Growth Architectures

Growth is a need that since forever has accompanied mankind and all the phenomena in which it appears. Growth shouldn’t just be acknowledged, but also understood, analyzed and… measured. But how? Measuring growth today has become an obsession that translates into numbers, which are objective and reassuring, but not always able to indicate the real value of a phenomenon. That’s the key issue: value. Growth is not just an inevitable part of human nature, but also a mechanism that can produce value. There are several phenomena in which the need for growth is evident: are we sure that they can all improve our lives? Let’s learn to measure their value ahead of their size. —ak. OPENING REMARKS OPENING REMARKS Growth Architectures

The demand for growth is permanent and endless. But, looking towards the future, how much of that growth can be Without continual growth planned and is it possible to build “ growth in an efficient and sustainable and progress, such words as manner? Can individuals and their He who moves not improvement, achievement habitats thrive in an open-source, “ international and sustainable way? forward, goes backward” and success have no meaning”

In just one week the world can change. by Simone Bemporad The previous issue of il bollettino ‘The —Goethe —Benjamin Franklin Editor in Chief Place to Be’ reviewed in detail the European Project and its effect on the lives of its citizens. Now, with Brexit in the one hand, the physical environment, into its cities. By 2026, it hopes to move dynamism of the Silicon Valley. The US mind, we are faced with a political the home and the city where the 250 million. The plan calls for nearby economy continued to perform well in scenario that is changing very fast. individual lives; on the other, the digital major cities and suburbs to merge into 2014-2015 for the seventh successive More than ever we need stability in the space where social relations, exchanges megacities. Against this background, year. Average wealth is $350,000 per four pillars that make up a solid ‘growth and contacts are becoming progressively ‘growth architecture’ becomes a adult and the country can now claim architecture’ – economics, technology, more important in our daily life. The metaphor of how geography is changing 46% of the world’s millionaires. urban living, and individual relationship and connections between the both vertically and horizontally. development. In 2015, the average level real and the digital world are rapidly Megacities and skyscrapers become an The ability to embrace growth and of wealth per adult within the European evolving. For this reason, we have chosen element of competition among the new innovation will be fundamental to Union was $128,506, down by 12.4% on to analyze them from within by Asian superpowers. China has shaping our individual journey and the previous year. Will an upset world comparing two regions of our planet that constructed 95 skyscrapers exceeding dictating the evolution of the society in economic scenario cause it to drop are competing for global economic 200 meters high since 2013. which we live and work. Whether we do further? Faced with change, we need to leadership whilst tackling the challenges so by incorporating agile solutions into understand the signals and be proactive of the future. Conversely, the USA is once more our way of working, with the help of a for a stable future. called upon to take world leadership in personal coach, or simply by attending In China, wealth per adult has quadrupled order to steer evolution through a yoga class or using an app, In this issue of il bollettino, we have since 2000, growing from $5,670 to technological architecture. Indeed, the exponential growth remains the attempted to address these key $22,513 in 2015 and improving the status country is showing its ability to offer ultimate goal of any organization or questions in order to identify a ‘growth and wellbeing of millions of citizens. In extraordinary business opportunities individual wishing to succeed in the architecture.’ Today, individual identity March 2014, Beijing announced even and interpret the new lifestyles long term and find the perfect balance takes shape within two increasingly- more dramatic plans to move 100 million emerging from the West Coast, between the analog and digital connected and ever-closer realities: on people from the country’s farming regions characterized by the unprecedented dimensions.

02 03 INDEX INDEX

PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4

Community First We, Generali Business & Strategy Twist

08 CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS 34 FRAMEWORKS 46 OVERVIEW 58 CONVERSATION Ten technological years that have revolutionized Growth and development: unlock Generali’s Generali in Asia: a legacy of anticipating trends Contemporary living trends — A talk with David our lives Whatever you were doing ten years ago, potential Old and new competition, pressure on and capturing change A look at six of Generali’s Libeskind The identity of a building cannot be you won’t be doing the same thing now. Smartphones, investments, changing financial strategies, and major Asian markets where innovative solutions separated from the identity of a city, nor a city’s social networking, messaging, Uber, e-commerce and better profits. All demand growth / by Barbara have been applied to foster a more efficient past or its potential growth and development / by e-learning, drones and streaming. Each in its turn has Lucini workforce and closer client relationships / by Kevin Stefano Boselli rocked our world / by Loïc Le Meur Angelini and Patrizia Chua

18 INTERVIEW 40 FRAMEWORKS 52 SPOTLIGHT 62 CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS Grow up in Beijing — Interview with Ma Yansong Generali’s journey to a more inclusive Social innovation & growth Of what use is Collaboration and Conformability When does an Growing up in Beijing influenced Ma Yansong’s organisation Why do we want diversity to thrive? product innovation when it does not help improve idea become an innovation and what accelerates its vision of architecture. Inspired by nature, his free- Not just because it is the right thing to do. A diverse the lives of individuals and communities? / by acceptance. Even the best ideas are not instantly form futuristic designs combine elements from the and inclusive company is stronger and better Ruggero Forni and David Korosic recognized as such / by Horace Dediu East and the West / by Marco Zuttioni performing. This is the mission of the new Group D&I Function / by Elena Berardi and Doris Bisaro 28 VIEWPOINTS 66 STORIES Co-existing with robotics Why inclusive Daily life in an Asian Megacity More than half of leadership will be the key to keeping humans at the the world’s future megacities will be located in Asia core of innovation / by Denise Hummel within the next eight years. And don’t expect them to be carbon copies of western cities. They look, feel, and behave differently. Following the steps of two resident journalists, we’ll absorb the scent of Seoul and Hong Kong’s iconic past. From the top of their skylines we will see our future rising / by Darcy Paquet and Mathew Scott

76 PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA Through the eyes of a pair of top photographers, we examine the effects on our daily lives of two growth phenomena: the expansion of Asian megacities and the technological evolution that stems from the USA / photo by Lek Kiatsirikajorn and Laura Morton

04 05 PART 1 Community First BRIEF SUMMARY Community First BRIEF SUMMARY Community First

Our society, and the communities small wearable voice-activated which form it, is constantly computers connecting us to a vast transforming. Citizens are growing database of real-time information, from both a cultural and genetic spurring historically high productivity perspective into new social roles, rates. Meanwhile, in China, the fast whereas technology is shaping new pace of urbanization will create at digital communities and collective least 1 trillion yuan in annual behaviors. Expanding cities are investment opportunities and turn establishing new lifestyles and the country into an architectural internal dynamics. laboratory where the new megacities will be designed, guaranteeing Individuals are the key to future satisfactory living conditions to global growth. They balance the millions of new ‘citizens’ while analog and the digital, looking for a respecting the environment. sustainable way of living and a new role in a world increasingly dominated by technology, where robotics will replace millions of workers. Today’s international organizations are facing increasing globalization, rapid organizational change and tougher competition. For the past 12,000 years, our species has been adept at change: farming instead of gathering, herding instead of hunting, living in villages, towns and cities instead of roaming. Necessity and inventiveness has enabled us to alter our world.

The West Coast of the USA leads in creating new meanings through digitalization, while futuristic sci-fi applications no longer seem impossible. Current projects include by the Editorial Office 06C 07 PART 1 Community First CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS Ten technological years that have revolutionized our lives CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS Ten technological years that have revolutionized our lives by Loïc Le Meur

PREFACE Whatever you were doing ten years ago, you won’t be doing the same thing now. Smartphones, social networking, messaging, Uber, e-commerce and e-learning, drones and

streaming. Each in its turn has rocked our world. PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER MICHEL

08 09

PART 1 Community First CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS Ten technological years that have revolutionized our lives CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS

#WhatHasAlreadyHappened? more the need for disconnecting emerges. new owner to declare them. A license could Mindfulness and meditation are becoming a become compulsory soon. Drone applications phenomenon everywhere. The need to care are getting more creative and useful, like live about your mind is becoming as important as ocean data collection (Saildrone2). caring about your body. I have been impressed on how cheap DNA testing and analysis has become. The end of voice and the raise I am shocked and sad that in the last ten of messaging years we have not managed to find definitive treatments for AIDS and cancer. Ten years ago our mobile phone was ringing all the time. Today we mostly use Facebook I am used to looking at the next ten years, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter. Facebook first autopilot cars are on the streets. Entirely messenger to talk to friends and family. so looking back ten years is an interesting has become our address book and it’s self-driving cars seem to be more and more a Business communication on Messenger is Space exercise. So let’s look at how the world become really difficult to not be on it. I have reality with Google’s efforts. also growing fast. People use voice less and is different in 2016 versus 2006 from a one friend left who isn’t on Facebook. News Google Maps and Waze have changed the less, unless it’s a scheduled call. Facebook Space X successfully operates self-landing technology perspective. spreads more through social networks than way we drive; remember how we were doing it Messenger is bigger than Skype. Soon all and reusable rockets. The discovery of traditional media, even if they are still at the ten years ago? Traveling is much easier now. businesses will have to be easily reachable on gravitational waves and water on Mars might source of most news. Who could imagine in Tokyo used to be impenetrable, but now with Messenger. be opening new chapters in space research. 2006 Facebook would become a company Google Maps, Translate and TripAdvisor it is E-commerce worth US$350 billion? Social networking really easy to spend a week in Japan without habits change fast and Snapchat is now anyone’s help. E-commerce was already big ten years challenging Facebook engaging the younger The airline industry hasn’t changed much ago but Amazon has become huge. On side of the population. in ten years; planes are just burning a little Amazon and other services there are reviews less fuel. What really changed is that most about every product and service providing Smartphones flights are now low-cost. Ten years ago, an unprecedented transparency for the pioneers such as Jet Blue, RyanAir, EasyJet, customers. With Amazon Prime or Instacart The iPhone and Android changed the world SouthWest were challenging traditional buying has become frictionless. Billion dollar ‘unicorns’ disrupted Entertainment for sure. It’s difficult to imagine our lives airlines. Today all airlines have become low established businesses without a smartphone. I’m running my cost, except on long flights. For the millennials, it makes no sense to be business mostly from my iPhone. We don’t Airbnb did not exist ten years ago and it’s We already covered Uber and Facebook, in front of the TV at a certain time. It was still know how to live offline anymore. Every now worth US$ 25 billion. It is the number 1 both non-existent ten years ago and valued common ten years ago. Movies (Netflix) Music business has to have a great mobile presence Transportation and lodging challenger to the hotel industry and owns no at US$ 70 and 350 billion. Many billion dollar (Spotify, etc.) Gaming (Twitch, Sony, XBox) or it cannot do business. Tomorrow those hotels, as Uber owns no cars. companies have been created only in a few all moved online and content is streaming. same businesses will have to answer instantly Many people I know sold their car as it’s more years. Dollarshave sold for a billion dollar less Searching for videos on YouTube is common on messaging platforms, likely Facebook convenient and cheaper to user Uber or Lyft than five years after it was created. There were way to learn and spend time for many instead messenger. Search moved from desktop to than own a car. Uber has delivered two billion Last minute very few young companies valued more than of watching TV. ‘Traditional media’ such as almost entirely mobile. All apps and services rides as I write this and is worth more than US$ 1 billion ten years ago. In 2016 Fortune TV, radio and newspapers are much less use location. US$ 70 billion. One of the most traditional We are all learning to stop planning and do counted 174 unicorns1. influential and powerful than they used to be. businesses in the world, the taxi industry, has everything last minute. We order a car with ‘E-sports’ are huge as millions of people are been disrupted worldwide. There is nothing Uber and get it instantly. We go to Barcelona now playing on Twitch and professional sports that can stop Uber, not even government without a reservation and find a great hotel clubs are launching their e-sport teams. regulations, as that is the type of service and Health at a discount with Hotel Tonight. We book a Books have become mostly e-books. pricing people want. restaurant in minutes with Reserve, with a Tesla surprised everyone with full electric People are more aware of the need to be concierge helping us to find the best choice. cars with great performance and range. Tesla healthy. They exercise more. Smoking was We even date last minute with Tinder. is now the most desired brand and enjoys much more widespread ten years ago. Today Social networking a huge market share in the high end luxury smoking is not only understood as a health Drones car segment competing with BMW, Audi or disaster, it is out of fashion. Eating healthy Ten years ago anyone could publish Mercedes. All car manufacturers are late and products is much more important. Being Military unmanned drones have been commonly information online, but not many did. They are racing to compete with Tesla’s next move: vegetarian or vegan isn’t weird anymore. The used for a while. Personal drones have become 1 http://fortune.com/unicorns/ were called bloggers, now it’s anyone on a mainstream lower cost electric car. The more everyone is connected and online the so popular that the FAA had to request each 2 http://saildrone.com/

12 13 PART 1 Community First CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS Ten technological years that have revolutionized our lives CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS

Who could imagine 3 https://github.com/ 4 http://www.samasource.org/ in“ 2006 Facebook would #WhatHasNotYetHappened? become a company worth $350 billion?”

expecting a much wider adoption. Most Newton, eventually re-launched right as wearable devices acquired are quickly the iPhone. I would bet something like abandoned by their users. Connected objects Google Glass will be successful in the next are still pretty rare, although some exceptions ten years. such as the Ring connected door bell have been very successful. Personal brands Funding Work The sharing economy

Everyone is a brand manager. It is very easy Crowdsourcing and crowdfunding (Kickstarter, Remote working is huge compare to ten years Many start-ups failed or stayed small. Airbnb is to advertise your own work if you are an artist, Indiegogo, Patreon) for projects, products or ago. There are more and more freelancers on really privately renting your place, not sharing. designer, developer… It also costs nothing. even people have become hugely common. the market. Online collaboration is huge, for Peer- to- peer lending did not take off as Many people have built a business around Artists such as Amanda Palmer finance their example he software GitHub3 lets developers expected. There are exceptions like Blablacar. their own brand, such as Tim Ferris or Gary creations mostly from dedicated patrons who worldwide share their work and learn together. 3D Printing Vaynerchuk. pre-pay anything she creates on Patreon. It It is really easy to learn any job. has never been as easy as today to fund ideas. Google Glass It is mostly a b2b manufacturing thing, not mainstream. It was announced as a consumer Ultimately augmented reality will become phenomenon letting us think that everyone mainstream. Google Glass was too would buy a 3D printer at home. It did not intrusive and clunky. It felt like the Apple happen.

