Seeing the work happening around Library Gardens and City Library got me thinking about how cities breathe like living organisms. Urban sociologists call this the "urban respiration cycle" - cities expand outward and then contract inward in rhythmic patterns over decades.

We've seen this in Joburg's history: First came the outward breath in the 90s/2000s as businesses fled to Sandton and Rosebank, leaving the CBD gasping. Now we're witnessing the inward breath, with areas like Maboneng, Braamfontein, and now the Library District showing signs of revival.

These cycles aren't random - they're deeply tied to social and economic patterns. When cities breathe out, they leave behind architectural "fossils" of their previous life. When they breathe in, these structures get repurposed and reimagined (exactly what's happening with these revamps for new shops and flats).

What's particularly exciting about the Library Gardens renewal is its location - right in the historic heart of our city. This isn't just renovation; it's regeneration of our city's cultural core. And unlike the sometimes exclusive nature of other renewal projects, the fact that it's centered around our public library suggests a more inclusive approach to this urban renewal.

It's encouraging to see roads and landmarks being repaired alongside the building revamps. Infrastructure and culture need to breathe together for sustainable urban renewal.

What other parts of the CBD do you think are ready for their "inward breath"?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​