What is popular culture, and what does it mean to you?

Popular Culture is the past, present and next best artifact of the times.  The range of the artifact is not limited to a certain media, meaning that Popular Culture can exist in almost any fashion, allowing creativity to flourish.

Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant in a business environment and in your present and future career?

Popular culture fundamentally shapes the future of the product and service industry.  Take the cell phone for example.  Twenty five years ago the cell phone was a far fetched device that only the elite could proudly use.  Now days, the cell phone has become just as much as an iconic extension of one's self as a functional piece of technology.  Because of this, many (An understatement!)  companies have taken advantage of this market and ran with it.

For commercial construction, popular culture exist within the designs and architecture of buildings.  Take Gothic architecture as an example.  Gothic Architecture was a popular design that originated in France in the twelfth century.  This style of popular building design has stood the test of time and continues to be a trademark esthetic value that many owners and architects seek.  Being a commercial construction project manager, we must be aware of this style and understand not only the building principals to achieve this design, but also the history of this style of architecture.

What would you consider to be an example of a  pop culture artifact, and why would you choose it?

In the example above regarding Gothic Architecture, there are many buildings that represent this style of design and construction that include Rheinstein Castle in Germany, the Cathedral of Saint-Gatian Tours in France, and the Oudenaarde Town hall in Belgium. 

The Cathedral of Saint-Gatian Tours

Rheinstein Castle

Oudenaarde Town Hall