In places boasting high ‘serendipity scores,’ the likelihood of serendipitous and invaluable interactions is amplified. These chance meetings can blossom into new friendships, solidify partnerships, or spark stimulating conversations. The advantage isn’t solely in walkability; it’s also about the mixing of curious and motivated people that populate these areas. When these individuals collide, it paves the way for unanticipated moments of opportunity and insight. The design philosophies behind the Pixar Campus and the new Apple Campus resonate with this idea, juicing cross-pollination and facilitating organic learning.

While the tranquility and spaciousness of car-centric bedroom communities have their merits, they often fall short in offering regular serendipitous encounters. Hubs like San Francisco, New York, Sydney, pockets of London, and numerous bustling port cities worldwide stand testament to the irreplaceable value of being in an environment that nurtures such interactions.

The messy urban cities and the High Streets are where the alchemy happens.