Why Physical Spaces Still Matter - Kevin Ervin Kelley

The Unmtchd. Podcast

In a world obsessed with going digital, have we forgotten the value of physical spaces? Kevin Ervin Kelley is a renowned architect and author of "Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places That Bring People Together". We explore the vital role physical spaces play in fostering community, connection, and belonging—and why they’re more important than ever in our digital-first world.

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0:00 Introduction: Why Physical Spaces Matter 1:20 What Makes a Place Irreplaceable 3:30 How the Digital World Changed Place-Making 5:04 Social Skills and Connection in Real Life 8:18 The Role of Retail Spaces in Building Community 12:08 Lessons from COVID: The Value of Real Gatherings 13:18 Why Brands Need to Focus on Community Over Products 20:53 Kevin’s Framework: Solutions, Meaning, and Experience 28:23 Symbols and Their Role in Place and Identity 33:08 What Defines an Extraordinary Place? 39:15 Rethinking Success for Physical Spaces 44:03 The Future of Place in an AI-Driven World 49:22 A Brilliant Example: A Mechanic Shop Designed for Women

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In a world obsessed with going digital, have we forgotten the value of physical spaces? Kevin Ervin Kelley is a renowned architect and author of "Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places That Bring People Together". We explore the vital role physical spaces play in fostering community, connection, and belonging—and why they’re more important than ever in our digital-first world. Here’s what we cover: ✨ How the digital shift has impacted our sense of place and belonging. ✨ The psychology of design and how spaces influence our behavior. ✨ Why physical stores need to focus on meaning, not just products. ✨ Practical insights for creating extraordinary places that connect people. Whether you're a designer, a brand leader, or someone passionate about creating meaningful communities, this episode will inspire you to rethink the spaces we inhabit every day. + 0:00 Introduction: Why Physical Spaces Matter 1:20 What Makes a Place Irreplaceable 3:30 How the Digital World Changed Place-Making 5:04 Social Skills and Connection in Real Life 8:18 The Role of Retail Spaces in Building Community 12:08 Lessons from COVID: The Value of Real Gatherings 13:18 Why Brands Need to Focus on Community Over Products 20:53 Kevin’s Framework: Solutions, Meaning, and Experience 28:23 Symbols and Their Role in Place and Identity 33:08 What Defines an Extraordinary Place? 39:15 Rethinking Success for Physical Spaces 44:03 The Future of Place in an AI-Driven World 49:22 A Brilliant Example: A Mechanic Shop Designed for Women + Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinervinkelley/ 📖 Get Kevin’s book Irreplaceable here: https://www.kevinervinkelley.com/ Follow Oana: LinkedIn: / oana-leonte IG: / oanaoleonte Follow Unmtchd. LinkedIn: / theunmtchd IG: / theunmtchd Sponsors and strategic partners of Unmtchd.: Appinio - https://www.appinio.com/en/ Want to lead, not follow? Sign up for actionable insights from industry leaders: www.theunmtchd.com Sign up to our newsletter and join The Unmtchd. Collective! 🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!