The role of residential suburbs in the knowledge economy: insights from a design charrette into nomadic and remote work practices

ABSTRACT

New digital and remote work practices challenge city planning and urban design as they move economic activities from city centres to residential suburbs. Little is known about the spatial impact of these new work patterns on suburbia. This paper addresses this knowledge gap through a design charrette conducted in the City of Gold Coast, Australia. Despite often working individually, remote workers favour design interventions that facilitate a transformation of suburbia towards multi-use. Urban design strategies supporting new work practices in residential neighbourhoods can enable better collaboration and innovation, create new opportunities for third spaces, and unlock a city’s competitive advantage.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. https://nomadlist.com/gold-coast.