June 23, 2023
New rest stop for delivery people in Soho, created by Grubhub in partnership with Joco.
Let’s talk about new retail uses for humanity.
Ever since brick and mortar retail took a hit in 2020, landlords have kept an open mind to out-of-the-glass-box uses for these ground floor spaces. We’ve seen an enormous surge of digital brands opening up in-person activations for the first time, as well as office use, medical pop ups, and storage filling the void.
Grubhub has taken inspiration from this movement to improve the working conditions of its delivery people. Last week, they launched a first-of-its-kind rest stop in a storefront in Soho, where delivery workers can rest and charge electric bikes. It includes restrooms, phone charging stations, hot and cold water fountains, and lounge chairs, and is intended to improve working conditions for the people who make Grubhub possible.
Have you seen other inspiring, creative uses for vacant storefronts? Feel free to hit respond — would love to hear your thoughts!
//
MUST-READS
6 Essential Design Books to Read This Summer // FastCompany
Under a Denver Highway, Artists Find Space for the Surreal // CityLab
The Design Mind Behind Mexico’s Next Great Hotel Brand // Surface
Sustainable architecture: innovative and inspiring building design of 2023 // Wallpaper
Is This New York City Office the Future of the Workplace? // Metropolis
7 neighborhoods with competing visions of a more sustainable future // Heatmap
//
IDEA SPOTLIGHT
BoKlok by IKEA
Worthing, a town in southern England, is considering a plan to work with developer BoKlok, a joint venture of Ikea and Swedish construction company Skanska. The development would be BoKlok’s first in the United Kingdom. The group, whose name is Swedish for “live smart,” has built more than 11,000 factory-made homes throughout Sweden, Finland and Norway.
//