The Age of Tech The “Silicon Valley of...” —add your city here Market capitalization Tech Financial Services Education and learning of the world’s most valuable public companies Oil / Energy Conglomerate Silicon Valley is still and remains the most Two billion people can teach or learn online innovative place in the world. It’s not by almost anything anytime anywhere. Lifelong 2006 2016* chance that Facebook, Uber, Airbnb are all learning for fun and joy with or without based between Palo Alto and San Francisco. It’s not by chance that certification or degrees is available at any age ExxonMobil $362.5b Apple $571.4b “ and stage of life, anywhere. Learning to code Facebook, Uber, Airbnb are all General $348.5b Alphabet $530.6b has become one of the most important skills. Electric English is the TCP/IP of the world. based between Palo Alto and Poverty has decreased dramatically in ten Microsoft $279.0b Microsoft $445.5b years with easier access to education and San Francisco” jobs. Organizations such as Samasource4 Citigroup $230.9b Amazon $362.4b create thousands of jobs in the poorest regions. Even in the slums young people can BP $225.9b ExxonMobil $356.0b Internet of Things learn to use computers and get a job online. and wearables Royal Dutch $203.5b Facebook $355.6b It changes their lives. Shell The buzz around the Internet of Things and Sources: Yahoo! Rinance, Forbes * as of August 1, 2016

STATISTACHARTS wearable devices has been so huge I was

14 15 16 build theircompanies. work longhoursto time. Theseindividuals company attheright rich byjoiningtheright start-up orstrikingit launching asuccessful area withthehopeof are flockingtothe Many youngdreamers and theSiliconValley. gripped SanFrancisco gold rushthathas have brought anew the technologyindustry outoffortunes born Tales ofenormous Laura Morton project by for now. Healthshouldbeoneofthemost Blockchain withoutbeingtotallyconvinced Silicon Valley thesedays.Iamwatching and botsare alsoincredibly hotspacesin how bigitcanbecome.Artificialintelligence Oculus byFacebook,forexample,validates another hugetrend andtheacquisitionof would betwillbecomemainstream. VRis the potentialofaugmentedreality whichI the recent launchofPokémonGOshows Predictions are alwaysdifficult tomakebut The trends forthenexttenyears #WhatCouldHappen? PART 1 84 WildWest Tech

Community First

PHOTO: LAURA MORTON business. huge trend towatchissocialimpactin excited aboutasthere are many, butanother workers. Difficult tolistallthedomainsIam already financeseggfreezing fortheirfemale and mightmakeitmainstream. Facebook egg freezing forexampleisveryexciting human reproduction allowinglowercost innovative spaces.Therecent progress in CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS Glossary Ten technologicalyearsthathaverevolutionized ourlives Millennials Unicorns Internet ofThings(IoT) Internet Airbnb changing atanequallyfastpace. to rapidlyadjustaworldthatis Bydefinition,theyareInternet. able transformation brought about bythe in themidstofgreat cultural and thestartofnewmillennium, betweentheearlyEightiesborn Net, theyare thedemographic cohort Also knownasGenerationY, Nextor in Beijing. such asXiaomiandDidiKuaidi,based isalsoontherise,Chinese unicorns butthenumberofAlto inCalifornia, between SanFranciscoandPalo Snapchat. Manyare headquartered the bestknownare Uber, Airbnband valued atUS$1billionormore. Among areUnicorns technologystart-ups efficiency. multiple, includingresidential energy run outofmilk.Theirapplicationsare refrigerators, alertingusers whenthey the web.Thebestexampleissmart that talkandinteractwithusvia items andplaces,creating devices tophysicalembedding oftheInternet ofThingsrefersInternet tothe of theworld. of unfaircompetitioninvariousparts hotel ownerswhoaccusetheplatform Airbnb hassparkedprotests among flat in2007andare nowbillionaires. started outrenting theirSanFrancisco Brian CheskyandNathanBlecharczyk creators andfriendsJoeGebbia, offer itonlinetotravelers.Itsthree you haveaspacetorent, youcan countries. Theprincipleissimple:if in over34,000citiesbased192 accounts for600,000properties 11 milliontravelersworldwideand homeowners. To dateitisusedby lessors andlessees,3%from fee ontheamountagreed between their properties. Itappliesa6-12% travelers withhomeownersrenting popular websiteputtingintouch Established in2008,Airbnbisa Sharing Economy App Uber our digitalreputation. thanks toarelation oftrustbasedon allows ustoshare itwithstrangers often remains unusedandtheweb so online.Muchofwhatwepossess somebody whoneedsit,youcando you ownsomethingcouldoffer to Another straightforward concept:if functionalities totheirsmartphones. marketplaces andaddnew applications from therespective Users candownloadmobiledevice protests bytaxidriversworldwide. many citiesandhassparkedseveral giantoperatesintoday theCalifornian Founded in2009SanFrancisco, smartphone andpaidbycredit card. to taxis,whichcanbebookedvia it represents acheaperalternative car inreal time.Asamatter offact and monitoringthelocationof app, allowinguserstobookaride passengers viaasimplemobile service whichconnectsdriversand Uber isaprivatecartransport CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS and paragliding. practices kitesurfing on theWeb’ list.He Most InfluentialPeople added himtoits‘25 while BusinessWeek the Wall Street Journal, ‘Europe’s Tech25’ by was namedoneof Francisco in2006.He from ParistoSan company’s headoffice Club, hemovedhis andLendingEvernote Angel forLinkedIn, success. ABusiness boasts alongseriesof over 50start-upsand He hasinvestedin focusing ontheInternet. European event considered thelargest of LeWeb in2004, known astheinventor Meur, 44,ismostly entrepreneur LoïcLe French serial Loïc LeMeur 17 PART 1 Community First INTERVIEW Growing up in Beijing INTERVIEW

Growing up in Beijing I believe that problems“ often create — Interview with Ma Yansong new opportunities” by Marco Zuttioni

Q1—After some prestigious outsider perspective. I found myself international experiences with living in a profoundly different Zaha Hadid and Peter Eisenman, Beijing, radically transformed by a in 2004 you decided to open Mad phase of rapid urban development Architects, your own architecture boom. firm, in Beijing. In those years, That’s when I realized that I was in China was embarking on a the right place at the right time and powerful economic and urban that, if I had the chance, I could give development, also thanks to the my own contribution and could do Olympics and the Expo. Was it a better than what had been done. fortunate decision or were you I believe that problems often create expecting such rapid growth? new opportunities. At that time, Beijing and China Ever since university, I had always were our focus as the historical wanted to run my own practice. After context and circumstances offered us spending a short period in the US and great career and growth working for Zaha Hadid in the UK, I opportunities. PREFACE At 41, Ma Yansong is one of China’s most internationally had the chance to go back to China in celebrated architects. He has worked with some of the world’s 2004 to work on a competition. Upon Q2—You were born, lived and best from Zaha Hadid to Peter Eisenman. Inspired by nature, returning to Beijing, where I was born worked in one of the world’s and raised, I had the chance to megacities. How has Beijing his free-form futuristic designs combine elements from the witness many concerns and problems influenced your work and your East and the West. in the city’s development from a vision of architecture?

18 19 PART 1 Community First INTERVIEW Growing up in Beijing INTERVIEW

Harbin Opera House —Harbin, China 2010-2015

20 21 PART 1 Community First INTERVIEW Growing up in Beijing INTERVIEW

Beijing is where I grew up and have New York, for instance, nature Beijing and other Chinese spent most of my youth, and my one occupies a significant place, but the cities“ show the cultural and only urban reference. separation between green and urban I used to live in a courtyard house spaces is often very neat. A typical differences among different and visit the urban lakes, the Coal example is Central Park in New York, realities. In the East, the Hill (Jingshan Park) in the north of with nature on one side and the city the Forbidden City. When I left China on the other. individual is seen as part of I was able to fully appreciate their Beijing and other Chinese cities nature and the same applies to uniqueness. In Beijing, the city and show the cultural differences among nature coexist in an unparalleled different realities. In the East, the cities, being human centered” combination which is unique and individual is seen as part of nature impressive. and the same applies to cities, being The lakes, the low hills in the human centered. After visiting many center, the pagodas and the temples countries I realized how Beijing had blend into a single natural and influenced my vision of architecture, artificial entity that is very different and how nature has unconsciously from Western cities. In Berlin and become a central feature of my PHOTO: TOM ARBAN

inspiration made of organic and current trends, focusing for example Right: Ordos Museum living elements. on luxury housing or energy and —Ordos, China technology performance. Only few 2011 Q3—Following the architecture of them chose to create recognizable Next page: Absolute Towers boom in the early 2000s, how is the and individual buildings and to — Mississauga, Canada 2012 real estate market developing? invest in the cultural elements that Who are the new Chinese clients surround every architecture and what do they ask for? project. China’s middle class is expanding considerably and is In the early 2000s, Chinese becoming harder to please. Instead developers had just started out and, of focusing on new goods to compared to their Western purchase, it has now understood counterparts, they mostly focused that, to make a quality leap, it will on speed rather than quality. As need to recognize and integrate the market expectations increased and concepts of cultural and traditional customers became more identity and values in many demanding, quality improved too. domains, including property and Many developers decided to stick to architecture.

22 23 PART 1 Community First INTERVIEW Growing up in Beijing INTERVIEW

Huangshan — City. It is the prototype turned reality. Mountain Village, China Under construction The concept of Shanshui City draws inspiration from the traditional city, where architecture and nature are planned in harmony as an entity. We start from the assumption that in such shanshui city, most of the urban planning was artificial and influenced by human action, that individuals interact with nature and transform it, not only by building new constructions but also altering the very same landscape. In light of this, architecture cannot be made of isolated structures but needs to blend with the surrounding landscape. It needs to be something that arouses human’s longing for the nature, and at the same time responds to the contexts, cultural, social, urban, environmental contexts.

Today the average Chinese citizens The Chaoyang Park Plaza complex lines, where the lower buildings are Q6—You are currently working on have become more aware of their stands opposite the park of the same protected by the towers and alternate many projects in Europe, including identity and their place in society. name. Usually the high value of a with green courts, creating a smaller some residential buildings in Paris They now know that a house is not similar development comes from its and more intimate scale, a more and Rome and the Lucas Museum just a mere item to belong, but location and architecture, pushed by human dimension. in the US. How has the ‘Chinese’ something with a cultural, social and estate development, is the key architectural approach influenced identity meaning of its own. protagonist. In other similar cases, Q5—Your project for Shanshui City these new projects? such as Central Park, we observe a combines density, artificiality, Q4—The Chaoyang Park Plaza neat separation between the artificial green spaces and sustainability, Our work methodology, taken from project in Beijing is an attempt to and the natural. On the contrary, creating a very interesting Shanshui City and currently being respond to the new context and what we wanted to achieve was a outcome. How relevant is the developed, can be applied to other changes of the Chinese society. vista that would blend in with the duality between city and nature in contexts too. In general I believe From an architectural landscape and become part of the contemporary China? modernism is in the end of its era, perspective, what strategies do park, like a tree or a mountain. which means architecture that you adopt to interpret the new We adopted a natural and living Chaoyang Park Plaza is an essential worship power and capital should forms of living? approach characterized by flowing part of the philosophy of Shanshui consider their next step. Our way

24 25 PART 1 Community First INTERVIEW Growing up in Beijing INTERVIEW

Nanjing Zendai ideas on different grounds requires religious power, whereas modern Himalayas Center —Nanjing, China us to take into account a series of cities are dominated by politics and Under construction cultural rather than business factors. capital. For the future, I hope that the central themes will be the individual Q7—What will be the three and nature: we have wasted enough keywords for the future of time and resources building contemporary architecture and unpleasant cities. It is now time to put urban development in China? emotions, perception and the quality of life at the heart of what we do. Once again I will use only two words, These are the themes we shall work which relate not only to China but to on in the nearest future. the global context at large. The world should focus on the individual, intended as humankind, and nature. In my book Shanshui City, I argue that traditional cities were strongly characterized by monarchical and

forward is centered on nature and the this prototype, but also understood individual at its heart, far from the and welcomed its philosophy. And Ma Yansong technological advancements of green they went as far as buying advertising —Founder & Principal Partner, architecture, the use of sustainability space at Times Square in New York to MAD Architects just for the sake of it, and latest introduce the design philosophy and trends. This new approach sees tell the story behind it. This Beijing-born architect Ma Yansong is recognized as an important voice in the new generation of architects. As the founder and principal partner of MAD Architects, architecture and landscape as the represents a paradigm shift which Ma leads design across various scales. In 2014, Ma was selected as the principal same thing. It addresses global issues sees the individual resuming his designer for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago, becoming the first Chinese architect to design an overseas culture landmark. He has received in a non-conventional emotional and central role in building and urban several awards and recognitions, including the Young Global Leaders (YGL) nomination by the World Economic Forum in 2014 and a RIBA Fellowship in 2010. perceptional way compared to the development, and new values being He graduated from the Beijing Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture and holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Yale University. modernist and post-modern applied to very ancient issues. strategies based on functionalism, In other projects abroad, we study mechanical automation or the the urban context trying to Marco Zuttioni repetition of standards. understand the dynamics that shaped

