In the States, commonplace structures look like they were made with cookie-cutters. They are built fast because they follow a basic model, some of which is prefab. A fast food restaurant, rest stop building or gas station is recognizable no matter where you visit. One day contractors begin building a new store and it seems like it’s only a week later that it’s open for business.

While architects in the States have a hand in these projects, architects in some other countries actually get to design (highway rest stops get a good deal of attention), creating structures that engage a person while they are taking care of a momentary need. Atelier SAD created this gas station in Slovakia. I would be swayed to purchase my everyday products from places that are aesthetically pleasing and were planned to match the way that people interact with the space. A small difference like this could breathe some life into the dull corners of our days.

- via Victoria King at Archdaily