What If More Celebrities Were Urbanists?
Urban planning and development have always been important aspects of our society, shaping the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. Imagine if some of the world’s most influential celebrities took on the role of urbanists, using their fame and resources to transform cities into vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive spaces. While this may seem like an unconventional notion, it’s intriguing to ponder how the unique perspectives and passions of celebrities could impact urban planning and create a more vibrant and harmonious urban world. The good part is we may not have to imagine much longer as a few celebrities as of late have vocalized either disdain for vehicular traffic or simply reiterated traffic solutions.
Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino has enough titles as one of the world’s most multifaceted individuals. Known for his work in various entertainment fields, including music, acting, writing, and comedy, Glover started his career as a writer for the TV series “30 Rock” and later became a cast member on “Community.” He co-wrote and starred in the Emmy-winning series “Atlanta,” and he has been involved in various other creative projects, including the 2019 film “The Lion King,” where he provided the voice for Simba. Musically, his 2016 album “Awaken, My Love!” ventured into funk and soul, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song “Redbone.”
However, one more title wouldn’t hurt. Right?
When asked during a recent interview, “What defines this new chapter for you? What’s your mindset like?”, Gambino had this to say:
“I would define it as a new world. I got bored with people saying, like, “This world is shit.” It’s kind of like when people say, “Oh, this traffic is so bad.” I’m like, “You are traffic.” You can’t sit there and be like, “Oh man, the traffic was horrible. I’m sorry, I was late.” You are traffic. You’re in it. Without you, there would be no traffic. So if you’re sitting here being like, “The world is shit,” it’s like, you are the world. You have to take that responsibility. So I focused on making sure that everything I’m making is shit that I wish was in the world.” — Childish Gambino
Sounds like an urbanist to me.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift needs no introduction. But just in case, she is an American singer-songwriter who has become one of the most successful and influential musicians of her generation.
When reflecting on why Taylor loves New York in an interview in July 2023, she expressed quite a sentiment we have all been able to relate to.
“My favorite thing about the City is that in other towns or cities, things feel very spread out, but because of something about New York, everything being on top of each other, the night falls together.” — Taylor Swift
@yimbylandWalkable Urbanism (Taylor’s Version) #taylorswift #taylorsversion #urbanism #transit #yimby #nimby #tod
Swift recently wrapped up tour and even has a set where choreography includes bicycles. Yes, the bicycles we know and love.
J. Cole
Originally signed to Jay Z’s label Roc Nation, Fayetteville, N.C. native J. Cole has sketched his name the cement as one of the best rappers to ever touch a microphone. His storytelling ability and understanding of rhyming schemes, alliteration and delivery has become consistent enough to even be associated as the greatest.
Cole has never been shy about his stance on materialistic things. In 2014, he said this during an interview. “I sold my car. I used to have a Range [Rover] at one point, I sold it. I ride a bike now through Manhattan.”, Cole said chuckling.
Almost a decade later, Cole can still be seen randomly biking around New York City quite frequently.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of celebrities becoming urbanists may seem like a far-fetched scenario, it seems to slowly be evolving into reality. They may not know the lingo but understand the general concepts associated with great urban infrastructure. It is interesting to consider the impact their unique perspectives, passions, and resources could have on our cities if they were more hands-on at local public meetings. These celebrities could inspire a new era of urban development, where sustainability, inclusivity, technology, and culture intersect to create more vibrant and harmonious urban spaces. Ultimately, urban planning will always be a collective effort, but the involvement of celebrities as urbanists might just be the catalyst needed to usher in transformative changes in our cities.
Til next time, cut loose.
