It’s been just over four years since companies had to switch to remote work, and it’s not going anywhere. Traditional nine-to-five office hours are no longer the standard. Employees are now blending home and office work, making their schedules more fluid. This change has left companies and cities to rethink how they create spaces — both workspaces and public spaces — that cater to these evolving needs. The role of placemaking has never been more critical in shaping how we move, collaborate, and build communities in a post-Covid world.
Placemaking is not just about designing spaces but about fostering connections. It’s about creating environments that support how people live, work, and interact. As commutes shrink or disappear for some workers, cities need to reconsider how they design public spaces to maintain vibrancy and engagement. Meanwhile, companies must find ways to make their workplaces appealing enough for employees to want to come in, even if only for a few days a week. The hybrid work model has made it clear that flexibility is vital, and placemaking is part of the solution.
Rethinking urban spaces
With fewer people commuting daily, the infrastructure that once supported large-scale commuting needs a revamp. Public transportation, roads, and urban planning are directly affected by the hybrid work shift. Placemaking can help cities adapt to these new patterns. For example, fewer daily commuters might lead to less congestion during peak hours. But what happens to the spaces that once thrived on heavy foot traffic?
Cities can use placemaking to create areas that encourage both locals and visitors to engage with their surroundings, regardless of whether they are commuting to work. More pedestrian-friendly zones, public parks, and outdoor spaces can serve as gathering spots. People are more likely to spend time in these areas when they aren’t tied to a strict work schedule. By reimagining urban spaces, cities can support a more dynamic way of living and working.
The workplace in a hybrid world
Companies are facing a similar challenge. With employees working both remotely and in-office, how do they create a workplace that feels inviting? Offices used to be the hub for collaboration and productivity. Now, with fewer employees in the office every day, companies must rethink how their spaces function.
Placemaking plays a critical role in this transformation. It’s no longer enough to provide desks and conference rooms. Companies need to offer spaces that foster collaboration, innovation, and well-being. Breakout spaces, quiet zones, and areas for informal meetings are all part of the equation. The office should feel like a place employees want to visit, not just a place they have to be.
The goal is to balance flexibility with productivity. Employees still need spaces to work but also environments that encourage creativity and connection. Companies that invest in thoughtful placemaking can attract and retain talent in this new era of work.
Fostering community and collaboration
One of the challenges of hybrid work is the sense of isolation it can bring. When employees work remotely, they can miss out on the spontaneous conversations and collaborations that happen in an office setting. Placemaking can help bridge that gap by creating spaces that foster community and connection.
For cities, this means designing public spaces that encourage social interaction, even outside work hours. Outdoor seating areas, cafes, and plazas can become gathering spots for remote workers. These spaces not only benefit individuals but also create a sense of community that strengthens the fabric of the city.
In the workplace, placemaking can create environments where collaboration happens naturally. Open, flexible workspaces allow employees to come together for meetings or brainstorming sessions. But it’s not just about physical proximity; it’s about creating a space that encourages interaction. Companies that prioritize placemaking can help their employees feel more connected, even in a hybrid work model.
Balancing flexibility and productivity
Hybrid work offers the best of both worlds: the flexibility to work from anywhere and the office’s structure when needed. But this balance can be tricky to manage. Cities and companies alike must find ways to support this new way of working without sacrificing productivity.
For cities, this might mean rethinking transportation networks to support flexible commuting. Fewer rush hour commuters can ease the strain on public transport, but the demand may shift to different times of day. Cities can invest in transportation options that accommodate these changes, making it easier for workers to come into the office when necessary but not forcing them into rigid commuting schedules.
For companies, the challenge lies in creating a workplace that supports both remote and in-person work. Flexible workstations, virtual collaboration tools, and thoughtful space design are all part of the solution. Placemaking can ensure that the office remains a productive place, even if fewer people are there on any given day.
The post-Covid world has reshaped how we think about work and commuting. With hybrid work becoming the new norm, the importance of placemaking has grown. Cities and companies must adapt their spaces to meet the needs of a more flexible workforce. By reimagining urban spaces and workplaces, they can create environments that foster connection, collaboration, and productivity.
Placemaking is about more than just design — it’s about creating spaces that reflect how people live and work today. Whether it’s a public park in the city or a quiet breakout space in the office, placemaking helps bridge the gap between the old ways of working and the new, helping us navigate the challenges of a post-Covid world.
Editor’s Note: Atakan Guven is the Director of Urban Analytics at ERA-co. At ERA-co, Guven works across multi-disciplinary teams on projects varying from pedestrian circulation and public realm strategies to concept masterplans. As part of the Urban Strategy and Planning team, he identifies and implements evidence-based design insights to make better places, spaces and systems.