gardens say much about what our 19th century forebears valued and aspired to. So too, the Mechanic’s Institutes, the surprisingly enduring 50’s state house and the large cloned shopping mall …
Re-imagining Christchurch as a 21st century CBD
In November, the Chinese held their 18th National Party Congress. As the debate focused on a new era of leadership, one of the key influences was Jeremy Rifkin’s bestseller the 3rd Industrial Revolution. Perhaps its lessons already in currency in Europe, might well apply to the reframing and rebuilding of Christchurch’s new CBD as well? Lets consider: Getting …
FOOD; A MIRROR OF LIFE AND LIFESTYLES?
One of the best ways to understand another society or culture is through the ways it produces and consumes food. It offers us a first glimpse into ritual, values and custom. In one way it is a mirror of what has been and what might be. This insight or reflection is as true for us as any one else. So …
Running on empty as history ruptures
It is now very clear, in this second decade of the 21st century, that the rules for success in almost every sphere are changing. The very basis of competitiveness is being reinvented before our eyes. In other words current ideas and associated value propositions are not delivering the energy to keep organisation’s moving. Those caught up in the eddies of …
Reliving the blacksmiths nightmare
The following think piece came from some work I recently did in with a group exploring the future of manufacturing in Victoria Australia. The model I suggest is equally appropriate in other developed countries. A little over 100 years ago the blacksmiths, stable owners and telegraph officers saw with some bemusement the first cars go by. What those vehicles heralded …
Sustainable Food lab
Following a recent Sustainable Food Summit (http://www.3pillarsnetwork.com.au/p3_Events-Resources.html?&event=68&page=4), where Mike spoke about ‘transition narratives,’ Mike McAllum of GFN has been asked to act as lead designer for Australia 21′s Sustainable Food Lab. What is the Sustainable Food Lab? The Sustainable Food Lab is a partnership between 3 Pillars Network and Australia 21. The transformational narrative will form a crucial part of …
Rebuild through redesign
Since the beginning of 2011 most of the Australian state of Queensland, large parts of northern Victoria and the outskirts of the western city of Perth have suffered from severe natural events – flood, cyclone and fire – with disastrous consequences for those involved. During the writing of this essay, severe earthquakes have destroyed much of my childhood home of …
Rebuild or redesign?
Since the beginning of 2011 most of the Australian state of Queensland, large parts of northern Victoria and the outskirts of the western city of Perth have suffered from severe natural events – flood, cyclone and fire – with disastrous consequences for those involved. During the writing of this essay, severe earthquakes have destroyed much of my childhood home of …
Designing Better Futures
” In this wonderful book Michael McAllum unerringly follows a path that may lead us all to wiser decisions and more coherent actions than has previously been the case.” Richard Hames Founding Professor Asian Foresight Institute. This is a book about these times of turbulence, uncertainty and rapid change with a difference. it does not fill us with empty utopias …
Future of electricity
GFN was recently involved in the a major project with a major utility. This project examined how demand management in electricity might shift between now and 2030 and the implications that such shifts have for the current utility business model. Our work revealed the followinig: current networks are unidirectional and thus are unable to realise the full potential of what …
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