Arjan Hofmann – The Futures Interview

Dec 21, 2011


Arjan Hofmann

Real estate developers influence our daily life in a major way. Arjan Hofmann works for the Association of Dutch Real Estate Developers and is responsible for communications and the courses the association develops and offers. From that position he offers the sector fresh perspectives, ideas and methods that stimulate that newly built surroundings have a positive impact.
The sector works hard on delivering sustainable solutions and high quality urban environments. Space is scarce in the small Rhine-delta. By working from a constant consciousness of the societal responsibilities those targets are made. Arjan is closely involved and initiating progress by organizing grand scale conferences on sustainable real estate development, publishing magazines on the necessity and advantages of a high ethical standard and on new ways of a true customer focused way of real estate development. Arjan’s work for the Neprom is a combination of his every day interests in society, politics and environment with the work of real estate developers.

?!X: What’s the Future You Choose?

AH: I choose a future where there’s a focus on happiness and well-being, which leads to a conscious life. A future where it’s about more than just more money. Where it is about respect for each other and our environment and resources. Altruism is held in higher regard than egoism. It’s great to give and you get so much in return. We are a social species.

?!X: What’s a ‘think’ to create this future?

AH:  There are many ‘thinks’ and it’s a constant, growing stream. Most important ones at this moment are Tony Judt’s ‘Ill fares the land’, Umair Haque’s insights and ideas of an eudaimonic society and Parag Khanna’s book ‘How to run the world’. There’s also an everyday stream of articles on, among many others, Fast Company  and Good , which talk about practical, everyday ideas that work towards a more sustainable and respectful future.

?!X: What’s an ‘act’ to create the future you choose

AH: It’s our responsibility to redesign our own world. Don’t look away and speak up. It’s also your own future, your own environment. Come up with alternatives to make steps forward. Take away ‘tension points’.

Next to that, work as a volunteer. I should do it more myself, but I’ve already enjoyed some great times with this Dutch network: Nederland Cares, which offers opportunities to volunteer in a flexible way. They offer an agenda with activities and you can just schedule yourself in. Brilliant initiative with a low threshold and they’re growing fast.

?!X: What’s a ‘vote’ to create the future you choose?

AH: Again Nederland Cares and I like the 10:10 initiative, which appeals to both consumers and companies and works with easy, reachable goals.

?!X: Future Soundtrack – What song would you take with you into the future? 

AH: I’ll choose Roy Ayers’ Everybody Loves The Sunshine (on vinyl of course!). A true happy title and tune.

?!X: Can you share with us up to 5 weblinks that you find interesting and inspiring?

AH:

www.righttoplay.com Combining sports and good causes, I love it.
www.avaaz.org
www.hbr.org
www.inhabitat.com
www.springwise.com (Trend watching site that shows new products and services that are based on a sustainable, more collective way of living are gaining ground.)

Follow Arjan on twitter @arjan_hofmann

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