# Social Cities As homes condense, community spaces expand. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published Sep 4, 2019 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/social-cities ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Social Cities trend? **Social Cities:** The design of cities and urban environments continue to evolve to suit today and tomorrow’s generations; with smaller homes and multi-generational households, cities are expanding their communal hubs and gathering spaces to bring urban communities closer together. ## The consumer insight behind the Social Cities trend Consumers demand that contemporary urban infrastructure is built to facilitate communities, as many seek to escape the feelings of alienation that high-tech metropolitan environments can instill. Interested in connecting with one another, individuals are on the look out for spaces that will allow them to experience togetherness through socialization, learning new things and enjoying the outdoors. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 8, 2018 to Jul 26, 2019 - Published: Sep 4, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Social Cities trend ### Community-centric architecture The demand for urban infrastructure built to facilitate communities has led to the expansion of communal hubs and gathering spaces, providing disruptive innovation opportunities in creating new, integrated spaces for socialization, learning, and outdoor activities. ### Smart city infrastructure development The integration of 5G technology and IoT infrastructure in cities, plus the implementation of autonomous transportation and other smart machines, presents expansive opportunities for businesses looking to work in research, development, and digital start-ups focused on AI, robotics, and other industries of the future. ### Multicultural food markets The increasing appeal of authentic multicultural dining is driving the rise of food hubs that bring together a diverse lineup of culturally inspired restaurants in lively spaces, delivering disruption in the culinary industry and communal dining experiences. ## What the Social Cities trend means for industry ### For Architecture Architects and urban planners can be on the forefront of community-centric design developments, creating new and innovative public spaces that promote socialization and learning. ### For 5G and IoT infrastructure The development of smart cities via 5G and IoT infrastructure represents opportunities for businesses specializing in autonomous technology, AI, robotics, and other fields of the future. ### For Culinary industry Multicultural food markets that showcase authentic cuisine from around the world are bringing disruption to the culinary industry, providing a platform for local chefs and creating new communal dining experiences. ## Workshop question How can your brand play a role in the consumer desire for more communal spaces? ## Trend signals for Social Cities Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 55%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Social Cities trend 7 featured examples from Mar 8, 2018 to Jul 26, 2019. - [Socially Focused City Infrastructures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/public-spaces-in-beirut): T Sakhi's Urban Project Promotes Public Spaces in Beirut (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Architecture and design firms can explore new ways of revamping old infrastructure to create accessible public spaces. - [Wellness-Boosting Self-Sufficient Ecosystems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfsufficient-ecosystem): WilkinsonEyre Builds a Community-Enhancing Complex (Category: Eco) Implication: Architects and designers can leverage the concept of self-sufficient ecosystems and community-focused complexes to create innovative and sustainable urban spaces. - [Urban Living Room Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volunteer-house): COBE Adds a Communal Meeting Space to the Red Cross Volunteer House (Category: Social Good) Implication: Architects can incorporate open-concept designs to create unique and functional spaces. - [Warped Park Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aljada-central-hub): The Aljada Central Hub Features a Gravitational Design (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Architects and designers have an opportunity to push boundaries and disrupt traditional design norms through gravity-inspired concepts. - [Multicultural Food Market Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/socialeats): Santa Monica’s SocialEats Market Highlights Authentic Artisan Eats (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage the trend of multicultural food markets and artisan eateries to create unique dining experiences and attract a diverse customer base. - [5G Smart Cities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sprint-curiosity-iot): 5G-Enabled Sprint Curiosity IoT Infrastructure is Coming to Greenville (Category: World) Implication: Telecommunications companies can capitalize on the growing trend of 5G-enabled smart cities by providing the necessary infrastructure and services for IoT and autonomous technolog… - [Navigation App Bike Sharing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bike-access): A Google Maps Update Will Show Where Users Can Get Bike Access (Category: Tech) Implication: This opportunity can provide bike-sharing companies with more user-friendly options and increased visibility. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)