Challenger Cities

Challenger City TO EP9: The Role of Capital Design in Better, Future Cities with Jordan Ostapchuk

05 Aug 2024

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In this episode of Challenger City TO, Iain welcomes Jordan Ostapchuk, a pioneering capital designer, to explore the transformative role of capital design in urban investment. Jordan, who often finds himself as the "token capitalist in a room full of designers" and the "token designer in a room full of capitalists," shares his unique perspective on integrating creative thinking with traditional finance to address the complexities of modern urban challenges.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to Capital Design:Jordan explains the concept of capital design, blending the rigor of investment with the creative logic of design.The importance of framing problems correctly to develop effective solutions.Role of Institutional Capital:How institutional capital, encompassing over a hundred trillion dollars globally, influences urban development.The need for design to help risk-averse and conservative investors adapt to new challenges with modern tools.Challenges and Innovations:The mismatch between traditional asset classes and the modern world.Jordan's experiences in driving innovation at a major real estate developer in Toronto during the rise of WeWork.The example of APG changing their definition of infrastructure to include equality and quality of life.Toronto as a Challenger City:The potential for Toronto to become a Challenger City by articulating clear aspirations and leveraging its strengths.The role of institutional capital in contributing to the city's long-term viability and vibrancy.Jordan's vision of a future where Toronto's decision-making processes are inclusive and future-oriented, with an Office for the Future dedicated to strategic planning.Designing Better Decision-Making Systems:The need to improve the consultation process in urban planning.The potential of innovative decision-making processes like quadratic voting.Balancing top-down and bottom-up approaches in urban planning, drawing inspiration from natural systems.Toronto's Unique Position:Toronto as a leading hub for pension investors, known for the Maple model.The opportunity for Toronto to leverage its strengths and innovate, despite a tendency towards complacency.Future Outlook:Jordan's speculation on where we might be in 10 years, potentially discussing urban investment in the headquarters of the Toronto Civic Strategic Sensing Centre.His hope for a city that looks more like a thriving forest than a rigid Lego set.Quotes:"If we can frame the problem correctly, I think we're 80% of the way there to solving it.""Institutional capital will be the most transformative force of the 21st century.""A Challenger City has a distinct aspiration for what it wants to be and a strategy to achieve it.""We're sitting in the headquarters of the Toronto Civic Strategic Sensing Centre, where we have a robust process for thinking about the future and incorporating multiple voices and perspectives and constantly adapting.""I hope that we can say the city looks a lot more like a forest than it does a Lego."

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3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

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Challenger Cities

Challenger City TO EP9: The Role of Capital Design in Better, Future Cities with Jordan Ostapchuk

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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