24-hour city: opportunities and conflicts of the night-time economy

The idea of a city that is alive and vibrant 24 hours a day fascinates and inspires, entices and seduces. The night-time economy in particular – consisting of clubs, bars, cultural institutions and other offerings – contributes significantly to the attractiveness of urban spaces. It provides jobs, attracts tourists and creates a unique atmosphere that characterizes the urban lifestyle.

However, at a time of increasing densification and growing conflicts between different user groups , the night-time economy also faces major challenges: How can a balance be struck between the needs of residents, night-time workers and tradespeople? What models and approaches are there to overcome these challenges?

Let’s first take a look at the opportunities of the night-time economy. It is important to be aware of these and to name them clearly – as strong arguments in favor of the night-time economy, but also as a basis for mediating and avoiding conflicts.

The night-time economy is a significant economic factor. It creates important and often low-barrier jobs in the catering, security, culture and transportation sectors and makes a relevant contribution to the city’s added value: In Berlin alone, the night-time economy generates annual sales of over one billion euros. And in the Hamburg region, the gross value added of the music industry in 2019 was also over one billion euros (source: study commissioned by Hamburg Music).

A lively nightlife not only attracts tourists, but also increases the attractiveness of a city for attractiveness of a city for skilled workers and companies. Young, well-educated talents in particular prefer cities with a diverse nightlife offering.

The night also offers space for subcultures, creativity and innovation, that often have no place during the day. In Amsterdam, for example, micro festivals have developed that are regarded as creative nuclei for new music genres.

The Night culture is important for the city as an organism: It creates meeting places and spaces for encounters that promote social cohesion. Studies show that clubs and bars are often places where new networks are created.

Clubs and bars are places for music and subculture, but also for meeting and networking

The main point of conflict is noise. Residents mainly complain about the noise associated with nightlife. This also includes the discussion about “corners”, i.e. hanging out on street corners, especially at night.

Dense inner cities bring businesses, residents and night owls into close proximity and create real spatial conflicts – over parking spaces, open spaces and traffic.

But safety also plays a role in the mix: alcohol, drugs and violence can tarnish the nightlife atmosphere. London has responded to this by setting up “Night Safety Hubs”, which serve as contact points for people in need. In Hamburg, the Clubkombinat is currently working on pilot projects under the title “to-be-aware”, with the first test runs scheduled for summer 2025.

Many cities around the world have developed their own models to address conflicts in the context of the night-time economy. Regardless of the name given to these projects, the focus is on conflict resolution. The differences can usually be found in the governance structure.

It should be noted that it is always about mediation between the administration, residents and the night-time economy – in other words, communication. Direct and low-barrier accessibility is the basis for success – whether in the organization of “round tables”, in advocating for the needs of the night-time economy or in developing strategies for a sustainable night-time economy.

One focus should be the strategic development and integration of the night-time economy into urban planning processes. This is the only way to achieve real sustainability in urban development. In Berlin, for example, night officers have successfully contributed to the creation of a noise action plan. In Amsterdam, for example, there is a night mayor who coordinates a campaign for responsible partying. And in Munich, conflict managers from the All-Party Conflict Management (AKIM) mediate between revelers and residents.

A specialized approach, such as that taken in Zurich, focuses on the cultural aspects of nightlife. The aim here is to promote cultural events and at the same time reduce conflicts with local residents. In Zurich, a “Night Culture Fund” has been set up to support innovative projects.

Many cities are already working on solutions to overcome the conflicts and mediate between the stakeholder groups. Ideally, these should address several issues simultaneously:

1. Participation: regular dialog formats between residents, tradespeople and night-time activists. In Basel, for example, there are monthly neighborhood forums.
2. Technological innovation: noise sensors and digital tools to detect and resolve conflicts at an early stage. Barcelona is currently testing an app that collects and evaluates real-time data on noise pollution.
3. Urban planning: spatial separation of sensitive residential areas and night-time economy as well as the creation of “quiet zones”. The redevelopment of London’s Soho district shows how conflicts can be reduced through clever planning.
4. Education: Awareness campaigns for respectful behavior in public spaces accompany conflict management. In Sydney, a campaign against littering was successfully implemented. In Hamburg, the focus is on “being kind”.
5. Cooperation: Networking between the cultural and night-time economy to develop joint concepts. In Melbourne, nightclubs and theaters are working on interdisciplinary programs.

Poster for the Lieb sein! campaign in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district. The theme: Show consideration, reduce noise – especially at night between bars and parties

The night-time economy is indispensable for vibrant urban spaces. However, it also brings with it conflicts that can be resolved through smart management and mediation. The various models – from night-time mayors to technological aids – only develop their full potential in combination with participatory and strategic approaches.

A city that lives 24 hours a day ultimately needs a balanced mix of innovation, dialog and planning in order to reconcile the interests of all stakeholders.

Image credit: Unsplash.com, Pixaby