Why Design Is Important

Everyone has heard of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, in 2007, a horrific incident that spawned the heroic effort to replace it. Many bridges span the Mississippi river in Minneapolis and each offers a different experience when making the crossing. Most people do not think about these crossings, as utilitarian as they are, but I do. I think about every building I enter, every space I occupy. I notice the environment around me all the time. There is design in all of this. It makes us feel. We may not notice it real-time but it is there.

I have always loved the Hennepin Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi. Someone built this bridge with design in mind. You cannot help but see how it integrates itself with the Federal Bank Building as you cross it entering downtown Minneapolis. I am not saying the new bridge that replaces the one that has fallen is bad. We needed the new bridge. I just wish we could all respect the value of design in building such a monumental thing.

Design makes us feel. Whether we realize it or not, it does. When we surround ourselves with the visual, it has an effect on our lives, a simple thing.

Everyone can surround themselves with the things they appreciate. We do this in our homes and businesses. All we need is access to new and exciting elements. The internet has expanded this access with an overwhelming set of opportunities. One I have recently been involved with is Viewville.com. It has things I have never seen anywhere else and I am proud to be a part of it.

A bridge can be utilitarian and get you across the great divide, or it can be an entrance. You may not be able to design bridges, but you can design many things in your life.