Throughout past travels in Latin America I've found shopping malls are increasingly the most vibrant spaces in cities. Crowds of people young and old throng the aisles of malls while surrounding streets and old commercial districts are quiet. The price of goods in shopping malls is often shocking compared to stores selling comparable goods outside. Safety, air conditioning, and status are apparently worth it. But what does this mean for public space that people choose to promenade the escalators and aisles of malls as opposed to the stairs and plazas of the public city?
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sao Paulo: Consumer Culture and the Privatization of Public Space
Throughout past travels in Latin America I've found shopping malls are increasingly the most vibrant spaces in cities. Crowds of people young and old throng the aisles of malls while surrounding streets and old commercial districts are quiet. The price of goods in shopping malls is often shocking compared to stores selling comparable goods outside. Safety, air conditioning, and status are apparently worth it. But what does this mean for public space that people choose to promenade the escalators and aisles of malls as opposed to the stairs and plazas of the public city?
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This is a trend also evident in India. even outdoor pseudo public places that need nominal tickets to get in are vibrant and lively. However, older commercial centers are seeing a revival in Indian Metro's due to improvements to access such as underground metro that allows people leave their cars at home and escape the dread of traffic.
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