The Projective City - Blog Post 1


Mallon’s argument can be seen as indicative of Boltanski and Chiapello’s term “the projective city” as it reflects the changes being made within the Waterloo tech sector. The Communitech event itself is indicative of “the projective city”, as it created a space for tech workers to network with industry professionals. The projective city itself “is found on the mediating activity employed in the creation of networks” (Boltanski & Chiapello, 2005). Not only could the event be attended by local industry professionals, but it could also attract potential talent to the area. In his talk, Mallon also discussed the various organizational changes that could be implemented. Mallon found companies that offered more flexibility to their employees saw a high return rate of success. Mallon’s talk and Boltanski and Chiapello’s ideas on the projective city centralize around stepping outside of the box of the typical 9-5 job. Mallon argues that “instead of hiring a certain number of employees, businesses will need to think about what type of work needs to be done in the future and the kind of talent that will fill the gap” (Pedro, 2019). Attracting more innovative, creative individuals who are passionate about work creates a better work environment. By giving these individuals more freedom within their roles at work can allow them more time for self-education and growth. Boltanski and Chiapello also argue that “self-educational work … and voluntary work makes it possible to construct social networks outside of work, to participate actively in progress towards a better world and to transmit wisdom to others” (Boltanski & Chiapello, 2005). Overall, making innovative changes to traditional work culture directly correlates with creating a more innovative work environment and embodies the characteristics of ‘the projective city’.  

Boltanski, Luc, and Eve Chiapello. "The new spirit of capitalism." International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society 18.3-4 (2005): 161-188.

Pedro, Kelly. “A Master's Every 10 Years: How Workers Will Adapt to Change Future of Work Series Aims to Position Waterloo Region as Test Bed for Ideas.” Communitech News, news.communitech.ca/a-masters-every-10-years-how-workers-will-adapt-to-change/.

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