Vision TL;DR
A new type of community space, fitting the needs of the modern lifestyle (remote & gig work, increased loneliness, niche interests, health & wellness-aware consumers...) A public place for people to play, work, and connect Filling the gap between a library (single-purpose), a coworking space (requires commitment), a mall (strictly commercial), and a social club (exclusive) Every Hub is an architecture statement, reflecting its environment, designed by regional architects and with community involvement. Environment: Natural light. Safe. Vibrant. Creative. Including: Work space. Builder space. Cafes. Healthy food stalls. Books. Events. PPP (public-private partnership) or PPCP (public-private-community partnership) model A layer of community buy-in through co-design, voting, recognition of contribution, privileged access or loyalty programs. The space may be utilized during the night - Providing affordable housing units for artist & startup residents, or people who help operate the venue What success looks like: Google Maps adds “Hub” as a venue category among Cafe, Restaurant, Library, and Mall. Problem Hubs can solve
Vacated downtown malls and storefronts Lack of foot traffic and commerce Drop in downtown real estate value Need for flexible work outdoor that doesn’t require monthly subscription (like coworking spaces) or squatting coffee shops where remote working may be uncomfortable Low chance for serendipitous encounters Opportunity
There's a growing demand to:
Work remotely outside of homes or hotels Connect with like-minded people and interest-based communities Enjoy their free time in a public space that offers opportunities to relax and enjoy culture This opens an opportunity for a new category of real estate, positioned between government-funded public spaces (libraries, parks...) on one side, and strictly commercial real estate (malls, offices...) on the other.
Filling in this immediate gap aligns with the long-term benefits of the city, making it a more attractive place for life, work, business and tourism.
The spaces may be utilized during the night - Providing a free “hostel”-like experience for contributors in exchange for contributing time to Hub’s operations. Over time, the Hub might generate UBI for all contributions of the ecosystem.
Solution: Hub - A modern third place
Offers
Work & build spaces: Desks, studios, and meeting rooms to collaboration and productivity. Social routing: Matching individuals with similar interests for workshops, activities, and co-working sessions. Healthy food & beverage: Cafes and stalls with fresh, local options. Curation & events: Host workshops, talks, and social gatherings based on community needs and interests. Environment
Architecturally stunning: Each Hub, designed by regional architects with community input, will be a unique architectural statement that reflects its environment. Light & nature: Open floor plans, natural light, and outdoor spaces to promote well-being and creativity. Safe & vibrant: A welcoming atmosphere with a focus on inclusivity and community interaction. Structure & financing (optional alternative to private or for-profit models)
PPP/PPCP model: Collaboration between government, private sector and the community stakeholders. Community integration: Exploring innovative stakeholder involvement with web3 community ownership, member access, voting, or financing. Definition of success
When "Hub" joins "Cafe," "Restaurant," and "Library" on Google Maps, and becomes a synonym for places that revitalize cities and reconnect people through shared interests, culture, and a sense of belonging.
References
Future of downtown real estate
Third spaces
Eudamonia machine
Loneliness
Example trend of “community malls”, “hubs”, and “cultural department stores”
Programming
Research
Examples
Other
“I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.” – Borges