Garage to Skyscraper
As Margaret Crawford mentions in "Little Boxes", Silicon Valley is well know for its advanced and flourishing tech industry that was created developed in the confides of a small garage. These startups began to grow and expand to larger and larger companies that ultimately needed a new place to work. Companies began to build megastructures and expanding cities over time, slowly raising the cost of land and housing in the area.
When we think of a startup, we often think of a small company with a small idea, requiring a lot of support but only a tiny space. These situations allow for the company to flourish in an environment that cultivates camaraderie and culture of idea sharing. As the businesses have expanded and moved to these campus size complexes. The social camaraderie has begun to die off, a level of competition has been introduced, and these companies become siloed. The introduction of new ideas dwindles and the pool of fresh ideas begin to dry up. Some of these issues may arise due to company or professional culture however, we as architects must not forget our role in the equation. We have the ability to provide these spaces for outreach, culture, communication, and gathering both on a personal scale much like the garage and also on the corporate scale.
Hey Nathan, I believe small business like this are able to thrive because the cost of rent so low. These companies solely focus on how to perfect the brand instead of worrying about the our bills that why be piling up.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thought, Nathan. I appreciate the viewpoint and wonder how small scale businesses can be created for start-ups like the one you mentioned. Like tiny homes but with businesses. Makes me think of the weeds and breaking bad references David talked about in class. Too bad homes can't be zoned for business most of the time!
ReplyDeleteMargaret Crawford's "Little Boxes" brings up an interesting point about how the growth of Silicon Valley's tech industry has led to a shift in company culture and idea sharing. As architects, we have the opportunity to create spaces that cultivate camaraderie and communication, both on a personal and corporate scale.
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