Tuesday, September 3, 2024

How air conditioning took over the American office

Also today: Airbnb urges NYC to scale back rental regulations, and how to reduce your exposure to microplastics.

Before central air conditioning permeated America's offices, table and ceiling fans were workplace staples. Buildings were designed for maximum ventilation, with high ceilings, transoms and shaded windows. When weather conditions became too oppressive, indoor workers were simply sent home.

All that changed as employers began seeing AC as not a luxury amenity but a necessity amid record-shattering heat waves — and promises of boosted productivity. Read more from David Dudley today on CityLab: How Air Conditioning Took Over the American Office

— Linda Poon

More on CityLab

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Microplastics
Tiny plastic particles are found everywhere, including in our bodies. We asked experts for their advice on how to reduce our exposure as much as possible.

From the Archives: The Future of the Office Is Cozy
In the latest high-end office design trend, employers are trying to lure people back to work by giving them the comforts of home — and a room of their own. 

Airbnb Urges NYC to Scale Back Short-Term Rental Regulations
The company argues the regulation is pricing out travelers, while failing to "deliver on the promise to combat the housing crisis." 

Event Alert

Mexico City Mayor-Elect Clara Brugada and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker will be among the speakers at the 2024 Bloomberg CityLab conference on Oct. 14-16 in Mexico City. The event, which will convene more than 500 mayors and urban leaders to discuss solutions to pressing issues, will be available via livestream. Check out the link here to see other speakers confirmed so far. 

What we're reading

  • The failing school bus (Slate)
  • Turn down the streetlights (Atlantic)
  • Migrants in NY shelters face surprising challenge: getting their mail (New York Times)
  • Party of one: Restaurants are catering to a growing number of solo diners (Associated Press)
  • Ski resorts are stockpiling snow to get through warm winters (Wired)

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  • Economics Daily for what the changing landscape means for policy makers, investors and you
  • Green Daily for the latest in climate news, zero-emission tech and green finance
  • Hyperdrive for expert insight into the future of cars
  • Design Edition for CityLab's newsletter on design and architecture — and the people who make buildings happen
  • Work Shift for exclusive insight and data on the future of work

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