PREFACE

We are living in an increasingly polarised and divided world. Our global community has been driven into progressively binary world views. Every action we take seems to represent what we oppose. Technology promises to connect us all, but ideas are largely shared in ‘echo chambers’ of like-minded people.

At Therme Group, we see a future with new ways to connect, share ideas and evolve our thinking. Bridging the divide between points of view in a way that can benefit us all. Making positive progress towards a better and fairer future, and benefiting the wellbeing of both people and planet.

The need for this positive new approach is particularly evident in cities, where communities are isolated and insulated from each other based on wealth, class, politics and ethnicity. Research into this paper was underway prior to the coronavirus crisis and has continued throughout the pandemic. Due to Covid-19, we are now seeing a greater focus on the challenges of urban life and an accelerated drive for cities to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their citizens.

Therme Group is future-focused and part of the solution. We see an opportunity to create a human city, with the wellbeing of the individual connected to that of the wider community. We envisage unifying spaces where people from every element of society can gather together in environments that are safe, natural and accessible.

We have created an experience founded in the relaxing, unifying and health-giving effects of water, nature and culture. This essential part of daily city life is a place to meet and share ideas in an environment optimised for health and wellbeing.

In every city we serve, we make a profound impact on the wellbeing of millions of people. But we are also part of the wider city system, an interconnected structure that touches on every aspect of life. In this publication, we are seeking to further the global wellbeing movement. The connections and debates the paper develops will contribute to our mission to improve wellbeing for all. It will enable us to work together with all people invested in the collective wave of innovation towards human cities of the future.

DR. ROBERT C. HANEA Chairman and CEO of Therme Group