The clients who commissioned it, so as to apply our principles to Architect Marco Zuttioni has worked between Italy and China for Mad Architects alongside Ma Yansong and Archea Associati. In 2010 he founded Chaoyang Plaza embraced the different areas and environments. Modourbano Architettura.1 concept behind Shanshui City. Not Working abroad is challenging. 1 www.modourbano.it only did they launch the realization of Indeed, operating and testing our

26 27 PART 1 Community First VIEWPOINT Co-existing with robotics VIEWPOINT

Co-existing creatively. We, alone, are at the center of the conditions of innovative thought and 1. A balanced approach to productivity at preserving our body, mind, and spirit, and our execution. the individual level; and leaders and organizations can either support 2. Whether my organizational leaders have with robotics us in a way that promotes that growth or The right conditions an inclusive leadership style that supports inhibits it. for innovation by humans diverse ideation One might argue that in this new age of technological co-existence, that as individuals My work-life experience has spanned Individual productivity in the age of and as leaders, we have a new social role. the spectrum from solopreneur to ‘Big 4’ technology and virtuality In years past, pre-robotics, an individual’s consulting firm. I have built a global consulting success in the workplace was defined by firm from the ground up with no working Unlike our robotic colleagues, we humans by Denise Pirrotti Hummel PREFACE Why inclusive leadership will be the key getting things done with excellence and in a capital, and I have conversely built a consulting are not monolithic. At the individual level, we timely manner and leadership was defined by division with an unlimited budget and a team must discipline ourselves to nurture our body, to keeping humans at the core of innovation. an ability to set direction and to keep teams of 40 PhDs who extracted the methodology mind and soul, just as engineers maintain the in line with the deadlines and excellence I was building from my brain, as if there were hardware and software of the technology upon associated with the task at hand. Instead, we electrodes attached to my temples which were which we depend. I have found that there are are now compelled to ask ourselves whether simultaneously downloading to a computer three components to my life that I need in we are nurturing and protecting our innovative by USB port. Both endeavors were equally order for my brain to cooperate by giving me mortal brains and creating an environment successful and in both cases I, like many fresh ideas and the motivation to enact those of collaborative thought, enabling and others, worked from my home, where my ideas: connection, body renewal and care, empowering our team members to create at days could have been defined by alienation or and a regular spiritual or creative outlet. I have their highest capability. If not, what we must empowerment – by connectivity or isolation – created a list of activities in each of these do differently in order to nurture and support depending on two factors: categories that span from 5 minutes to hours,

Global Growth: the intersection compete to our detriment? And how do we Robotics-applied of humans and robotics avoid succumbing to a sense of foreboding artificial intelligence has inspired individuals for In this new age of in the workplace, rather than excitement and many decades, leading At the core of global growth is the intersection motivation to reach higher intellectual and to the creation of some technological co-existence, renowned films and of humans (subject to the limitations of innovative ground? In short, how do we, in characters as individuals and as our physical body and mind) and robotics the course of our lives, build and re-build leaders, we have a new (subject to the limitations of technology). ourselves, as we are building the robotics 01 – One of the first and most famous is social role As humans, we are both in awe of the that are intended to aid us to reach our full HAL 9000, the smart potential of technology replacing what we potential on this earth? computer featuring in have traditionally considered to be our 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Stanley Kubrick unique cerebral territory, and fearful that we Human ‘maintenance’ masterpiece from 1968 may be replaced by robotic capacity that is 01 02 – A more recent not subject to emotional or psychological At least momentarily, it is fair to say that example (2001) is David, impediments and may well be superior in both an importan differentiation we have from the childlike android from depth and agility to our mortal brain. our robotic friends is that in order for us to A.I. Artificial Intelligence by Steven Spielberg While it is tempting to convince ourselves reach maximum productivity, we must be that our role in society is stable because we ‘maintained’ in a unique way. That is, unlike 04 03 – Sonny is the smart robot appearing in I, are the ones that program computers, not robots, who require a power source and robot, a 2004 movie the other way around, the likelihood that competent programming, as humans, in taken from the book of artificial intelligence will outpace our human addition to making sure that we have enough the same name by Isaac Asimof thought-process is real. Thus we must be nutrition, water, exercise and safe habitat, constantly in a position to ask ourselves, what we must provide the right circumstances 04 – Last but not least, two of the most beloved are our unique talents as ‘non-machines’? for diverse ideation to flow. Simply put – smart robots of all times: How can we successfully co-exist with our humans who are not empowered and enabled C-3PO and R2-D2 from robotic colleagues in such a way that we to express their ideas for growth cannot the Star Wars saga (1977) grow and learn from each other, rather than simply be programed to think faster or more 02 03 28 29 PART 1 Community First VIEWPOINT Co-existing with robotics VIEWPOINT

depending on my time limitations or energy or reaching out to someone on Facebook or a higher, more efficient, and more innovative Inclusive level that day. Connection, for example, takes LinkedIn who you haven’t connected with for level than I do when I simply power through Leadership substantial time if it includes travelling to see a while. The same holds true for body renewal. the day in the name of ‘getting things done.’ Audit someone or attending a social engagement, For some that could be an hour nap or a 2 Perhaps that’s the equivalent of our robotics but it can also be as simple as going to a hour work-out, but it can also include sipping colleagues running a virus check or oiling coffee shop down the street and hanging out a green juice spiked with ginger and turmeric, their proverbial (or literal) mechanical arms or with or observing the locals, calling a friend, a ten minute stretch in a corner of the room or getting a software update. Not sure, but for planning a social activity, checking the news, a 20 minute power nap. me, it definitely keeps me ahead of the curve.

Nurturing your spiritual or creative self also Community Denise Pirrotti has the illusion of being time-consuming, but Team productivity in the age Hummel could include a 5 minute entry in a gratitude of technology and virtuality Organization journal, 10 minutes of deep breathing or Denise Pirrotti Hummel Team meditation, or 15 minutes of playing an The second influence on human innovation is is a strategic senior executive generating instrument. the extent to which our organizational leaders Self enhanced revenues, I keep my ‘5 minute list’ for each category operate at the level of ‘inclusive leadership’ organizational effectiveness and for accountability purposes, because at the rather than an autocratic style. While there are corporate equity for To stimulate the growth end of the day, if I haven’t done at least one many definitions of inclusive leadership, I’ll international and 5 minute item from each category, that adds share mine. For me, in order to stimulate the Fortune 100 enterprises. of an organization and its . Her main focus is up to me looking in the mirror and saying, growth of an organization and its employees, inclusive leadership employees, a leader must ‘You are not worth 15 minutes’ and that’s a leader must be receptive, reflective and and its connection with not a message I’m willing to tell myself. It’s revitalizing – the ‘3Rs of inclusive leadership.’ accelerated innovation, be receptive, reflective and employee engagement a great discipline tool and when I do it, the Indeed, organizations may benefit from a and effective teaming. revitalizing – the ‘3Rs of results always lead to a more productive day receptive leader as teams become more She started her career as an attorney working inclusive leadership’ and accelerated ‘ideation.’ In short, I think at engaged and the ideation process on with two private law firms and as a Law Clerk in the U.S. House of Representatives. She has consulted for the Pentagon and designed leadership programs How can this critical business challenges is stimulated. for organizations and be achieved? In addition, reflective leadership takes into government delegations account the biases that may impact decisions, If I haven’t done at least one in over 25 countries. Stay Ahead by marrying business Denise has actively goals with inclusive behavior promoting talent retention and advancement 5 minute item from each participated in several of diverse resources. Finally, a revitalizing not-for-profit boards and is a prolific writer, leader will help teams to ideate, achieve, and category, that adds up to contributing articles to contribute thought-leadership at every level me looking in the mirror and various publications and of the organization, amplifying their sense of company websites. She saying, ‘You are not worth has made numerous empowerment. presentations at high- 15 minutes’ and that’s not a profile events and has What does authored two books. message I’m willing to tell The 3 “Rs” the future hold? myself of Inclusive LeadershipTM • Receptive We do not need a crystal ball to know that • Reflective • Revitalizing the introduction and augmentation of the use of robotics will force us to move to higher Organizational Shift • Trust ground, intellectually and creatively, in order • Empathy to stay relevant. If we maintain our ‘whole’ Engagement • selves and surround ourselves with leaders • Ideation who are committed to hearing thought- Business Goals leadership from all of us, we have the most • Profit • Teaming resounding possibility of maintaining our • Top Talent role as the programmers, rather than the Strategic Excellence • programmed. • Innovation

30 31 PART 2 We, Generali BRIEF SUMMARY We, Generali BRIEF SUMMARY We, Generali

In 2015, Generali’s investment in It enables us to engage in cultural human capital was € 76 million. The and community enhancement and Company considers internal learning sharpens our awareness that all to be one of the most important people have individual needs. sources of competitive advantage, and Generali’s inclusive philosophy believes collaboration is the single ensures the right conditions are in greatest contributor to innovation. place for each person to achieve his People who invent and innovate must or her full potential. In simple terms, have the freedom to share what they diversity is the mix; inclusion is have learned in an open environment. getting the mix to work well together. As a result the Generali community is an ever-changing place for learning. Its members grow and develop special skills in a process of constant improvement.

The Generali Group Academy is now at work to empower our people. Earlier this year, a convention was signed between Generali and the University of Trieste. The partnership for high-level technical education is of particular importance given the Company’s ongoing transformation. Indeed, the Academy will be in charge of creating the new generation of leaders and accelerating our cultural and business transformation.

At Generali, growth begins from the expression of diversity. Diversity gives us greater access to a wider range of skillsets, ideas, and innovation. It expands the positive influence of an organization on an international scale. by the Editorial Office G32 33 PART 2 We, Generali FRAMEWORKS Growth and development: unlock Generali’s potential FRAMEWORKS

Growth and development: management, regardless of the specific hand, on improving a culture of feedback. approach adopted in each country, means Indeed, creating a culture based on A culture based on effective a broader understanding about what effective feedback exchange, periodic unlock Generali’s potential feedback exchange, is to be achieved. It is about aligning praise, and well-executed constructive and the organizational objectives with the developmental criticism is at the core of an periodic praise, and well- employees’ agreed measured skills, their engaged and inclusive workforce. executed constructive and developmental plans and the delivery of Our ambition as Human Resources developmental criticism is results. This is not just a one-off annual community is to provide a consistent event driven by HR; the heart of this learning framework to be implemented in at the core of an engaged Performance Management System would all the Group geographies and functions by and inclusive workforce ensure the dialogue between managers and 2018, which all Generali people managers their reports will remain open throughout the can refer to in their daily work. This so- year. called New Managerial System may include key levers for people empowerment such by Barbara Lucini PREFACE Old and new competition, pressure on The emphasis is, on the one hand, on supporting development and as performance management, career investments, changing financial strategies, and commitment in order to achieve the overall development, diversity and inclusion, business strategy and to create a high- communication and leadership behaviors, better profits. All demand growth. performance workforce and, on the other but also for organizational effectiveness

Global Leadership Program

Series & Accelerator Mobilizing People Strategic Study Tour

For a global organization like Generali, over unchartered territory with new players Our ambition must be to maximize this growth is a mandatory requirement not only coming from other markets. At the same substantial investment to enable sustainable to build increasing profits and margins, time, the era of consistently low interest growth for the Group. This financial but also to take advantage of emerging rates adds to unprecedented pressure on commitment to development must always technologies and new business strategies investment and developing new financial supported by an organizational model and embed them into the organization. strategies. which reflects new technical and managerial In fact, it is not only a question of ‘using We are at a critical juncture for the capabilities, a culture of clear and consistent more technology.’ Rather, every time we insurance sector. If the workforce can’t processes and a way of work that is aligned Multi-module programs in partnership with Duke 2.5-day program in partnership with Duke CE 5-day immersive program in partnership with embrace new technology we should also understand, accept and tackle the to the speed of change our sector faces CE Business School dedicated to GLGs and Business School, aimed at supporting GLGs Wharton Business School dedicated to GLGs, senior leaders, aimed at: community on: aimed at: be thinking about how it will be used: by challenges ahead with a sense of urgency today and tomorrow. • Developing self-awareness of the leaders • Translating the new Strategy into actions, • Gaining a deeper understanding of Generali’s employees, customers and distributors. To there is a very strong chance of missing an But how can we unlock the potential of • Understanding their role and responsibilities speeding up the cascading and engagement customers and how the leading customer- Embracing a ‘We, Generali’ culture and on the strategic imperatives centric organizations operate in the end-to- accomplish more with technology we must historical opportunity. All people who work our organization? • leading business and employees through • Understanding key indicators and guiding end customer journey ride the waves of this ‘perfect storm’ at a fast in the sector, whatever their role, should In every part of the Group, business change action planning on the results of the Global • Devising plans to embed customer pace helping us to become equipped to learn be aware of what will be required of them, leaders and HR function are working closely • Shaping and impacting the wider organization Engagement Survey perspectives throughout Generali’s in the context of developing the Group’s 2015 • Addressing specific activities and behaviors day-to-day operations and business and adapt, create new solutions, relentlessly and of our organization, to keep pace with to turn our workplaces into prime learning Strategy with respective teams on the result of the imperatives drive change and disrupt the status quo. the ever evolving change and to match and environments much more than in the past: 360° Questionnaire • Becoming change ambassadors and It is not just technology that grows. develop their skills in this direction. it is clear to everyone that learning is more 10 cohorts in 2014/15, 250 participants involved understanding how a culture of customer in total. 4 cohorts in 2015/16, 110 participants involved. centricity impacts organization, corporate Customer expectations are also growing; Traditionally, the Group invests than a day in the classroom or an e-learning in total. culture, leadership competences, they are becoming more demanding while considerable resources in the growth and session. employees’ behaviors and skills competition hots up. Today’s insurance development of its people, both employees One of Generali’s flagship initiatives to First cohort held in New York (Nov 2015), market is not just a battle between and non-employees. In 2015, the Company’s further this culture is the implementation second Cohort held in San Francisco (May traditional competitors on the same tested human capital total investment was nearly € of a Performance Management System 2016), 50 participants involved. terrain; it is today as fierce as ever but now 76 million, slightly up from 2014. at Group level by 2018. The performance

