Summary of the Core Message
The central argument of this article is that the logic of urban competition has completely changed: no longer does it rely on large-scale construction and land sales for profit, but rather on attracting young people. Young individuals bring creativity, technology, and consumer power, which are key to a city's future prosperity. Therefore, urban renewal should not focus on creating superficial attractions for tourists; instead, it must aim to "young-orientated" its development. This means creating a spatial system that allows young people to live at low costs, develop in diverse ways, and feel a sense of belonging. Such a system can also drive industrial upgrading, enabling the city to gain a strong position in future competition. The article provides specific directions for this approach, as well as examples from around the world and strategies for implementation.
Detailed Explanation
#### 1. What Does Urban Competition Focus On Now? From "Building and Selling Land" to "Attracting Young People"
In the past, urban development relied on constructing large roads, high-rise buildings, and selling land—what was known as the "traditional path." However, this approach is no longer viable due to the scarcity of land and the diminishing marginal benefits of infrastructure investments. So, what does a city need to thrive? It needs people who can create new value—youth with creativity (such as in design or digital media), technology (like AI or renewable energy), and a willingness to consume (which drives the new economy).
For example, businesses used to choose locations based on policy incentives and low land costs; now, they consider whether young people are willing to move there, because young people are at the heart of innovation. Whether a city can retain its youth directly determines whether it can complete industrial upgrading within the next 3-5 years, shifting from old drivers (such as traditional manufacturing) to new ones (such as the digital economy or cultural creativity).
#### 2. Young-Oriented Development Is Not About Creating Temporary Attractions; It's About Providing a Supportive System
Many cities mistakenly think that young-oriented development means setting up graffiti walls or coffee markets, which become popular for a while before fading away—this treats young people as mere tools for attracting traffic. True young-oriented development aims to help them "take root" in the city by addressing three key issues:
- Lowering the Barriers to Survival: Young people often lack money after graduation, so cities need to provide affordable and usable spaces, such as converting old factories into dormitories or temporary free accommodations, and shared workspaces that don't require renting entire offices. These resources act as a buffer, allowing young people to stay and experiment without high costs.
- Flexible and Dynamic Spaces: Young people prefer not to live in industrial parks during the day and in suburbs at night. For instance, industrial parks could include Livehouses where they can attend performances after work, while communities could have centers for the elderly during the day and become "youth night schools" for learning arts or comedy shows at night. Transit hubs (TOD projects) should be designed like mini-cities with residential areas above, workplaces below, and shops and parks nearby.
- Addressing Loneliness: Young people often feel a lack of belonging. Narrow streets, small bookstores, and community gardens can foster real interactions. Independent bookstores in alleys or free community lawns where young people can picnic and play frisbee create communities that connect them.
#### 3. Young-Oriented Development Is Not Just About Making Things Fun for Young People; It's Also an Engine for Industrial Upgrading
Young-oriented development is not just about doing good deeds; it's a profitable business strategy. The logic is: a good quality of life attracts young people, who in turn bring new activities and industries.
- Quality of Life as a Competitive Advantage: Generation Z chooses cities based on more than just salary; they also consider whether life is enjoyable—can they get their favorite coffee within 15 minutes? Can they ride bikes along greenways on weekends? Does the city accommodate niche cultures (such as Hanfu or anime)? Transforming old factories and neighborhoods to improve quality of life can attract talent more effectively than tax cuts.
- Spaces as Platforms for Growth: When young people gather, spaces become more than just places for consumption. Old buildings can be used as showrooms for new brands, and neighborhood squares can serve as outdoor meeting spaces for digital creative teams. These low-cost, flexible spaces are essential infrastructure for the new economy.
- Young People Drive New Industries: In the past, industries attracted people; now, it's the other way around. Areas with many young people attract various businesses (independent fashion stores, vintage shops, nightclubs, comedy shows), and tech companies (like AI or renewable energy) set up their research centers there, driving overall industrial upgrading.
#### 4. What Do Young People Around the World Prefer? Five Common Characteristics
Successful youth-centric areas around the world (such as Hengfu in Shanghai, Shimbokuzawa in Tokyo, and Dongshan Kou in Guangzhou) share five common features:
- Small, Walkable Neighborships: They avoid large glass facades and wide roads, preferring small streets with cafes and gardens every few steps, creating a feel like an outdoor living room.
- Concentrated, Integrated Living: Work, housing, and entertainment are all within a 10-minute walk of each other. For example, you can drink coffee downstairs, go to the gym nearby, and attend a performance on your way home without wasting time.
- Rejection of Homogeneity: Support for Unique Businesses: They prefer independent stores with unique stories and personalities rather than chain brands.
- Flexible, Self-Growing Spaces: Spaces are not fixed for specific uses. Abandoned basements can host art exhibitions, and canals can be used for outdoor concerts—allowing young people to define the purpose of the space.
- Inclusivity: High-end and affordable options coexist with traditional places; innovative art installations and old brick walls create a mix of different styles that appeal to diverse backgrounds.
#### 5. How to Implement Young-Oriented Development? Three Principles and a Three-Step Approach
To prevent young-oriented development from becoming a form of real estate under a youthful guise, follow these three principles and take these three steps:
Three Principles:
- Marginal Inclusivity: When renovating, reserve 15%-20% of the space at affordable prices, using profits from core businesses to subsidize these areas and prevent rent increases that drive young people away.
- Flexibility over Time: Spaces should change functions throughout the day. For example, a roadshow hall can become a Livehouse at night, and a parkway can host a market on weekends.
- Participatory Governance: Involve young people in the process; for instance, allow them to graffiti walls or decide whether a space becomes a skatepark or a garden. This gives them a sense of ownership.
Three Steps:
1. Loosen Policies: Simplify regulations that permit temporary conversions of old buildings into apartments or commercial spaces and approve unique businesses (like outdoor seating for cafes).
2. Focus on Pilot Areas: Identify promising locations (such as near universities or old factories) and invest resources to create models of young-oriented development.
3. Connect the Dots: Use greenways and walking systems to connect these pilot areas, creating a cohesive "15-minute living circle" with convenient transportation.
#### Conclusion
The essence of a city is its inhabitants. Young-oriented development is not about giving cities a label; it's about returning the power to young people by providing them with affordable spaces for living, freedom to develop, and a sense of belonging. Only when young people are willing to stay and contribute can cities remain vibrant in future competition.