When There’s a Clear Target, the Right Details are Easier to Find

By: Fast Company staffWed Dec 19, 2007 at 8:26 AM

A Hotel for Japan-Loving Hipsters
What if you had to create a Japanese cultural experience in a Western hotel? That box led to Chip Conley's Hotel Tomo in San Francisco, with anime art covering the walls, beanbag chairs, and gaming suites with PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and 6-foot LCD projection screens.
A Formula for Hit Comedies
Will Ferrell comedies, such as Talladega Nights, are hits in part because planned scenes are jumping-off points for improvisation between the actors, leading to the funniest moments.
The Un-Bank
A bank that's a community center? West Coast regional Umpqua Bank does it with branches that host regular events, such as yoga lessons and movie nights, and offer a house blend of coffee and local-music downloads.