34 35 PART 2 We, Generali FRAMEWORKS Growth and development: unlock Generali’s potential FRAMEWORKS

Global Future Leadership partnering other senior leaders and parties, there is one of the most relevant embrace failure in the pursuit of innovation, Program managers, and the program will then concepts developed throughout all global by getting themselves and their people become rolling for the foreseeable future programs for leaders and Group talents: to reflect on projects and initiatives that and beyond. self-leadership. disappointed and ensure that those lessons Step Up Leave Your Mark The mentoring initiative is key to Self-leaders are always in a learning are shared and reviewed, to magnify the highlighting a couple of other important mode. They acquire and refine knowledge return. That is true growth. aspects. and skills from formal learning situations One of the reasons why established The kind of learning environment we - such as when they attend programs like companies struggle to grow is because wish to underpin sees people drive their Accelerator, Mobilizing People, Step Up and of a fear of failure. It is strange to say as own development, implies entrepreneurship Leave Your Mark. They also learn informally an insurer willing to succeed in the global and self-improvement (for their existing work by observing and listening to others, and markets, but we cannot afford to be risk- and/or future career), keeping people up-to- by asking for and processing feedback. averse. We must realize and understand date with what is happening in our industry Additionally, self-leaders invest time in that a risk-averse culture is a major obstacle and in the global context so that they remain self-reflection and identify lessons from to innovation, continual learning and 5-day program for Group Talent Directors in 5-day program for Group Talent Managers in relevant and marketable. experience. importantly our shared future growth. partnership with IMD Business School, aimed at: partnership with INSEAD Business School, In addition, behind the mutual benefit One of the most important • Encouraging self-reflection and awareness aimed at: of leadership impact and providing key • Accelerating the transition from managing to of a mentoring partnership, which consequences is that leaders become more management and leadership tools to build leading provides leadership development for both aware that they must tolerate and even individual and team capabilities • Providing strategy foundations an • Strengthening abilities in leading high- managerial tools performance teams • Providing insights on customer centricity and • Executing the new Strategy and leading a digitalization trends client-focused organization Five runs in 2015/2016, 200 participants Four runs in 2015/16, 160 participants involved. involved. Rolling in 2017 and afterwards. Global Graduate Global Mentoring GATE—Generali Advanced Rolling in 2017 and afterwards. Program Program Technical Education

and core business competencies (customer delivered at country and regional level, is centricity above all). building on this commitment. ‘New Managerial System’ This is not re-inventing the wheel: Over the past few decades, global may include key levers Generali already has many best practices organizations have formalized and adopted across the Group to build upon. The project mentoring as a best practice to promote for people empowerment, itself will be co-designed with local focus a common leadership culture, build but also for organizational groups, including managers from across managerial and technical capabilities effectiveness and core various organizational layers. This will and empower talents to realize their full 18-month program dedicated to 20 talented new Pilot involving 50 members of the Global A global multi-year program dedicated to Group then be followed by a Train the Trainer potential. Mentoring can also support graduates aimed at: Leadership Group as mentors and 100 core Professional Communities with the aim of business competencies • Attracting high-potential young graduates to Group Talent Managers as mentees in a one- supporting, stimulating and boosting technical certification phase where our ambassadors creating and enhancing an inclusive and Generali and a career in insurance year mentoring relationship run through virtual excellence and its continual evolution. will be essential to help the Group deploy diverse workplace through providing • Enhancing the globalization of the Group meetings. The program is supported by a one- Main objectives are: through a regular stream of young, day kick-off training for mentors and mentees Facilitating the consolidation, update and and deliver at regional and country level highly personalized developmental support • international graduates for our core and periodic virtual training sessions. innovation of core technical capabilities and around 12,000 managers by the conclusion that assists mentees in building effective businesses through an accelerated path Main learning objectives are: skills of 2018. career strategies across silos and other • Providing talented graduates with technical, • Breaking silos and spreading a consistent • Fostering the development of new technical managerial and transversal skills managerial and leadership culture among capabilities and skills A successful partnership between boundaries. functions, geographies and generations • Nurturing a culture of continual knowledge, HR and our business leaders remains as In concrete terms this means that Run every two years, this program includes two • Enhancing career acceleration and experience and best practice sharing important as ever, and it is the ambition of global leaders will act as mentors to international job rotations and one experience in development for Group Talents and younger a GHO function, attendance of the Generali MIB generations Forty-nine training courses delivered in 2014/15 Leadership Development & Group Academy talented managers from across the Master in Insurance Management and a final to 1.428 participants in-class (and more than to further enhance this partnership though Group for one year, providing them with placement in one of the Group countries. Two waves planned in 2016 (May 2016 and Nov 4.000 on-line). 25 training courses, both in-class 2016). Rolling in 2017 and afterwards.The Global and on-line, planned for 2016. The program involving our leaders to nurture our future support and insight for personal career Mentoring Program will be also accompanied by leverages on an extensive contribution from leaders. The recently launched Global growth and development in a mentee- other mentoring initiatives deployed at regional Generali Group Faculty. Mentoring Program, which runs together driven partnership. After the pilot session, and local level. with additional mentoring experiences a second wave will follow in late 2016

36 37 PART 2 We, Generali FRAMEWORKS Growth and development: unlock Generali’s potential FRAMEWORKS

Group Academy Mario Bellini Mario Bellini is an Projects currently internationally renowned underway are the architect and designer. refurbishing of the Twenty-five of his works International Air terminal are in the permanent of Roma-Fiumicino, the design collection of Science and Technology the MoMA in New York. Park in Genoa, the The former editor of Antiquarium Museum Domus (1985-1991), he at the Roman Forum in has designed countless Rome and the Generali art and architecture Academy in Trieste. exhibitions both in Italy and abroad. His projects include the Tokyo Design Centre in Japan, the Portello Trade Fair district in Milan, the Milan Convention Centre, and the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre in Paris.

Right: In July 2016, Generali kicked-off principles of innovation, efficiency and The building entrance construction work for our brand flexibility, with multiple spaces designed

Seventh floor new Group Academy, a learning and for specific activities adaptable to different development center aimed at supporting needs. The design by leading architect Next page: our strategy by accelerating business Mario Bellini will foster interaction and Palazzo Rosso, hosting the Group Academy and cultural change. The mission of the the interchange of experience among Group Academy is to promote a common colleagues. The Academy will boast state- approach to learning and development, of-the-art learning facilities including to prepare our current and future leaders, classrooms, coaching rooms, online and to develop our talent pipeline. learning areas, workshop rooms, quiet The Academy will be hosted in the top areas, meeting rooms, an auditorium, a six floors of the iconic Palazzo Rosso, in bistro, and an events space. Trieste. This historic building, completed In the spirit of one of our values, Live in 1928, drew inspiration from New York the Community, the Academy will host architecture and was the first skyscraper events open to employees, clients and built in Trieste. the wider Trieste citizenship. The building Generali has chosen to establish will also accommodate a kindergarten and this global training center next to our additional resources for our employees. international headquarters in Trieste, a city The building’s inauguration is planned for with a blend of cultures and experiences December 2017. forging its cosmopolitan character and The final result will be a flagship home to several international institutions. building emphasizing Generali’s Trieste will thus become the learning and commitment to employee development development hub for our whole Group. and the Trieste community. The Academy will design and deliver training programs in the areas of leadership, management and technical education to all Generali employee levels. Inside, the lay-out will be inspired by

38 39 PART 2 We, Generali FRAMEWORKS Generali’s journey to a more inclusive organization FRAMEWORKS Generali’s journey to a more inclusive organization Living in an interconnected and global world, “ diversity should definitely be promoted in our Company to bring some level of competitive advantage with the next generation of global leaders” — says an open comment from the Generali Global Engagement Survey, which highlights D&I as one of the main priorities at Group level and strongly resonates with our values and Code of Conduct.

by Elena Berardi PREFACE Why do we want diversity to thrive? Not Do micro-inequalities affect only minorities? The more people feel included in their and Doris Bisaro Not necessarily. While some groups in workplace, the more they are innovative, just because it is the right thing to do. A diverse certain working environments may receive the more they go beyond the call of duty The more people feel a higher number of micro-inequalities, for the sake of the group. If we as included in their workplace, and inclusive company is stronger and better everyone is liable to be a receiver. Being on employees, managers and leaders are the more they are performing. the wrong side of a merger, having a different able to feel and engender a sense of style, having an introverted character, having uniqueness and belonging in the people innovative, the more they a child when you are climbing higher on working with us, we can create a culture go beyond the call of duty the career ladder, can put any of us on the of inclusiveness. By doing so, we can receiving end of negative micro-behaviors. bring out the fullest potential of those for the sake of the Group There is a strong difference between a minor around us. slight and an accumulation of messages Indeed, this is not just because it is that affect job commitment, loyalty and the right thing to do. Research tells us engagement. A good leader must be aware that people with different backgrounds Stop and think about a time when you felt the little things that count. In an average of this because individuals want respect, bring unique information, experience and 1 Source: excluded. Perhaps it was after a meeting, interaction we send between 40 and 110 power and control, which together make a innovative ideas that have a strong positive Young, S. Micro-messaging: Why great leadership is beyond words. (2007), New York: McGraw Hill A good leader must be where on the surface everything was micro-messages which make it plain how person feel valued and ultimately perform impact on business. Diversity is important aware that individuals normal and you were not able to say what we feel about others, even if we don’t say it better. to meet the business goals of creating was wrong and caused that feeling of out loud.1 True, people prefer to work with people innovative products, services, and business want to feel empowered discomfort. Yet, on second thoughts, maybe Micro-messages are subtle clues which like themselves. It is natural to form certain practices that can give a competitive and trusted, which your manager forgot to introduce you to the reveal what is behind our masks. They can groups because they boost our own identity advantage in the marketplace. together makes a person people at the meeting. be communicated by the tone of voice, and sense of belonging. Bosses are no To further support this culture of Now consider the people around you the choice of words, or eye contact, to exception to this rule. So how can a boss inclusiveness, last December a dedicated feel valued and ultimately and ask yourself, ‘Do I make them feel mention but a few. These small signals get past that? The first question they can Group Diversity and Inclusion Function was perform better welcome?’ Think about a time when you sometimes lead to demotivation and ask themselves is, ‘How would I evaluate created and it is working closely with a saw somebody being excluded or when exclusion (micro-inequalities). Conversely, this work if my top person handed it in?’ global network of colleagues, representing you walked away from a situation thinking, if positive, they can inspire confidence and Looking through different lenses can be our countries, regions, business lines and ‘I wish I’d said something.’ What could you enable a person to stretch for higher goals hard, but there are good reasons for doing key Group functions like Compliance, CSR, have said? When it comes to inclusion it’s (micro-advantages). it. and Employee Communication.

40 41 PART 2 We, Generali FRAMEWORKS Generali’s journey to a more inclusive organization FRAMEWORKS

Monika Sebold Bender D&I Function — Our Journey What we will do next What we have done Monika Sebold Bender, Having role models to Chief P&C Officer of look up to is equally Generali Germany, important: young Group D&I D&I Pilot program is one of the biggest women are enormously Function Network on Unconscious Biases supporters of an encouraged if leaders, inclusive organization. regardless of their Her experience gender, tell them has taught her that about their strengths leaders and managers and weaknesses. who are able to Having leaders who create an inclusive are not perfect and environment can help understanding that young professionals, being able to handle particularly young imperfections is women, to grow. Having more important than a career and a family being perfect can be Acquiring new capabilities Laveraging on existing capabilities, D&I is possible if managers enlightening to younger (e.g. digital) e.g. Mentoring programs Communication Plan are supportive. Raising colleagues who fear awareness on diversity they will not be able to issues is the first very break the glass ceiling important step. in this industry.

Cascading Ambassadors plan D&I Unconscious Biases Training of actions Ambassadors Training for HR family The work of the network is key to into all the processes of our organization, developing a Group framework respectful by starting to use inclusion as a pair of of Generali’s very diverse DNA and legacy. lenses to scout, identify and grow our Understanding how It aims to raise awareness around the people, valuing our people’s diverse unconscious biases impact issue of diversity so that it becomes more backgrounds and perspectives. For appreciated and that practical actions are example, understanding how unconscious our hiring, promotion and taken to support it. A D&I communication biases impact our hiring, promotion and compensation processes is Celebrating inclusive Embedding D&I Rising awareness campaign, along with a series of compensation processes is fundamental to behaviours in Managerial System through TED TALKS fundamental to fostering an concrete ad-hoc training initiatives about fostering an inclusive approach. unconscious biases, will be kicked off in the Awareness is key to concrete actions: inclusive approach second half of 2016. one little step at a time, one simple gesture If we really want to create an every day. Working together, there is nothing inclusive workplace, we need to integrate we can’t do. All together we will reach what inclusiveness in our decision-making and we want, a more inclusive place to work.

Tips for developing inclusive behaviours

• Step in to support people when they are at risk of being excluded In 2015 a number of GLG women gender Global mentoring program Mentors’ and Mentees’ • Ensure standards are shared volunteered to mentor younger launched this year at Global level. selection ensures a well- talented colleagues of Generali integrated diversity mix based • Gently challenge: ‘Hold on, I’m concerned that…’ across the world. Mentoring at Generali is a on gender, functions and process aimed at accelerating geographies, thus covering • Bring others in: ‘I think … needs to hear this.’ The first Global Women’s the development of Group Talents a broad spectrum of diversities Mentoring Program concluded (mentees) through the guidance and further contributing to Reacting to a subtle exclusion by boosting the confidence of the person it was aimed at also saves face for the person who said it successfully in 2015 and led to of senior leaders (mentors) who creating an inclusive culture. • other gender-based programs offer expert advice on long-term at regional level and to a mixed career growth and development.

