The reopening of city centers makes it clear that we’ve long been in a state of transition. This was the focus of a panel discussion at the Rheinische Post Forum on June 24, 2021, entitled “A new era for the inner city – solutions for our future society.” Under the aegis of Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor Stephan Keller, experts discussed the design of our urban centers, the future of living and working, smart and green cities, and other prospects. Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer was also invited as a speaker. The panel was moderated by trend expert Birgit Gebhardt and television journalist Michael Krons (Phoenix).

In the run-up to the forum, the Rheinische Post wrote the following about the transformation of our city centers: “Enthusiasm mixed with doubts: Many businesses have disappeared, vacant spaces are creating gaps in the once bustling rows of storefronts. Many people are longing for the pre-pandemic normal. But let’s be honest: Were the chains in the pedestrian zones and shopping malls really what we cherished about our city center? And even if everything could be restored to exactly the way it was, would it still suit our multichannel consumption behavior or the experiences that we want to have there? Urban planners and experts from the Rheinische Post Forum’s ‘New Era’ believe that the heart of the city (or the quarter) could become much more than just a shopping street for its citizens; that online shopping is increasing whereas on-site consumption is in need of new diversity, social interaction, a more pleasant ‘quality of stay,’ seasonal street culture, and intergenerational togetherness; that the city center would by no means be compelled to roll up its sidewalks at night if spaces for stores, residences, working, and culture, as well as green and open spaces were more intermixed and able to cross-pollenate.”

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