#10 Coby Lefkowitz: Beliefs Inform Building; Personal Agency; Creating a Better World for All The Building Culture Podcast

I'm thrilled to have Coby Lefkowitz on the show today. Coby is an urbanist, real estate developer, writer, and consultant based in New York, and I would add, all around optimist. I've been following him on X for several years, and while it was our first conversation it felt like we had known each other much longer. We are saving the technical conversation on building and development for a time down the road, and today we really focused on the culture around building well and the obstacles that come with it. We both share this idea, in a lot of ways, that the best is just ahead if we can align our beliefs as a culture.

TAKEAWAYS:
- Urbanism and planning play a crucial role in creating beautiful and
sustainable cities.
- It is important to dream and not settle for utilitarian outcomes in
city building.
- A cultural shift towards more thoughtful and human-centered city
building is needed.
- Dopamine plays a significant role in motivation and addiction, and
understanding its effects can help us make better choices.
- Finding beauty in the ordinary and embracing everyday simplicity can
enhance our appreciation of our surroundings.
- Background buildings, when designed with quality and simplicity, can
provide a strong foundation for vibrant communities.
- Tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive; tradition
represents proven innovation that has stood the test of time.
- Architecture has the power to shape our experiences and create
intrigue and stimulation in our surroundings.
- Small actions, such as adding potted plants or personal touches, can
transform and benefit streets and communities.
- Overcoming fatalism and embracing choice can empower individuals to
shape their communities and create meaningful change.
- Despite the challenges we face, history shows that humanity has the ability to rise to the occasion and find solutions.
- Optimism and a proactive mindset are essential for creating a better
future.

CONNECT WITH COBY:
Twitter

https://cobylefkowitz.com

COBY'S FAVORITES:
* Habits: Daily gym & reading
* Top Podcasts:
- Basketball theme - Nick's NBA podcast
* Books:
- Welcome to Your World: Sarah Williams Goldhagen - The School of Llife: An Emotional Education

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:30 The Importance of Urbanism and Planning
08:08 The Need to Dream and Overcoming Barriers
17:33 The Cost of Development and the Value of Design
25:00 The Culture of Consumption and the Importance of Good
29:35 The Challenges of Financing and the Need for Coherent Vision
35:24 The Importance of Conversations and Understanding Perspectives
41:11 The Cultural Shift Needed for Sustainable Development
42:04 The Dopamine Effect and Addiction
43:26 The Value of Everyday Beauty
47:12 The Role of Background Buildings
50:12 The Balance Between Tradition and Innovation
53:07 The Impact of Architecture on Experience
56:20 The Importance of Restraint and Punctuation in Design
57:49 The Power of Small Actions in Shaping Communities
01:03:06 Overcoming Fatalism and Embracing Choice
01:05:32 The Value of Tradition and the Potential for Change
01:10:01 The Impact of Individual Actions on Shaping Places
01:14:01 The Journey of Making a Difference
01:18:36 The Progress and Hope in Urban Planning
01:22:19 Introduction and Background
01:23:04 Interest in Architecture and Urban Planning
01:24:27 Books That Have Changed the Way Coby Thinks
01:25:36 Inspiring Trips and Observations on the Built Environment
01:31:25 Philadelphia as an Example of Urban Planning
01:33:40 Optimism for the Future
01:36:25 Closing Remarks

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