STAYcation Cities could organize and provide enough replenishment that citizens stay put. That would include play of all kinds, both alone and collectively; spiritual discovery, meditation, experience, and guidance anytime, anywhere; emotional support such that everyone has someone to lean on and to laugh with; sanctuary space to provide peace, in the sense of a place that feels fresh, free, and uncomplicated; moments to appreciate time to oneself, comforted by the community around us, even when we need to retreat within and simply not interact and engage; nature and ample green spaces to satisfy all the senses—enjoy the sounds, smells, tastes, touch and sight of wild things over the man-made concrete jungle; adventure and exploration to discover the unexpected, challenge oneself, take-risks without fear, learn, and grow (become a top chef for a day, climb a tree, spelunk the subways); hobbies that our citizens enjoy such as art and culture, educational lessons, volunteerism, and pop-up wellness opportunities including nutritionists, life coaches, spas, sitting massages on the subways and buses. These services would be equally accessible to people of all socio-economic backgrounds.
This is part 43 of a continuing brainstorm on the future of cities, inaugurated at the CEOs for CitiesVelocity conference in September, 2009. We’ll post a new idea each day until we run out, at which point we’re counting on you to come up with something smart. Do you have a good idea for improving your city? Add it in the comments below, or tweet it to @GOOD with hashtag #cityideas—we’ll publish the best ones. Tomorrow's idea: Show City.
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