42 43 PART 3 Business & Strategy BRIEF SUMMARY Business & Strategy BRIEF SUMMARY Business & Strategy

Asia has undergone extraordinary resources can be tackled by social changes in recent years. From a rural innovation i.e. solutions that improve base, it has transformed itself into a the lives of individuals and continent where half its citizens are communities alike. Readers will learn expected to reside in cities by 2026. how and why. The insurance industry At that moment, those citizens will has an important role to play as well account for the vast majority of the and the many ways in which Generali world’s middle class population. is contributing as a social innovator are outlined. Generali’s global experience and expertise enables it to address the region’s current and future needs. The Group’s Asia business has grown by over 40% in the past three years. That rate is expected to continue as Asia itself moves up the world’s international economic ranking to eventually account for 45% of all global GDP.

In the article below, Kevin Angelini and Patricia Chua take the reader through six of Generali’s major Asian markets where innovative solutions have been applied to foster a more efficient workforce and closer client relationships.

Like Asia, the global economy is also rapidly changing and is under stress write the authors of il bollettino’s article on Social Innovation and Growth. Many of the challenges caused by the need to balance population growth with limited by the Editorial Office 44 B 45 PART 3 Business & Strategy OVERVIEW Generali in Asia: a legacy of anticipating trends and capturing change OVERVIEW

—Hong Kong Area (km2): 1,104 Population: 7,305,700 Density (/km2) in 2000: 6,037 Generali in Asia: a legacy Ten markets Density (/km2) in 2015: 6,617 featuring —Thailand —Malaysia —Indonesia of anticipating trends and 2 2 2 Area (km ): 513,115 Area (km ): 329,847 Area (km ): 1,904,569 triple growth Population: 67,959,359 Population: 30,331,007 Population: 257,563,815 Density (/km2) in 2000: 122 Density (/km2) in 2000: 71 Density (/km2) in 2000: 111 capturing change Density (/km2) in 2015: 132 Density (/km2) in 2015: 92 Density (/km2) in 2015: 135

—United Arab Emirates —China —Vietnam —Japan Area (km2): 83,600 Area (km2): 9,640,821 Area (km2): 331,689 Area (km2): 377,873 Population: 9,156,963 Population: 1,371,220.00 Population: 91,703,800 Population: 126,958,472 Density (/km2) in 2000: 36 Density (/km2) in 2000: 130 Density (/km2) in 2000: 234 Density (/km2) in 2000: 335 by Kevin Angelini and Patricia Chua Density (/km2) in 2015: 109 Density (/km2) in 2015: 142 Density (/km2) in 2015: 276 Density (/km2) in 2015: 336

—India Area (km2): 3,287,240 Population: 1,311,050.53 Density (/km2) in 2000: 320 Density (/km2) in 2015: 398

—Philippines Area (km2): 300,076 Population: 100,699,395 Density (/km2) in 2000: 260 The remarkable changes that have swept capture the potential of a fast-developing Density (/km2) in 2015: 336 Asia over the past two decades have made market with high savings rates and where, the region an engine of global growth and in many places, insurance has yet to make a key focus for many businesses. By 2025 significant inroads. Asia is expected to account for nearly 45% Even more importantly, the Group’s of global GDP; in 2030 it will be home to global experience and expertise give it the vast majority of the global middle class the capabilities to help address the future population. 1 Whether as a production needs of a region that will see even more base, a consumer market or a source of profound shifts in the years ahead, as its investment, the region has become too populations age and grow more affluent, potent a force to ignore. and continue to converge on already Internationalization has always been a burgeoning cities. This article examines core element of Generali Group’s strategy, our Asia businesses and illustrates why and the Group approaches opportunities the region is set to become an even more 2 in Asia from a unique and privileged meaningful market for the Group. Persons per km position. Generali has a long history in the region, having been present in the Chinese 0—25 market as early as 1908. Over the years, 26—250 through targeted investments and carefully cultivated partnerships, the business has 251—1000 Source: blossomed into a regional entity, with 1001 + 1 http://dupress.com/articles/asia-pacific- http://data.worldbank.org/ a network spanning ten markets. This economic-outlook-q1-2016-asia-economic- https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_ foundation means Generali is well placed to growth-continues/ of_countries_by_population_density

46 47 PART 3 Business & Strategy OVERVIEW Generali in Asia: a legacy of anticipating trends and capturing change OVERVIEW

Diverse markets, different Hong Kong From that historic beginning the alliance Asia’s contribution opportunities with CNPC has set several milestones, with to the Group business Home to Generali’s regional leadership team, Generali first providing basic insurance for grows fast Generali operates in ten Asian markets Hong Kong has been at the heart of the CNPC’s active employees, then designing with a range of partners, business models Group’s regional expansion, and also a center an annuity scheme for its retirees (the largest 35% and service offerings based on the for our rapidly developing wealth management annuity scheme ever issued globally), and Italy individual requirements of each market business. Many family-owned Asian moving on to insuring CNPC’s extensive including regulatory environments and businesses are undergoing a generational facilities and operations. More recently, 2% Americas customer preferences. What unites these succession. By collaborating with private we have been reaching ou to consumers country-level operations is the focus on banks, we have developed a bespoke product via CNPC’s strong petrol station network performance, building long-term client that allows customers, typically the patriarchs operated by CNPC subsidiary PetroChina, relationships and contributing positively to at family-owned firms, to efficiently plan and offering vehicle insurance to drivers directly on 3% the broader community. execute the transfer of their estates and the roads. Asia These markets have also collectively wealth to succeeding generations. Launched Along with the deepening of the CNPC 1% delivered impressive growth. In the past in 2015, demand for this Asia-specific partnership, Generali is rekindling an 15% Gross written International operations three years our Asia business has expanded offering is growing and adoption is likely to expansion into the high-growth provinces of EMEA at a compound annual rate of over 40% accelerate as more of the region’s affluent and China’s interior, supported by technology to premiums by area – nearly three times the 2006-2013 rate. high–net-worth customers seek out wealth provide a new window to customers. We are Recent activities and achievements in major management services in Hong Kong and also playing an important role in supporting Asian markets include: Singapore. the government’s social goals and plans to 15% France address population aging, as the only foreign

China company participating in a pilot program that 5% uses new tax advantages to boost pension Central Eastern Europe Generali is something of a pioneer in China’s adoption. massive and fast-growing market. In 2002 we teamed up with energy giant China India 24% Germany National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) to open the first Sino-foreign joint venture insurance Through our joint venture with leading Indian firm since China’s entry into the World Trade retailer Future Group, Generali provides a wide Organization in 2001. range of services to India’s large, relatively

youthful population, including Life, Property & market shrinking in 2015, our local Life segment—2015 operating results Casualty and even micro-insurance products. business continued to grow, based on a (in € mln) In addition to almost 200 offices nationwide, solid foundation in growing cities, strong In the past three years our we are able to leverage Future’s chain of relationships with local banks and efforts to Asia business has expanded 31/12/2015 ∆ shopping malls to introduce insurance to extend our retail agent network. at a compound annual rate Italy 1,207 –10.3% consumers via promotional and educational Indonesia’s complex geography – it is a campaigns. sprawling collection of some 18,000 islands of over 40% – nearly three France 567 +1.3% With India’s economic growth back on – make the deployment of technology to times the 2006-2013 rate track, we expect to increase our focus on the connect and build loyalty with customers Germany 439 +17%

CEE Countries 228 country’s major cities, where an affluent young essential, particularly in remote areas.

EMEA 379 +57.5% generation is seeking ways to amass wealth. Technology-driven initiatives to connect Generali’s retail agents across the country

Americas 50 –19.4% Indonesia in a simple and effective manner, regardless of the availability of online access, have Asia 95 +94.9% Since 2009, Generali has been present made Indonesia an important test-bed International Operations 1 –95.5% in Indonesia where a large, young for innovative solutions that are being Total 2,965 –0.4% population is fueling substantial new Life repurposed for other geographically diverse insurance demand. Despite the overall and emerging markets.

48 49 PART 3 Business & Strategy OVERVIEW Generali in Asia: a legacy of anticipating trends and capturing change OVERVIEW

Thailand A roadmap to the future However, the Group has made a conscious 2 http://www.unescapsdd.org/files/documents/ choice to have country-level operations take SPPS-Factsheet-urbanization-v5.pdf

Generali’s Thailand operation supports Across the various markets in which we the leadership role in their respective markets, 3 http://www.adb.org/news/adb-lending-surges- a robust personal and commercial Life operate, our future growth in Asia will be where they are best placed to identify and record-high-meet-rising-regional-demand and Property & Casualty business that for defined by several key themes. pursue opportunities. At the same time, many years was driven primarily by direct countries are conscious that they are not telemarketing to customers. However, we Expanding partnerships and distribution only tasked with delivering results in that have made recent forays into the promising territory, but also contributing to the overall area of bancassurance. In late 2014 we Building on a regional tradition of successful development of the region. secured an exclusive partnership with partnerships, Generali will work throughout This approach is particularly apparent Kiatnakin, one of Thailand’s fastest-growing Asia to extend existing relationships and in the development of employees. By banks, to provide a broader spectrum of develop new ones. Alliances with financial establishing dedicated centers of excellence insurance products and services to Kiatnakin institutions will be a particular focus, to in markets across the region, we foster local clients, from ordinary Life cover to products increase reach and distribution in key talent and expertise in specialized fields such growing number of elderly, based on The power of alignment aimed at future high-net-worth individuals. markets and to expand offerings in areas like as direct-to-customer sales, bancassurance, our experience in the aging markets of While direct-to-consumer sales remain bancassurance. and employee benefits, while also making Generali’s Asia business Europe. For all the extraordinary changes Asia has an important part of Generali’s Thailand Continuing to develop regional corporate ready promising executives for regional roles has proven particularly undergone in recent years, even more business, bancassurance is expected to and affinity business will be another priority. and exposure. This network will be steadily Supporting a region’s ambitions profound shifts are on the horizon. The contribute much of our future growth. The cooperation we enjoy with companies expanded in the years ahead to cover new adept at harnessing the markets in the region may be diverse, but such as China’s CNPC will serve as a template markets and skill sets. possibilities of technology. With cities expanding and regional they all move quickly, meaning a company’s Vietnam for other types of joint ventures, and drive Solutions have been transportation networks taking shape, success is tied to its ability to anticipate the offering of more diverse and higher-value Responding to the needs Asia’s infrastructure needs are immediate trends and adapt its plans to match. Since receiving our Life insurance license insurance products to partners’ employee of a changing population developed specifically to and pressing. Half the region’s population This can be a challenge, but our already in 2011, Generali has moved quickly to groups. address the infrastructure is expected to reside in cities by 2026, solid presence, combined with our clear expand its presence in this relatively new, In some major Asian markets, such as China, and communication gaps potentially boosting productivity and focus on extending our network and catering dynamic market. While small in absolute Driving innovation rising prosperity is being accompanied by economic output, but also putting pressure to the region’s emerging demographic and terms, Vietnam’s insurance sector and the rapid aging of the population. This trend, inherent in some Asian on the environment and public services infrastructural realities, will ensure that Asia’s its contribution to our regional business Generali’s Asia business has proven combined with the relative lack of pension markets such as water and sanitation.2 The Asian contribution to the Group business grows. is expanding rapidly, and has significant particularly adept at harnessing the and social security arrangements in the Development Bank estimates that the At the same time, we will be contributing potential over the medium term. Generali possibilities of technology. Solutions have region, will encourage a growing number of region requires some US$ 800 billion in more to the region, providing the expertise has forged a number of new bancassurance been developed specifically to address the Asians to seek out personal insurance and infrastructure investment annually, or around and security that will help conserve and tie-ups with Vietnamese financial infrastructure and communication gaps protection solutions. 6% of regional GDP.3 Meeting emerging develop the wealth and infrastructure institutions, and has opened a number of inherent in some Asian markets, such as the Generali is already moving to meet these infrastructure demands, particularly while assets on which Asia’s future will be built. new agency offices and a VIP customer iCONNECT system in Indonesia, a one-stop demands with customized products such mitigating environmental impacts, will require In doing so, we will play a role in the growth lounge. portal to agent activity, customer, payment and as the wealth management solution recently innovative and ambitious developments in and development of the local markets. other important information. introduced in Hong Kong. Across the everything from housing to power and waste This alignment of interests, and Generali’s Generali will continue to enhance these region, while many insurers are focused on treatment. commitment to the market, will ensure that systems and invest in further innovations delivering savings and wealth accumulation Generali will play an integral role in the Asia business increasingly informs and to foster a more efficient workforce and closer products, there is a significant lack of bringing projects of this kind to completion, is integrated with the rest of the Group, and client relationships region-wide. Among our relevant options for the growing segment of by providing the highly specialized risk that rather than a ‘foreign’ insurer, Generali is main aims are enabling real-time updates ‘pre-retirees’ – the generation in their mid to management and insurance solutions perceived as part of the regional fabric. and customer needs analysis; paperless late 50s, with roughly a decade left to work, that complex infrastructure developments transactions; employing connected devices who have already accumulated a degree of require. Our dedicated regional corporate and social media to further client engagement; wealth and are now aiming to preserve it, and commercial team, based in Hong Kong, investing in new data and analytics and ensure it can be handed down to their is a repository of deep expertise in areas capabilities; and forging external partnerships successors. such as property, casualty, financial lines, to explore high-potential technology initiatives. As demonstrated by our participation engineering and marine lines of business. in the Chinese government’s pilot project Such expertise makes Generali one of the Investing in people on pension reform, Generali will also work few insurers with the capabilities to support closely with governments throughout Asia the projects set to improve living conditions As a multinational Generali has the option to assist in the development of policies and and better connect communities throughout to centralize many of our regional activities. programs that promote the wellbeing of a the region.

