Lecture Notes: Why Does Every Place in America Look the Same?

Introduction

• Observation of familiarity in fast food locations (e.g., McDonald's) across different states.
• Discussion on the homogenization of American spaces, referred to as "sameness."

Major Factors Contributing to Sameness

• Three main reasons that lead to a predictable and uniform environment in American towns and cities.

1. Dominance of Chain Stores and Restaurants

• Rise of Big Box Stores:
  • Introduction of chain stores like Walmart, Target, Kmart in 1962.
  • Average of 14 local businesses close within 15 months of a Walmart opening.
  • Walmart's revenue was $611 billion in 2023.
  • Standardized architecture leads to a loss of local charm.
  • McDonald's and Starbucks expanded rapidly, making local competition challenging.

2. Standardized Real Estate Development Practices

• Cost Advantages:
  • Developers replicate successful architectural designs to cut costs by up to 15%.
  • Mixed-use developments have become more common post-2009 changes in building codes.
  • Podium Buildings:
    • Stack residential units above commercial bases effectively.
    • Significant cost savings observed with podium constructions.
  • Surge in corporate ownership of residential properties post-2008 financial crisis.

3. Cultural and Globalization Influences

• Media's Role:
  • Popularization of styles like the modern farmhouse due to shows on HGTV.
  • Media glorifies suburban living as the ideal American dream.
• Globalization:
  • Shift in product availability due to multinational corporations standardizing offerings.
  • Example of Starbucks: Products may vary based on local sourcing, but branding remains consistent.
  • International hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton provide standardized experiences across locations.

Historical Context

• Walkable Cities:
  • Historically, cities designed for walking; modern experiences influenced by curated environments (e.g., Disneyland).
• Postwar Suburbanization:
  • Influenced by automobile ownership, GI Bill, and federal policies favoring suburban developments.
  • Shift from dense urban centers to standardized suburbia led to unresolved issues like isolation and lack of diversity.

Conclusion

• America's preference for sameness is driven by convenience and standardization, affecting local identities.
• Consumers often prioritize convenience over unique experiences, leading to a homogenized environment.
• Encouragement to further explore related topics, such as the decline of third places.