The Workplace and the City

The relationship between workplaces and the city is a complex one, with different dynamics emerging at different points in history. In the Middle Ages, for instance, we would have encountered numerous workshops scattered throughout Italian cities, often adjacent to the artisan’s home. This was a productive network that was intertwined with private living spaces but found its place for exchange and business in the market square. In more recent times, with the evolution of economic activities, we see a similar form of business hub in what are known as Central Business Districts. These are areas of the city entirely dedicated to business, often becoming famous as Downtown Manhattan or the City of London. However, compared to medieval market squares, these are less integrated into daily life. They are characterised as places dedicated to work and used almost exclusively during working hours. This “vertical” approach to space utilisation has proven to be unsustainable over time, particularly during the pandemic, which has reinforced a trend that had already been underway for several years.

Business spaces are evolving towards areas that facilitate continuous dialogue between different stakeholders. This includes exclusive spaces for private and confidential activities, common and shared spaces for external collaborators and clients, hybrid spaces for relational activities open to the city and local community, and outdoor spaces as extensions of indoor ones to foster the exchange of ideas and informal relationships, which contribute to organisational well-being. As institutional investors focused on urban regeneration, we are aware of and accept our responsibilities in contributing to the sustainable future of cities. Our investment strategy is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG values. Our objective is to promote the well-being and quality of life for people and local communities living and working in the properties we invest in. EuroHive meets this objective.

EuroHive, the new workplace at EUR, responds to the changing needs of companies for their workspaces and the need for a new relationship between buildings and the surrounding city. It forms part of a vibrant urban mosaic, rich in stimuli. The office spaces blend seamlessly with the urban context, characterised by large pedestrian-only areas, a system of squares and green spaces, and contemporary art installations. EuroHive eschews the model of a closed and protected headquarters in favour of a place of constant dialogue and exchange. The proximity between workspaces, living spaces, leisure areas, art, and nature encourages people to take ownership of the urban space, feel it as their own, and return to living it, thereby making it vibrant, in a similar manner to the medieval squares of old.

Barbara Polito

Asset Management, GWM Group