50 51 PART 3 Business & Strategy BRIEFING Social innovation & growth BRIEFING Social innovation & growth

by Ruggero Forni and David Korosic Of what use is product Doing the old things in a Holidaymakers relax on the beach having “ peace of mind that any break-ins at home innovation when it does not new way - this is innovation” will automatically alert a security business. The increasing use of wearable devices help improve the lives of reveals data about our activity and state of health. Through widespread adoption of individuals and communities? —Joseph Alois Schumpeter smart technologies, companies are taking advantage of deeper client insights and closer connectivity, to improve insurance selection hassle and make it more personalized. So, insurers can and do contribute to Social innovation is a new solution to business and civil society to tackle the Insurance has always played a strong social world’s largest taxi firm, but owns no taxies. model and open up to the opportunities social innovation. The traditional role as a social problem that is more effective, societal issues in the 21st Century’. Whilst role: providing protection for individuals, Airbnb is the world’s largest hotelier but and challenges of the external market. The a social protector has been preserved, efficient and sustainable than the current many businesses seem ‘disconnected from their families, communities, and society owns no hotels. Think of how smartphones Internet of Things, digitalization, big data but new technologies allow us to offer solution. It is about mobilizing society to the success of society’ others are leading as a whole. However, the industry has not and the Internet have changed the way we and predictive analytics, are providing even more valuable services to our solve its own problems in new and creative the way with social innovation. been known for its trail-blazing innovation. communicate with each other, and how low an opportunity to manage huge amounts clients. By collecting data, we can tailor ways. Individuals and organizations from Lego, for instance, is directing some If anything, insurers have been somewhat cost airlines have impacted the way we of interconnected data about clients’ and personalize our services. Improved the private and public sectors work together of its profits into building windfarms. Tata isolated from competitive forces, most likely travel. Another disruptor, technology giant behaviors, lifestyle and needs. This is connectivity means we can communicate as ‘social entrepreneurs’ to find solutions has invested heavily in building schools due to market complexities, regulation, Google, is testing driverless cars, which has enabling new and innovative trends to one-on-one , to raise awareness about risks to improve the lives of people and their and hospitals across India. Toms, a shoe limited interaction with consumers, and a traditional manufacturers looking over their emerge from within the insurance space. and security and encourage a healthier communities. manufacturer in the US, provides free shoes highly-fragmented distribution network. shoulders. Smartphone apps and black boxes lifestyle or safer driving. We are surrounded by examples of to children in need ‘one-for-one’ for every Other sectors have been turned upside Now, however, these same technologies can encourage good driving behaviors; The insurance industry has a huge role social innovation: think Wikipedia and pair sold. Are insurers just as socially down, especially by new entrants who are enabling, and forcing, the insurance improving safety on the road and rewarding to play in society. By having a much deeper distance learning, telephone help lines, innovative? exploit the latest technologies. Uber is the sector to rethink the traditional business customers via reduced premiums. understanding of our customers we can charity shops and the fair trade movement, zero carbon housing schemes and community wind farms. The list is long, but what is driving the need for creating such ‘social value’? The world’s largest Left: Previous page: Many of the challenges faced in society photographic archive Nathan Blecharczyk, Travis Kalanick, to date is Instagram CEO Airbnb, talks co-founder of today arise from our struggle to balance which, however, does about his world wide Uber, speacking population growth with limited resources. not own any image. The expansion plans during at TED2016 in same applies to Uber, the kick-off of Startup February 15-19, As countries get richer, the demand for which uses the biggest Fest Europe on May 24, at Vancouver food, products and services, housing and number of taxis without 2016 in Amsterdam Convention Center healthcare grows. ‘The global economy is owning any of them, and Airbnb, the world’s changing and is under stress,’ according to largest hospitality an international research program looking chain, which has no into the future needs of society run by rooms. This is today’s reality and market Future Agenda. One of its conclusions was that social innovation has become one of our most urgent tasks, and it calls for ‘more effective

collaboration between governments, 2.0 / PHOTO: BRET HARTMAN BY-NC GETTY IMAGES / PHOTO: MICHEL PORRO

52 53 PART 3 Business & Strategy BRIEFING Social innovation & growth BRIEFING

Welfare Index Diabetes and Health SMEs Depression MGMT Checkups Earthquake Telematics Driving The more we can do to Studies Behaviour “ Cyber On Demand Domotic create a better society, that Risks Offer Sensors benefits more people, the better chance we have that our society will continue to grow and prosper” MakeMake AwareAware Buy & Search Educate, Prevent, Improve

—Sanford Weill Micro— Insurance Vitality Extreme Generali Events Rehab and Social Innovation Management

better assess individual risk profiles and The Generali Group is committed to making telematics and the acquisition of My Drive can support and educate our customers real steps forward in social innovation. All is a further step in product sophistication. to find the right solutions for their personal Countries and Business Units are following Domotics, or home automation, is Tracking circumstances. Aside from encouraging our strategy to develop tailor-made solutions another area where the Generali Group Claims more virtuous behaviors we can help for our customers. We have a whole raft of is progressing fast, cooperating with prevent negative events such as fire, theft or innovations in progress, the first of which are companies from other sectors in order to water damage, for instance by incentivizing now going live. provide dedicated services to householders. the installation of supporting devices that In Germany, Central Kranken has Generali Italia is playing a big role in can detect home intrusion and automatically developed ‘initiative.diabetes’ – a unique, supporting SMEs, the backbone of the call the owners or the emergency services. award winning, disease management Italian economy. Their Zoom Consulenza By connecting with our customers in program for clients suffering from Type 2 PMI initiative helps clients analyze, measure, Handle Claims these ways, the tradition of the ‘social diabetes. Participants are encouraged to and ultimately avoid risks, by having the protector’ has a strong future. Social establish lifestyle changes, including a right insurance policies and prevention innovation will help drive our growth, not healthier diet and regular physical activity. programs. With SMEs Welfare Index the just of our business but of our role in They can rely on a personal telephone company has promoted the first Index society. coach and use a smartphone and blood aimed at improving the welfare and the glucose meter to transmit data to an online growth of small and medium enterprises. Telematics portal. Results, measured in terms of weight Another example is the timely response Phyd loss, reduction in blood sugar levels and to natural catastrophes where Generali reduced dependency on medication, have Italia has established a network of sentries Renewal been extremely encouraging. monitoring the area on a permanent basis Optimization Another example is Generali Vitality, and if a serious natural event creates severe a highly-innovative wellness program, losses involving many clients, they promptly launched in Germany in July 2016 and to be activate a dedicated team. followed by France in January 2017. With each of these initiatives, Generali will be a front-runner in the health sector, supporting healthy behaviors and rewarding healthy customers. Renew Connected insurance provides yet another example. Generali continues to be among the most innovative players in

54 55 PART 4 Twist BRIEF SUMMARY Twist BRIEF SUMMARY Twist

One of the interesting facts about think that in 50 years computers will human nature is that there are more make art just as well as humans do, things that unite us than set us apart. and 80 percent believe we will grow You might think that lifestyles in the custom-made organs in a laboratory Asian megacities would be for transplantation. technologically different to the United States, but you would be The adoption of new ideas is subject wrong. For many Chinese their style to its own laws. When does an idea of Internet works just fine. It delivers become an innovation and what goods, services and videos at the accelerates its acceptance? Even the swipe of a smartphone. best ideas are not instantly recognized as such. Understanding Asian megacities are the epitome of how innovations diffuse into the growth. In 2016 the second tallest general population has lead to an building in the world was completed: entirely new expertise. the Shanghai Tower. Which habits does the individual acquire to adapt The macro-revolutions initiated in to this new concept of city? Like his the Silicon Valley have brought about American counterpart, the average a series of micro-changes in the urban Chinese is likely to wake up habits of individuals, community and peer at their smartphone. Many members and businesses. Suppliers Chinese stream an episode of a TV of these life-changing products, series while on their way to work, technologies and services will need to while at lunchtime they may well be adopt a collaborative approach to on a Twitter-like site called Weibo. gain widespread consensus and help users to embrace their offering and Similarly, the average American incorporate it in their daily lives urban home is brimming with – a lesson that applies to all sectors, technology. Busy parents are able to including the insurance one. pay bills online and stay updated on threatening situations. It is also common to monitor children’s Internet activity with an app. With all that enthusiastic use of technology, it is no wonder that half of Americans by the Editorial Office 56 T 57 PART 4 Twist CONVERSATION Contemporary living trends CONVERSATION

Contemporary Daniel Libeskind An international figure in degree in the history Through the years Mr His work and ideas architecture and urban and theory of Libeskind has been have been the subject design, Daniel Libeskind architecture from the involved with designing of many articles and living trends was born in Lód’z, School of Comparative and realizing a large exhibitions, influencing Poland, in 1946. Studies at Essex number of urban, the field of architecture University, England, in cultural and commercial and the development of Mr Libeskind immigrated 1972. projects all over the cities and culture. to the United States as world. a teenager and, with his In 1989, after winning Mr Libeskind lives in family, settled in New the international His portfolio includes New York with his wife York. He received the competition to build museums, concert halls, and business partner, American-Israel Cultural the Jewish Museum conference centers, Nina. Foundation Scholarship in Berlin, the Studio academic buildings, and performed as a Libeskind was hotels, commercial malls musical virtuoso, before established. and residential towers. eventually leaving music to study architecture. He In 2003 the Studio As Principal Design received his professional won another historic Architect for Studio degree in architecture competition, as it was Libeskind, Mr Libeskind from the Cooper Union chosen to create a speaks widely on the for the Advancement of master plan for the art of architecture Science and Art in 1970, rebuilding of the World in universities and and a postgraduate Trade Center. professional summits.

by Stefano Boselli

Not many human activities are as tightly need to have a joy, a sense of celebrating intertwined with the concepts of growth their days wherever they are. That’s really the and transformation as architecture is. goal of architecture’. Architects have to measure themselves with In Libeskind’s vision, the identity of these elements throughout each stage of buildings cannot be separated from the their creative process: it is not just about identity of cities, and just as much as their turning a project into a real building, but past does, their growth and development it’s also about taking into account the past, play a big role in defining it. present and future transformations of the ‘Asia is very different from Europe, or surrounding environment. For someone from North America, or from South America. such as Daniel Libeskind, whose creations Asian cities where I work are developing have enriched cities in many different parts very, very rapidly, but they have also different of the world, this has always been a key cultures, different traditions and one cannot aspect. And although he is widely known do in Europe what one is doing in Asia. It’s and appreciated for being an architect who a different history, a different tradition. Each puts the past and the history of a place at place is unique, so each genius dictates what the very heart of his work, envisioning and should be done and what can be done,’ he anticipating the future has always been said to our correspondent. just as equally important. In an exclusive This concept, which is omnipresent conversation with il bollettino, he argued: in his work, is particularly emphasized in ‘You cannot be an architect if you don’t two of his most recent projects in Asia: anticipate needs that will develop in the future. the Reflections at Keppel Bay residential

PHOTO: KEPPEL BAY PTE LTD PHOTO: KEPPEL BAY People live in cities, live in buildings, and they complex in Singapore, and Archipelago 21,

58 59 PART 4 Twist CONVERSATION Contemporary living trends CONVERSATION

Libeskind Tower the masterplan for the redevelopment of the Known as ‘The Curved One’ during the while each building has its own individual In this mix of history and contemporary Yongsan International Business District in planning stage, CityLife’s third and last expression, all three are coupled in a state-of-the-art technologies, sustainability Seoul. tower to be built was conceived by its cohesive arrangement which adds to the plays a pivotal role. Just like the two When looking at them, it is easy to creator, Daniel Libeskind, as part of an overall harmony of the new piazza. other towers, the Curved One has already understand how strong the relationship ideal sphere encompassing and completing One of Daniel Libeskind’s most obtained the GOLD-level LEED (Leadership between each building and its surrounding the Tre Torri Square. The construction appreciated and widely recognized in Energy and Environmental Design) environment is. Just like the cities where of the 31-floor, 175-meter-high building trademarks is the ability to evoke cultural pre-certification, which awards the most they are located, which are witnessing an began in spring 2016, and it is due to be memory in his buildings, and the 31-floor innovative, performing and efficient impressive and still ongoing growth, these completed in 2018. tower at CityLife is no exception. buildings with regards to the environment buildings seem to be young organisms Situated between Hadid and Isozaki’s ‘I have always taken inspiration from the preservation. which are still transforming and growing, buildings, the Libeskind Tower slopes in art history and architecture of Milan. The and which might look very different in five, toward its counterparts and the central Tower was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s ten or thirty years. park below. Just like its neighboring drawings for the Duomo, although his The ‘physical growth’ of his buildings buildings, the tower is personally crafted project was ultimately never realized.’ At

is a recurring theme in Libeskind’s PHOTO: SCOTT FRANCES and conceived to provide a sculpted and the same time, the curved shape reminds architecture, and no shape or element highly visible skyline on the site. Its facade of and celebrates Michelangelo’s late CityLife Milano, Milan, represents it better than crystals. is made of sustainable, state of the art masterpiece, the Rondanini Pietà marble Italy. Above: the three towers (left to right): While crystal structures can be found glass that will reflect the public space sculpture, which is housed in Milan’s Libeskind Tower, Isozaki in many of the Polish-born architect’s below and vistas around. As a result of this, Sforzesco Castle. Tower, Hadid Tower projects, The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment space, is the most powerful example of the unmatched and constant sense of endless transformation and change they create. ‘I don’t know where crystals come from, but a master such as Frank Lloyd Wright used to say that if a building is not a crystal, then it’s not a building. A crystal is strong, resilient and robust; it is an idea of the beauty but also the fire, the warmth, the intimacy and the inner side of life,’ he once said. But maybe the most important aspect

is the relationship between growth and PHOTO: DREAMHUB sustainability. Libeskind believes one of the greatest challenges that architects and urban planners face today is how to build cities which are human, where the individual is part of a meaningful community and is A sustainability which is not just about the Previous page: actively involved in the creative process of choice of building materials, or the impact Reflections at Keppel Bay —Singapore change. In his view, future cities need to of energy, or the quantity of green spaces 2011 ‘develop the kind of public space and living available, but it’s a philosophical concept Top: realm that allows everyone to pursue their embracing every aspect of the human life. Crystals own potential,’ whereas the empowerment of ‘Architecture is stable, it’s in the earth, it’s in —Las Vegas , Nevada citizens to participate directly in the design the sky: you have to be sure that what you are 2009 of their own environment is ‘the conditio building is going to be sustainable. And not Archipelago sine qua non of well-being in the future.’ This for decades, for hundreds of years.’ —Seoul, South Korea means that sustainable growth is the only Under construction possible way forward for cities in the future, and as a consequence of this, architecture

as a whole has to be sustainable. PHOTO: DREAMHUB

60 61 PART 4 Twist CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS Collaboration and Conformability CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS

