The Creative Age and Place

Why Do Heat Index and Wind Chill Temperatures Exist? 

Throughout this semester we have looked at a few different places that seem to be hotspots for technology as well as creative industries as a whole. Some of the examples we've talked about have been Silicon Valley of course, our own Kitchener/Waterloo hub, Toronto's entertainment district and others. In our world today creative jobs are taking the driving seat in our economy. Richard Florida has made many correlations between place and creativity. He believes that certain places have more aspects than others to convince creative and likeminded individuals to work or move to a certain location. Some of the things he considered were the buzz, energy, vibe, and quality of a place. However one thing he didn't mention would be the climate. I personally do not like the cold or even snow for that matter, and the climate of a region in which I may want to be employed at one day is definitely something I would consider. That being said, feel like the climate of some of these locations would make a difference to whether one would want to work or live there. 

My question to the class is how do you think the climate of region in a place like Silicon Valley, compared to here in Waterloo might influence an individuals decision of where to work? Do you think it wouldn't make much a difference, or would it be a deciding factor?

Also, do you think Silicon Valley would have grown into something as big as it is now if it was created in a colder environment?

Comments

  1. Claire DavidsonMarch 28, 2022 at 4:25 PM

    Great post! In regard to your first question, I think that the climate would in fact be a deciding factor for many when working in a region like Silicon Valley and then Silicon Valley North, as Canada does have a much colder climate opposed to California, I think SV is so popular due to its location and what surrounds it. I think it also depends on the person as this may be a factor to many but many may also not care or perhaps live in a hot climate and want to experience a cold one, vice versa. Your second question is interesting as I had not brought this into consideration before. I do think a contributing factor of the success of SV is due to its climate as Canadian winters can halt certain inventions or creations due to the climate and may stop certain individuals from travelling, etc- whereas in California winter is not an issue.

    Interesting post!

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    Replies
    1. Peter ClancyApril 10, 2022 at 11:45 AM

      Hey Claire, thanks for the reply! I totally agree with you. Climate is such an important factor when it comes to choosing a place to live and work and a place like SV having such an amazing climate definitely makes it more luxurious and desirable to be in. One thing you mentioned that I didn't really think of is the cold climate being an issue for certain innovations or creations. That is a really good point and I think that could definitely be a big factor as well.

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  2. Tony FengApril 2, 2022 at 9:39 PM

    Hi Peter, great post! I think climate plays a big part in recruiting talented people to live in an area which has an impact on how successful the area will become. Climate is probably the reason why most Canadians live close to the border of the US, since it’s much warmer than living anywhere more north of the country. Personally I would choose to work in an area that has a good climate, and I’m sure that most people would as well. If there was a Silicon Valley somewhere in Yukon, I think it wouldn’t be as successful as the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, because the cold climate would be a turnoff for people trying to innovate. Also, since creating startups is difficult, a warmer climate would make it easier for people to survive off of little to no income while living at cheap places.

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    Replies
    1. Peter ClancyApril 10, 2022 at 11:50 AM

      Hey Tony, great response! I agree with you as well. There are of course some people who do like the cold, but when it comes to innovation and creation, I think that a warmer climate would usually be ideal. I think the point you brought up about being able to survive off of less income is easier in a warmer climate is a really good thought. Having the ability to do that would mean that they have more time and energy to ensure the success of their company moving forward.

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  3. Tyler McRaeApril 18, 2022 at 6:03 PM

    Hi Peter,
    I would argue that climate does play a factor in influencing a individual where they choose to work. I think especially with the rise of popularity in digital nomad jobs and the online world, this has also created this unrealistic image concerning areas like Silicon Valley because it's California and close to the meca of Hollwood. However, I would argue that if Silicon Valley were created in areas like New Jersey Or Boston, this would not affect how big the concept of Silicon Valley because like anything in any industry, the area only grows to have some prestige the longer it is there. If Silicon Valley started near M.I.T. in the 70's, its prestige could arguably be even bigger than what it is now. I think what attracts employees to Silicon Valley is its mission regarding venture labour and tech companies overall objetives, not because of warm climate conditions which would affect more international attention.

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  4. UnknownApril 19, 2022 at 6:46 AM

    Hello! Interesting question! I do remember in one of the readings it specified that places like California have a nature/climate advantage (ie sunny ocean) which attracts people to live there. I feel like people feel intimated to live in colder climates like Canada, if they're not use to the snow and driving in the snow. I think if Waterloo was even on a lake like Collingwood it would for sure attract more people (ie lake country) - Julia H

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