ANWF: The Bottom-Up Model

Las Vegas, Nevada (Zappos and The Downtown Project)

Amidst the dazzling lights and glittering casinos of Las Vegas, an experiment in urbanism and corporate culture took place - The Bottom-Up Model. Spearheaded by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and the Downtown Project, this bold initiative sought to redefine the very essence of community and urban renewal.

“How many opportunities in a lifetime do you have to help shape the future of a major city?” Asked Hseih in a 2013 speech, where he committed to transform downtown Las Vegas into “the most community-focused large city in the world”.

Later that year, Zappos headquarters were relocated into the old City Hall building. The vision: to increase the number of “collisions” between diverse and interesting people by adding public art installations and making downtown more walkable. At its core, the Bottom-Up Model hinged on the belief that community building should begin organically from the ground up, driven by the passions and aspirations of its inhabitants. Far from the top-down approach typical of corporate developments, Zappos envisioned a dynamic urban ecosystem crafted by the people, for the people.

Local entrepreneurs and residents collaborated closely with those shaping the city to revitalise the once-neglected downtown area. The creative energy of the community permeated every aspect of the project, shaping an eclectic tapestry of art installations, boutiques, and vibrant gathering spaces.

The Bottom-Up Model emphasised placemaking, where public spaces were not merely utilitarian but imbued with character and a sense of identity. Colourful murals adorned once drab walls, breathing new life into forgotten corners of the city.

Entrepreneurs and start-up's thrived in this fertile ground, as Zappos invested heavily in small businesses, recognising the importance of a diverse and vibrant economic landscape. The Downtown Project envisioned a thriving ecosystem where the boundaries between work and leisure blurred, and innovation bloomed in the most unexpected places.

Yet, the Bottom-Up Model faced its share of challenges. The balance between revitalisation and gentrification proved delicate, as the influx of new businesses inadvertently displaced some long-time residents. The initial enthusiasm and momentum also faced sustainability questions as the project matured.

Las Vegas's Bottom-Up Model is a lesson in the power of collaboration and community-driven design. It underlines the vital role of city-shapers as facilitators, working in tandem with the aspirations of the people they serve.

As we forge ahead on our journey towards A New Way Forward, the Bottom-Up Model calls upon organisations to be mindful of the social fabric they weave. Our actions must embrace inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural preservation, breathing life into the spaces we create.

Las Vegas stands as a testament that cities are not mere backdrops to corporate endeavours but living, breathing entities shaped by the dreams and ambitions of their inhabitants. The Bottom-Up Model beckons us to embrace the ever-evolving narratives of the cities they serve, crafting spaces that celebrate the spirit of human collaboration and the power of collective vision.