Collaboration as industrialization took hold, diffusions It’s tempting to believe that Moore’s Law, became more common with transportation which correlates well with computing and communication alternatives. In the innovation rates, will solve these crises. and Conformability 20th century new enablers in the form of But there seem to be some technologies motors, fuels and production methods which are disobeying the law. It we look led to increasing consumerization and back far enough we can see that well before miniaturization. Today new digital technologies Moore’s Law, there were other technological seem to appear and spread very quickly. ‘laws’ which led to rapid improvements in But are new technologies being adopted performance. In the 19th century steam more quickly? Are all technologies quick engine efficiency grew exponentially. In the today? Will they be quicker in the future? Were early 20th century innovations related to PREFACE Ideas take time to gain acceptance. Even they slower in the past? internal combustion and turbines meant that the best ideas are not instantly recognized as The historic data is not all consistent. vehicle speed grew exponentially. In the mid There were many old technologies which 20th century, the miniaturization of electric such. grew very quickly. In the Thirties America, the motors meant their specific output increased radio was adopted very quickly. So was the exponentially. Steam, internal combustion, TV in the Fifties. The oldest of all, the printing electric motors were all epoch-making press, diffused throughout medieval European enablers but, during those same epochs there cities in less than 50 years. Conversely, were anomalous laggards. Not all diffusions there are many technologies today which conform to technological law governance. by Horace Dediu Ideas take time to gain acceptance. Even the product and bring it into their lives. Note are slow to rise. Hybrid cars are diffusing To find what else might be at work we the best ideas are not instantly recognized that the first version of the idea is not for more slowly than diesel cars. Electric cars compared products with similar enablers as such. The process by which a population everybody. For a unanimous agreement of If the technology is widely are diffusing slower than the Model T, new but differing diffusion rates. What we saw changes its mind was observed by utility, the product must be improved. But useful then the products forms of renewable energy production are was that rapid growth was correlated with sociologist Everett Rogers in the Sixties. The as a few people agree it’s a good idea, their growing more slowly than the original electric the absorbability of the innovation in the observations were conducted on a particular support gives fuel to the producer to make it using it are ‘adopted’ by a grid. Healthcare and education reform is far adopter’s life. We call this ‘conformability’ to subset of ideas: technological innovations. better, attracting more adopters. majority and the technology slower to be adopted than the rise of hospitals user circumstances or behavior. For example, Rogers observed that good ideas such as The adoption curve is a dual feedback ‘diffuses’ into the general and primary/secondary schools in the 19th the refrigerator rose quickly in popularity better seeds or boiling drinking water take process. Adopters influence each other on century. because it was easy to fit into any kitchen time to ‘diffuse’ into a population of adopters. the benefits and support improvements in population To look for patterns, we looked at 104 while a contemporary washing machine was Once the process was identified, he the product which leads to more acceptance. technology diffusions. The data shows slow because there was no room to install it was able to categorize adopters by their The question we have been asking ourselves significant variations in adoption speed for it in an apartment or into a farmhouse with no willingness to accept change. Thus we is what determines the rate of this feedback. technologies that got started around the plumbing. We developed a way to quantify came to the classic Innovators, Early What are the forces that accelerate adoption? same time. For example the Kodak Brownie conformability by asking whether the adopter Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority and In order to develop a sense of what camera and the automobile both reached faced a minimum of five independences: Laggards categories of adopter personalities. accelerates adoption, we have to understand 10% of their markets around 1915. However purchase, assistance, time, space and Underlying this categorization is a how ideas become innovations. the democratization of photography took learning. mathematical model of the rate of adoption. Before an S-curve begins its rise, there 20 years while the automobile took over 70 We also observed a pattern of increasing This is called the Diffusion Curve which shows has to be an invention followed by a period years. Refrigerators and TVs were quick while granularity of value networks among the the percent of a population that adopts the of gestation as the idea is built into a product the contemporary washing machines and rapid diffusions. We call this’collaborative’ technology over time. It is an S-shaped curve and, if the product solves a customer need, dishwashers were slow. producer behavior. Smartphones rose quickly that spans from 0 to a maximum penetration, the formation of a market. If the technology Even toward the late 20th century and because they leveraged modular software, up to 100% of the population. is widely useful then the products using it are the rise of transistor electronics, the VCR components, distribution via network This S-curve came to be the most ‘adopted’ by a majority and the technology was quick but the video game console was operators and pre-existing internet content commonly used measurement of the rate that ‘diffuses’ into the general population. slow. The early 21st century is awash with while electric cars rose slowly because they ideas come to be accepted. From a user’s Ultimately the technology is universally internet/computing-based technologies which require integration, defeat current distributors’ point of view, technologies are fundamentally accepted and it ‘saturates’ the addressable rise very quickly but there are innovations business models and need to be driven on ideas: a vendor proposes that it’s a good market. which seem slow and stubborn. We are roads built without charging infrastructure. idea to use a smartphone and although most Technological diffusions have been facing a crisis of transformation in healthcare, We tested collaboration by asking whether people are skeptical, after a certain time and measured for at least two centuries. The education, energy, banking, transportation and the producer could recruit ecosystems, after many product iterations most agree that earliest were for transportation canals built government. Manufacturing and agriculture obtain network effects, distribution, supplier it’s a good idea to do so and they purchase in 18th century England. In the 19th century, might also be reaching lowgrowth crises. networks and leverage existing infrastructures.

62 63 PART 4 64

1900 Is themostcommonlyusedmeasurement oftheratethatideascometobeaccepted. by Everett Rogers The S-curve

1905 Twist

1910 (78 years) machine Washing

1915

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1935 (38 years) power Electric

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1955 (23 years) Refrigerator Household 1960

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1980 (13 years) Television

1985 CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS

1990

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2005 (8 years) Smartphones 2010

2015

2020 0 25 50 75 100 behavioral changes, ecosystemissues(grid Electric carssuffer from fuelinginfrastructure, relearning andadaptionwilldelay adoption. production methodscurrently inuse,requiring depends onnewmaterialsand replacement of For examplelarge-scale industrial 3Dprinting infrastructure inertiasare alsounderestimated. quickly adopted.Ontheotherhand,physical wearables andcryptocurrencies tobevery be underestimated whichiswhyweexpect concerned. many dependenciesasfartheselleris buthas as farthebuyerisconcerned capture. Theproduct hasfewdependencies models thatcreate additional pointsofvalue allowing partnerstocoupleitnewbusiness an adopter’s worldwhilesimultaneously acts asamodulewhichslotseasilyinto ‘modularity’ sincetheproduct orservice pull ofmarketcreation. We thinkofthisas dependence ofsupplyexplainsthepush/ The dualityofindependencepurchase and creation andcollaborativedemandfulfillment. the combinationofconformabledemand define a‘modularbusinessarchitecture’ as partnership leadstorapidadoption.We thus simultaneously withadependenceon that creating independence ofpurchase accelerants. Thishasledustostating network creation proved tobepowerful In combination,conformabilityandvalue demand fulfillment creation andcollaborative conformable demand as thecombinationof business architecture’ We definea‘modular Collaboration andConformability Network effects andecosystems tendto great lessononhowtomakeprogress. align objectivesandplansofaction. It’s a to thesechallengeswithprofit modelsthat of understandinghowtogetthere. of agreement onpurpose ofactionandalack causes are actuallyfarsimpler. There isalack these are symptomsandnotcauses.The inertia are easytargets buthistoryshowsthat on othercauses.Complexity, intransigence, attempts toexplainthelackofimprovements look atsocietalgrandproblems weseemany circumstances demand.And yetwhenwe working togetherandmakingwhatcustomers’ improvements. We can’t argue against collaboration are natural waystomake obvious. Theseforces ofadaptabilityand doing sowiththehelpofothersisintuitively or makingsolutionsfitforpurposeand bycollaborationandconformability,governed technologies willbeslower. effects tooffset this.Forthisreason these not benefitfrom ecosystemsornetwork current powerproduction systemsanddoes lacks inallaspectsofconformabilitytothe distribution questions.Photovoltaicpower capacity), alackofnetworkeffects and Businesses are organisms whichrespond The observationthatspeedofadoptionis CONTEMPORARY SCENARIOS 350,000 times. has beencitedover Economist, Forbesand Financial Times,The with Bloomberg,The he hascollaborated Fortune Magazine, Apple Analysts’by Declared ‘Kingof automotive andenergy. such asbanking, disruption ofsectors of technologyonthe studies theimpact Innovation where he Institute forDisruptive Clayton Christensen Senior FellowatThe University. Heisa degree from Harvard Business Administration he received aMasterof from Tufts University, computer engineering of Sciencedegree in receiving aMaster platform strategy. After and advisoronmobile independent analyst and alsoworksasan site Asymco.com, the marketintelligence founder andauthorof Horace Dediuisthe Horace Dediu 65 PART 4 Twist STORIES Daily life in an Asian Megacity STORIES

Hong Kong Seoul DAILY LIFE —China —South Korea IN AN ASIAN MEGACITY ‘To Infinity and Beyond’

PREFACE 서울특별시 by the Editorial Office Megacities are generally defined as those with more than 10 million inhabitants. (Seoul) In the early 1950s, only New York and Tokyo reached these levels, but according to UN figures, by 2025 there will be 39 supersized cities and more than 50% of them will be located in Asia. What these trends show is a remarkable story about the way we are choosing to organize our 68 Life in Seoul lives, in the face of one of the most spectacular by Darcy Paquet changes in human history: the new urban areas are growing fastest not in the traditional hearts of Europe and America, but in South and East Asia. 香港 (Hong Kong) However, it is not just their rapid increase in size that makes these megacities fascinating. They look, feel, and behave differently, too. Following the steps of Darcy Paquet and Mathew Scott, we will be immersed in the scent of Seoul and Hong Kong’s iconic past and rocketed to the top of their skylines. Maybe, we will also 72 Life in Hong Kong understand why our future will rise right there. by Mathew Scott

66 67 PART 4 Twist STORIES Daily life in an Asian Megacity STORIES Seoul’s Secret by Darcy Paquet

Left: Neon alleys of Jon­gno on a rainy night

Right: Street food market, Gwangjang Market PHOTO: ROBERT KOEHLER PHOTO: ROBERT

Nineteen years ago when I moved from leave their bags and laptops unattended on But there’s no question that attitudes towards my small American hometown, where the café tables when they visit the restroom) the home have had to evolve in today’s cows outnumber the people, to the Korean creates at least a basic level of trust among megacities. Westerners may have once coined metropolis of Seoul, I knew that life would the city’s inhabitants. the phrase ‘a man’s home is his castle,’ be different. But the new lifestyle which I The rapidly expanding megacities believing that home is the place where one adopted wasn’t quite what I expected. In of China, India and Indonesia are feels most complete and centered. But living many ways Seoul is fast-paced, competitive, unquestionably the cities of the future. But in a building with 50-100 other families, as dynamic – everything you’d expect from a to become familiar with older, more mature many middle and upper-class Seoul residents city of 10 million people. But strangely, it supercities like Seoul (or Tokyo, or Hong do, makes the word ‘castle’ seem absurd. also has more in common with my home Kong) is to have a glimpse into the lifestyle Instead, the city has developed in such village than I thought it would. Despite its of the future. Citizens of these cities have a way that one can find home-like spaces size, contemporary Seoul is in many ways now spent many decades adjusting to life outside of the home. Cafés, PC rooms, like a village. in such densely populated, technologically private karaoke clubs, luxury movie theaters By the word ‘village’ I mean a community advanced, culturally dynamic communities. etc. all provide services of some kind, but where people are brought together by their They have had time to exploit some of they double as places where one can feel daily routines, and feel that they share the opportunities, and tackle some of the something of the comfort of home, at any something in common. Seoul’s status as challenges that such an environment entails. hour of the day. One can easily rent out large one of the most technologically connected There are the obvious challenges, such and small spaces by the hour to hold social cities in the world provides much of the glue as learning how to live in smaller homes or group meetings, or catch up on sleep in a for this community, in which the distinction when property prices skyrocket. Creative ‘nap café.’ between online and offline becomes less design and innovations such as hideaway There are positives and negatives to important by the day. But excellent public beds and movable walls have proven to be having one’s ‘spaces of comfort’ spread out transportation and a profusion of walkable an effective way to get more out of less, across a city. It’s an odd sort of psychological neighborhoods mean that you are constantly with the micro apartments of Tokyo and division, that might leave a person feeling rubbing shoulders with people throughout Osaka serving as a particularly inspiring less centered. It’s true that Seoul is an

PHOTO: ROBERT KOEHLER PHOTO: ROBERT the day. A low crime rate (young people example. exceptionally anxious city, and the scattered

68 69 PART 4 Twist STORIES Daily life in an Asian Megacity STORIES

The Asian megacity looks as futuristic and imposing as ever, but one thing it is not is impersonal. Life in an Asian megacity is intense, and personal Darcy Paquet

