Rant About Gas Stations

Is it outlandish to imagine a filling station as something other than just a place to get the necessary fuel to continue with the "progress" we all tell ourselves we should achieve.  In other words, perhaps features that help us interact with each other and slow down help to balance the scales of such a utilitarian building.  Gas stations in the current paradigm are machines.  They not only are purposed to keep vehicles and the industrial world moving, but they are designed for quick transactions for several other products.  The goal is to get you in and out with the fuel you need and to continue the cycle that will bring you back to the station again.  Maybe its gas. Maybe its coffee.  Maybe its a honey bun.  Maybe you need a snickers.  The gas stations of today can get you all of those at the same time without slowing down you or the progress you intend to achieve. Now maybe this system seems attractive at first. I mean, who doesn't like the convienice of being able to grab a coffee while filling up your car on the way to work?  Perhaps thought, the filling station of the future could address its own effects on society by offering within its boundaries the antithesis to mechanization and progress.  This could be any number of things from a community meeting place to a homemade cafe to an art gallery.  No they won't make any money off this part of their facility, but  increased traffic (you get the joke) should improve customers appreciation of the company and hopefully result in good business on the fuel side of things.