As we struggle to find ways to survive the current crisis and look at the leaders of the world to provide guidance, the latest Hub Culture 2009 Zeitgeist Ranking will come in handy as a tour of the cities that are better positioned to sustain an acceptable quality of life while providing plenty of opportunities to rebuild for the future. A zeitgeist reflecting the drama of our times:
- Washington,DC
- Berlin
- Beijing
- Los Angeles
- Tokyo
- Sydney
- Saö Paulo
- Hong Kong
- New York
- London
- Shanghai
- Mumbai
- Singapore
- Buenos Aires
- Dubai
- Paris
- Toronto
- Istanbul
- México, D.F.
- Copenhagen
its not really about the Obamas – its about the context of our changing expectations of government
Berliners become an enigma – povo at home, increasingly affluent abroad
Just ignore the noxious skyline as you watch the GDP growth rates, still hovering near 9%
LA’s fashion scene has stagnated, and the city’s hold on entertainment is slipping to diffusion by web 2.0
the principles of kaizen (continuous improvement) are shaping a really cool new Japanese ecovibe
The general attitude down under appears to be one of distant concern
Here, ‘crunch’ is in the quinoa, not in the financial vocabulary
The city is rich enough to sit out the bust, and it can always rely on China’s neighboring Guangdong province to drive the local economy
Hunger breeds innovation, because people actually have to think, plot and scheme to make a difference, and are more likely to do it on a shoestring budget.
With large infrastructure projects on the horizon for the Olympics, nimble currency moves and a general stiff upper lip, the mantra now is survival and sobriety
China is one of the last places in the world still experiencing growth, and that means that the party is still in progress here on the Huangphu River
Clearly the November attacks had a large impact on the mood of the city, but they can’t dent the can-do spirit of average Mumbaikars
Private wealth and trading (two of the city’s biggest focuses) are giving ground to medical tourism, biotech and other homegrown industries taking root with support from the government
international markets and visitors that provide an international feel to the city began to dry up
Dubai’s taste for showcases, whether luxury, architecture or design, make the remaining grand opportunities here very interesting
The current mood is about refocusing on priorities, living life more simply and thinking deep thoughts. Where better than Paris?
Canadian globe trotters are heading back home to Canada’s most influential business city as they check out of their stints abroad.
Looking ahead, the story of Istanbul is about youthful opportunity.
a young population works in Mexico City’s favour, creating optimism and opportunity for the future, generated by an increasingly well educated and global population.
the Danish way of life, from design to food, with a focus on streamlined simplicity, makes more sense than ever.