Darcy Paquet is a film way in which people lead their lives may be A sprawling city critic and the author of one contributing factor. extending over 605.52 New Korean Cinema: square kilometers Breaking the Waves But there’s another word that comes to with a population of (2009). He works as mind when I think of life in Seoul, which is over 10 million and a program consultant six underground lines, ‘intimate.’ The predominant lifestyle in South for the Udine Far East hosting the headquarters Film Festival and a Korea’s megacity creates a kind of intimacy of many multinational delegate for the San with the city itself. It’s not a relationship groups and banks, Seoul Sebastian International lies on the banks of the Film Festival in Spain. without tension – when I say that word to Han River just across the He also frequently most Koreans they scoff, telling me of fights border with North Korea. translates the subtitles they had with neighbors whose noisy children Suspended between its for Korean films. In thousands of years of 2014 he launched the make their lives miserable. But the love- history, as witnessed Wildflower Film Awards hate relationship that many people feel for by the monuments that Korea, an annual survived the Fifties awards ceremony for Seoul is an indication of how close they have reconstruction, and its Korean independent grown to it. As we move deeper into the 21st futuristic skyscrapers and low-budget films. century, the Asian megacity looks as futuristic and shopping malls, it is Originally from a small one of the most dynamic town near Boston, and imposing as ever, but one thing it is not Asian megacities today. Darcy has been living is impersonal. Life in an Asian megacity is in Seoul since 1997. intense, and personal. PHOTO: ROBERT KOEHLER PHOTO: ROBERT

70 71 PART 4 Twist STORIES Daily life in an Asian Megacity STORIES

Happy in Hong Kong With a surface of 1,104 square kilometers and a population of 7 million, Hong Kong by Mathew Scott (meaning ‘Fragrant Harbor’ in Chinese) is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China, along with Macao. After 155 years of British administration, it returned under Chinese sovereignty in 1997. China applies the ‘one country, two systems’ formula, which provides large administrative autonomy to its regions and freedom of economic initiative in return for their independence on foreign and defense policy. BY-NC-ND 2.0 / PHOTO: BARNYZ BY-NC-ND

72 73 PART 4 Twist STORIES Daily life in an Asian Megacity STORIES

into the New Territories and the many ‘new weekends to make use of the hiking and towns’ being built or planned to house future running trails that abound. Sheung Wan still provides generations. In terms of the future all eyes are looking a microcosm of Hong Kong It surprises many visitors to learn that north, and to China, which set up a Special Hong Kong is crammed into just 1,108 Administrative Region in Hong Kong back in as the city tries to keep square kilometers, but only about one third 1997 after regaining control of the city from pace with modern-day of the place has been urbanized. Country Britain. The challenge is how to survive, even Mathew Scott China’s march towards the parks abound, and the people here are prosper, with the world’s second-largest increasingly seeing the value of time spent economy and its politics increasingly playing Mathew Scott has future in these areas in terms of their own physical a role in a city that for more than a century been a journalist for 30 years. Since moving and mental well-being. Like many major has been able to live – and prosper – mostly to Hong Kong from Asia cities, Hong Kong has become health by its own means. Australia in 1994 to work on the South

BY-NC-ND 2.0 / PHOTO: CHRISTIAN JUNKER BY-NC-ND conscious and people flock to the hills on China Morning Post, he has witnessed the frantic city’s evolution from British colony to one of China’s Special Administrative Calvin Fok turns her attention to what’s Fong share sidewalk space – for the moment centre that can connect the world with Regions. Mathew tries (valiantly) to keep going on outside when asked why she at least – with traditional carpenters and China, and even as a tourist destination, now pace with Asia’s rapid set-up her business in Hong Kong’s up-and- tradesmen who were originally attracted to that mainland Chinese (the dominant source change by writing about it for a collection coming area of Po Hing Fong. the street’s position close to, but not in the for Hong Kong) have started to look, and of the world’s leading ‘Around here it feels like Hong Kong used thick of, the city, and by its cheap rents. be able to afford to go, elsewhere on their media outlets as he to be,’ says Fok, as a few weekday window- At the turn of the last century the lure holidays. covers the realms of cinema and shoppers peer inside while breezing slowly was much the same. There were four- Diversification is what the city leaders entertainment, sport down the cul-de-sac. and five-floor walk-up buildings here that are now trying to preach. So cafés like Fok’s and culture. Fok’s Fleur et Café is a relative were home to one-woman brothels. Then- are finding their inspiration in Hong Kong but newcomer to an area that has for more than secret revolutionary societies such as the are adding flourishes from around the globe 100 years hugged the fringes of the bustling Tongmenghui (founded by Sun Yat-sen, the – she specializes in oriental-style flower heart of Hong Kong. Just a 10-minute walk ‘father of modern China’) had a branch here arrangements and European-style coffee away and you’re smack in the middle of and could be pretty much left alone. and cakes. And businesses everywhere are Previous page: Central, one of the world’s leading financial For such a long time, Po Hing Fong trying to find unique combinations of their Central District districts, but here, still, motion seems to seemed almost to be forgotten but, now, very own. Left: move at a far more leisurely pace. the surrounding tower blocks that by mid- It’s what you need to stand out in a Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan Even the gentrification of Sheung morning have cast their shadows down this crowd. And Hong Kong is nothing if not one Wan – the suburb that surrounds us – has little back street are heralding the shape of massive crowd. Cross Victoria Harbour from been a gradual affair, avoiding (so far) things to come. here and into Mongkok and, somehow, the breakneck, build-it-and-they-will- As is the case throughout Hong Kong, there are an estimated 130,000 people come mania that has afflicted much of this rents are soaring. You could grab a 300-ft residing per square kilometer (in Italy, as a megacity’s manic sprawl. studio flat here 15 years ago for HKD5,000 comparison, there are just 207; in Australia But Sheung Wan still provides a per month. Now it will set you back around just three). But human beings are great microcosm of Hong Kong as the city tries to HKD15,000.1 adaptors and Hong Kong’s seven-million- keep pace with modern-day China’s march Fok’s café, which also serves as a odd residents pride themselves on being 1 Hong Kong dollar (HKD): towards the future. florist, was until two years ago used as a able to move quickly with the times. approx. USD 0.12 or EUR 0.11 (as of July 27, 2016) So you can sit over coffee in Fleur et privately-owned storage room for a local You learn to find space even where there Café and ponder Fok’s opening sentiment antique shop. Now she rents the space for appears to be none, switching your ears off for an hour or so while reflecting on the HKD40,000 per month. while sharing tables in the overburdened question that’s on everyone’s lips here: how Hong Kong is being forced to diversify. cha chaan tengs (tea houses), ducking can this city and its people cope with such Economically, there are doubts being raised and weaving your way though the masses a rapid rate of change. The cafés and artists about the city’s traditional roles as a port, on their daily march to and from work, or

workshops sprouting up and down Po Hing still the world’s fourth busiest, a financial moving out of the city, completely, and 2.0 / PHOTO: TIM RILEY BY-NC-ND

74 75 PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA PHOTOREPORTAGE

PREFACE Through the eyes of two top GROWTH AND THE CITY: photographers, we look at the effects on USA VS ASIA our daily lives of two growth phenomena: the expansion of Asian megacities and the technological evolution stemming by the Editorial Office from the USA.

84 Wild West Tech project by Laura Morton

78 Lost in Paradise project by Lek Kiatsirikajorn

San Francisco Bangkok —California, USA —Thailand

76 77 PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE

Lost in Paradise photo and commentary by Lek Kiatsirikajorn

78 PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA PHOTOREPORTAGE

“Lost In Paradise” is focusing on rural background. Some of them have just migrant workers who have left their region moved to Bangkok for only a couple of origin to work and live in Bangkok, of years, some have been living here The rural migrant workers existing in no man’s lands of peri-urban for a very long time, and some are the are like Thailand. They left settlements where, paradoxically, nature is descendants of the previous generation. beginning to reassert its authority. They come to the areas for food and for their past for Bangkok in the Through these images Lek aims to present their leisure. Some of them even hope of a better future just an allegory for modern Thailand: the temporary live there. These spaces also to find themselves came country as a whole, like these workers, left function as sanctuaries to them in this its past of agriculture behind in search of modern city of Bangkok. to a standstill in the middle a better life, but now finds itself trapped To me agriculture is the taproot of between their long lost between this lost history and a better future Thailand. Nearly half of the population past and their unobtainable which seems to remain just out of reach. are farmers. Our tradition and culture are Lek spent 3 years to complete this project, directly related to it. In the 1980s, the future started from 2011 and finished in 2013. Thai government at that time wanted At the beginning of this project, I only Thailand to become the 5th tiger of Asia. wanted to photograph the landscapes to It means the 5th industrialised and portray the contrast between nature and developed country, in line with Hong Kong, the modern development of Bangkok. Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. My interest was shifted when I met rural The government passed laws and migrant workers in these spaces, and regulations that urged the international started talking to them. They are from industrial investments in the country. the countryside with their agricultural Since then the numbers of agricultural

80 81 PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA PHOTOREPORTAGE

Lek Kiatsirikajorn

Lek Kiatsirikajorn was born in Thailand in 1977. He currently lives and works in Bangkok. He studied painting at Silpakorn University in Bangkok before switching to photography. After moving to England, he graduated at The Arts Institute at Bournemouth. He returned to Thailand in 2008. In 2012 he was selected for the 2012 photography residency by the Quai Branly Museum who supported his project ‘Lost in Paradise’, which took Lek three years to complete. Of the 22 images of the series, 13 have been included in the Parisian museum’s photographic collection.

workforce have decreased. Vast areas of 1980s. We still have not reached our goal photographers for the 2012 photography agricultural land have been turned into of becoming the 5th tiger of Asia, not even grant.13 of the 22 images from this industrial districts. Young rural workers close. Instead, our taproot has been rotted series were included in the museum’s have been heading toward jobs in factories away by false policies. The rural migrant photography collection. and other industries in big cities instead. workers are like Thailand. They left their This situation forces the older generations past for Bangkok in the hope of a better of farmer to continue working in the fields future just to find themselves came to a and when they get too old to work, there standstill in the middle between their long is no one to pass on their wisdom to. The lost past and their unobtainable future. decline of agricultural resources is one Only time can tell how long this big tree of of the major problems Thailand is facing Thailand will still be able to stand. today. “Lost In Paradise” was produced with It has been about 3 decades since the the support of the Quai Branly museum in ambition of the Thai government in the Paris. Lek was one of the three selected

82 83 PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA PHOTOREPORTAGE

Wild West Tech

photo and commentary by Laura Morton

Tales of enormous fortunes born out of the technology industry have brought a new gold rush that has gripped San For every success story Francisco and the Silicon Valley. Many there are many more young dreamers are flocking to the area with the hope of launching a successful failures, yet most of start-up or striking it rich by joining the these dreamers believe right company at the right time. that the industry is a true These individuals work long hours to build their companies.Their lives are meritocracy: those who intertwined: they live with each other, deserve to succeed will network with one another, compete with do so everyone, but also party together. I’ve witnessed entrepreneurs sleeping in their offices as they lacked the funds for rent. I’ve visited co-working spaces, where most of these start-ups originate from, and gained access to co-living houses – sometime referred as hacker hostels, where large groups of entrepreneurs live together in one building. At the moment the buzz around the industry has created an environment where venture capital firms are willing to take big risks on young techonology companies, making it one of the best times in history for start-ups to raise money. But is this another tech bubble? Can this exponential and uncontrolled growth be sustained? For every success story there are many more failures, yet most of these dreamers believe that the industry is a true meritocracy: those who deserve to succeed will do so.

84 85 PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA PHOTOREPORTAGE PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA PHOTOREPORTAGE

Laura Morton

Born in 1984 in Maryland, Laura Morton is a freelance photojournalist based in San Francisco. She has been featured in German GEO, Newsweek Japan, The British Journal of Photography, 6 Mois, National Geographic Traveler France, IO Donna, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and various other prestigious publications. In 2014, she received a grant from the Magnum Foundation Emergency Fund to begin working on her latest project, ‘Wild West Tech,’ which explores the innovative tech industry culture in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

88 89 PART 4 Twist PHOTOREPORTAGE Growth and the city: USA vs ASIA PHOTOREPORTAGE The Team Thank you

Published by Roberto Alatri, Kevin Angelini, Mario Poste italiane s.p.a. Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. Bellini, Elena Berardi, Doris Bisaro, spedizione in abbonamento Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi, 2 Stefano Boselli, Patricia Chua, Horace postale 70% — 34132 Trieste, Italy Dedieu, Paul Mc Donell, Ruggero CNS PN four-monthly VAT No. 00079760328 Forni, Scott Frances, Fabrizio Giraldi, Il bollettino – October 2016 Bret Hartman, Dream Hub, Christian

Editor in chief Junker, Lek Klatsirkajorn, Robert Aut. Trib. Trieste Simone Bemporad Koehler, David Korosic, Loic Le n 83 – 2.8.1950 Meur, Anna Chiara Lucchini, Barbara Lucini, Elena Marco, Christopher Editorial staff director Michel, Laura Morton, Denise Pirrotti Sarah Brady Hummel, Darcy Paquet, Michel Porro, Bernardino Provera, Riccardo Editorial office Sabatini, Mathew Scott, Monika Group Communications & Public Affairs Sebold Bender, Sonia Sicco, Martino [email protected] Stenta, Ma Yansong, Marco Zuttioni

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Editorial staff Paola Cabas +39 040 671552 [email protected]

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Shipping management Rossana Flegar +39 040 671103 [email protected]

Graphics and page layout Acrobatik — Trieste, Italy

Language support Silvia Baldi — Treviso, Italy Elena Berton — Paris, France Alan Brighty — Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Printing GIRALDI PHOTO: FABRIZIO Grafiche Antiga — Treviso, Italy The Editorial team

Enviromental certifications Inside pages