How Influences in Architecture Shape Our Society & Environment

A sketch of a gothic building showing cultural influences in architecture

What invisible forces shape the buildings we see around us every day? How do architects balance creative expression with practical constraints? 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School navigates the multifaceted nature of architectural design and its impact on society. Influences in architecture range from cultural values and social norms to regulatory requirements and urban planning principles. Keep reading to learn how buildings tell stories, shape communities, and reflect the spirit of their time.

Shopping in Different Countries: Why Your Buying Habits Change

A woman shopping in a different country for clothes

Why does shopping feel different when you travel abroad? Despite selling similar products, what makes a Japanese department store different from an American mall? Shopping in different countries reveals fascinating insights about cultural values and social behaviors, as Paco Underhill explores in Why We Buy. The way people shop, from browsing habits to payment preferences, offers a unique window into the heart of different societies. Keep reading to discover how retail spaces around the world shape how we shop, connect, socialize, and experience our communities.

Is Cable TV Dying or Will It Continue to Stick Around?

An older man watching the news on his tv, signifying that cable tv is dying

With the rise of streaming services, is cable TV dying? How is the shift to streaming affecting consumers? Cable TV subscriptions are declining rapidly as viewers shift to streaming, but streaming services’ inability to turn a profit is prolonging cable’s life. The transition from cable to streaming threatens the future of news coverage, particularly local news, as streaming services aren’t required to maintain news operations. Keep reading as we examine experts’ views on this situation.

The Great Boomer Wealth Transfer May Set America Backward

A hand holding an old photograph of a baby boomer age couple with trees in the background

How will the baby boomer wealth transfer affect the economy? What are the different ways wealth is being passed down? The largest transfer of wealth in US history is underway, as Baby Boomers begin passing down $84 trillion in assets to younger generations. Rather than improving the economy, the Great Wealth Transfer is expected to widen inequality. Here’s a look at the problems the wealth transfer might cause and some fiscal changes that may be on the horizon.

Female Body Positivity: Lindy West Shatters Societal Norms

Three women celebrating female body positivity with each other

Why does society place such intense pressure on women to conform to specific body standards? What would happen if we embraced and celebrated bodies of all shapes and sizes? Author Lindy West’s groundbreaking book Shrill tackles female body positivity head-on, challenging deeply rooted societal biases about weight and gender. Her work addresses how media representation, comedy, and public discourse shape our perceptions of women’s bodies. Keep reading to discover how West’s journey reshapes conversations about body image, feminism, and representation in modern culture.

Shrill by Lindy West: Book Overview and Takeaways

A woman reading a book with plants behind her

What does it take to challenge societal beauty standards? What’s Shrill by Lindy West about? In Shrill, Lindy West takes readers on an intimate journey through her experiences as a woman navigating body image, online harassment, and the comedy industry. The book also tackles serious issues about body acceptance and societal prejudice. Read more in our brief overview of Shrill.

Why There Isn’t Enough AI Talent to Keep Up With Demand

An artistic image of a vacant office desk, signifying the lack of AI talent in the workforce

Why aren’t there enough AI professionals to fill open roles? What parts do employers and education facilities have to play in the AI talent crisis? As demand for AI talent soars, companies and universities face a double crisis: a severe shortage of AI-skilled workers and demographic disparities in AI training. These issues require an overhaul of AI workforce development. Continue reading for a closer look at the AI talent shortage.

The Importance of Power: Why You Need to Control Your World

A man dressed as Superman with a red cape doing a superhero pose in a crowd, showing the importance of power

What’s the importance of power? What kind of impact do you want to leave on the world? In simple terms, Jeffrey Pfeffer says that power is the ability to control the world around you. Having power means being able to influence others, distribute resources as you see fit, make important decisions, and ultimately get what you want.  Let’s look at why power is necessary to become your best self and make the world a better place.

Weight Bias & Harassment: How Lindy West Fought Back

An image of a scale representing weight bias

Why is society fixated on policing bodies and appearance? What drives people to engage in online harassment targeting individuals based on their weight? Weight bias and appearance-based discrimination continue to plague both online spaces and real-world interactions, as author Lindy West illustrates in her memoir Shrill. The internet has become a breeding ground for harassment, where trolls target individuals based on their appearance. Continue reading to learn how West fought back against harmful narratives and reclaimed her dignity.

Why a Meritocracy Society Probably Doesn’t Exist

A smiling woman holding a trophy in a meritocracy society

What’s a meritocracy society? Is the world a fair and just place? Jeffrey Pfeffer believes that many people don’t seek out power (or actively avoid it) because they think that the world is a meritocracy, which means it’s a fair place. Therefore, they believe that if they work hard, follow the rules, and perhaps do a good deed from time to time, then they’ll be rewarded with safety and prosperity.  Find out why the world isn’t as fair as some people might think it is.