Urban Planning Has Lessons For Business

"The miracle of Hudson Street, according to Jacobs, was created by the particular configuration of the streets and buildings. She argued that when a neighbourhood is oriented toward the street, when pavements are used for socialising and play and commerce, the users of that street are transformed by the resulting stimulation: they form relationships and casual contacts they would never have otherwise. ... Today, if you visit the technology companies of Silicon Valley, or the media companies of Manhattan, you'll find that secluded private offices have been replaced by busy public spaces, open-plan areas without walls, executives next to the newest arrivals. The hush of the traditional office has been supplanted by something much closer to the noisy, bustling ballet of Hudson Street."