January 2nd, 2023

In America…

BUSINESS, ELEVATED.

My podcast interview with professor Kurt Paulsen this week on Urban Planning and Defying Placelessness got me thinking more about the role that business plays in the uniformity and monotony of the American landscape. As Kurt mentioned, part of the issue is the nationalization of retail which leads to a cookie cutter formula of buildings and branding from coast to coast. I will discuss potential solutions related to national retail in another post. 

But I can't seem to shake the notion that overall there is room for businesses to elevate. To consider their impact on the public realm. To consider their impact on the way our communities and country looks and feels and inspires or deflates. To work that consideration into their business plans. (And of course, some local businesses already nail this.)

I do realize 'elevate' is subjective. And 'look and feel and inspiration' is subjective. That's ok. An open and even messy discourse surely beats passive resignation.

---

You can watch my interview with Kurt Paulsen.
Or listen.
Or search The Kathleen Sessions in your favorite podcast app.