From Florida Shores to Suburban Stores- Finding Beauty!

“Some people look for a beautiful place; Others make a place beautiful” - Hazrat Inayat Khan

This quote resonated with me after returning from my recent trip from the coast of Florida to the familiar streets of suburban Chicago. I find it fascinating how our surroundings influence us and, more importantly, how we have the power to influence our places in return. Here’s my latest observations which I hope will inspire both colleagues and friends.

Practical “Placemaking” - Transforming Ordinary into Extraordinary

While visiting a Florida shopping center, I stumbled upon this ”love lock bridge,” a charming spot where couples celebrate their relationships by attaching padlocks — much like some famous sites found in Europe.  Most surprising was the setting by a typical Kohl's store! This was a vivid reminder of how placemaking can transform even the most mundane locations into spaces of beauty and connection.

Back home in Glenview, Illinois, the Village is exploring how conventional “townscaping” techniques—like hanging flower baskets and decorative lighting—can enhance the vibrancy of our Downtown area.  I’m still thinking how other simple enhancements and “placemaking” can be prompted. This is always aligned with my involvement in MDRN and Friends of Downtown Glenview - to support economical quality design driven by community engagement.

Design at a Discount: The Value of Thoughtful Design

Returning to Florida memories, I realize the famous struggles with development and environmental concerns (as highlighted in my favorite Carl Hiaasen's novels) offers a cautionary perspective. Yet, many popular new areas on the Gulf Coast showcase innovative approaches to community design and conservation.

For instance, the concept of the “design dividend” came back to me at a popular “outlet mall” near Fort Myers airport. In this location, the use of vibrant colors, fountains, and greenery significantly uplifts the shopping spaces. Architectural details and lush landscape design can indeed add economic value to a space. Again, proving that beauty and economics are not mutually exclusive.

My travel to the shores of Florida and return to Chicago has reinforced for me the notion that beauty is not just to be found but to be created. Whether it's through the decoration of a bridge or the thoughtful design of public spaces, it’s a collective call to action as the quote suggests!