Member-only story
How Setting Makes a Place in Seattle
Driving to Lisbon, Miguel, a Portuguese consultant, was talking about what it really means to be a “smart city” when he took a minute to start explaining his music collection. After Miguel plugged his iPhone into a Mercedes radio console and demonstrated the style of his favorite fado singer, Seattle quickly — and inadvertently — stole the show. As a modern, upbeat song by fado singer Marizia began, he immediately asked, “Do you like Pearl Jam?”
Talking over “Alive,” I told Miguel how Pearl Jam’s members often comment on local environmental issues, such as guitarist Stone Gossard’s reflection about the importance of Seattle’s treasured views.
A few days later, another urbanist consultant and writer, Vitor, introduced a panel presentation in the Portuguese city of Guarda. He told the audience that “different cities are known for different things,” as he displayed the famous and dramatic sit-com view of Seattle from Frasier. Then, he said, “Seattle is known for Nirvana.”
In these early December days in Portugal, two Seattle icons merged: grunge and, equally well-known and inspiring, Seattle’s setting and views.
It’s worth noting the rank simplicity of these particular overseas encounters. No one mentioned today’s city of progressive politics, housing affordability debates, nor the impact of Amazon. Which…
