• Deborah Gans and Matthew Jelaic are looking to prove that small budgets can still lead to solid design. If your city has a strong architectural tradition like Chicago's, arrange for your group to go on a walking, driving or boat tour to discuss the different building techniques employed in your city. Examine the relationship between the 'rich' and 'poor' buildings. What common architectural elements do they share, and what could they elements could they adapt from each other? While on the tour evaluate the conflict between pragmatism and style/design. Which structures in your city clearly value one over the other? Which ones could use a boost of either?
• This issue explored the Best of the Best in business innovation. Send an email survey to your group to get their opinions on the best of the best in your area. Find out who they think owns the best restaurant, bar, theatre, small company, large company, etc. Use their feedback to plan a future meeting at a winning restaurant or bar or to invite future guest speakers from popular local companies.
• Strategic Innovation provided an uplifting look at one children's' hospital dedicated to improving life, not just prolonging it. Arrange for members of your group to visit the local children's hospital on a weekend. Observe how this particular hospital is laid out. Does it create an atmosphere of warmth or of sterilization? How can a hospital be both inviting and functional in relation to cost-efficiency and space limitations? Montefiore has a lot of solar system-themed rooms to appeal to kids. Discuss the crossover theme between space, health and the body. In what ways does the body resemble the makeup of a solar system? What organs act central like the sun and is there a restraining force like gravity to keep everything in alignment? Is there a comparable force in business?
  
  Visit the 'other part' of your city. Survey the businesses present and the conditions of the neighborhood. Might these areas be able to develop if given the means to do so or are there inherent problems with the areas themselves?
• Guinness is trying to brand itself as the face of Irish beer. Find the local Irish pub and host a group meeting or post-meeting there next month. Evaluate the setup and design of the pub -- does it make you feel in the mood to drink Guinness or would the experience be the same with a domestic brew? Discuss the rise of the culture of Guinness over a pint. The 'perfect' Guinness pint should be poured in two stages and served at about 45 degrees. Evalaute the pints at this establishment. Ask the bar manager how the pub ensures customers that they can consistently have an authentic pour, or do customers not seem to care? Kirsner points out that Guinness is trying to tap into young new drinkers. Discuss the implications of creating a community based on alcohol? Relate this to your workplace -- compare company policies on alcohol availability at corporate meetings, holiday parties and mixers. Are certain industries more prone to more liberal alcohol policies than others?

Daniel Richards contributed this month's Next Steps.

May 2002 Connexus | Flash Points | Next Steps

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