A preliminary research carried out in 2009 on the shopping centre “Serfontana” located at the traffic junction between Chiasso and Mendrisio, was the starting point for the following paper. I analysed the mall’s characteristics and its attraction as a public place for teenagers.
Shopping malls belong as much as urban sprawl, fragmentation and traffic congestions to the characteristics of the contemporary city. The analysis of effects and consequences of commercial spaces are therefore crucial to understand urban development, dynamics and future. Additionally, I would like to underline, that urban processes are not only influenced or fostered by architecture or landscape planning, but are also strongly engendered by social and cultural attitudes and their transformations. Hence, it is important to consider also the influence shopping malls have on society and public life.
It is a critical study about facilities which are used daily and are part of the common urban landscape. The analysis implicates a thorough insight into the world of consumption in particular and the mechanism of “superplaces” in general, focussing on their impact on changes of social habits and public space.
Moreover says Marco Torres in his text, Luoghi magnetici, that studying the places of great attraction and popularity, where events, leisure activities, consumption and parties are held, might give advice on how to improve the unpopular, hostile, miserable and lifeless places.
Further I would like to reflect about the development of the relationship between market and public space throughout the time.
Finally, scrutinising Swiss shopping malls might give indications on contemporary acquisition behaviours and future development of the contemporary city and its commercial spaces.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Argument
- The development of commercial spaces
- The shopping mall in contemporary Europe
- The exodus of commercial spaces of inner city centres
- Revitalization of the inner city, gentrification, the historic centre as a museum and the city centre as a tourist destination
- The case of Barcelona: Revitalization of public places; Art in public spaces
- Commercial spaces as places of socialization
- The social impact of commercial structures on the Parisian bourgeoisie
- The end of (physical) public space?
- Shopping mall as buyosphere, leisure-mall and the city in the city
- Shopping architecture
- Mallrats; Teenagers and the shopping mall
- The Shopping mall and public space in São Paulo and Beijing, two megalopolis
- The shopping mall in Switzerland
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to critically examine the relationship between commercial and public spaces, focusing on the impact of shopping malls on contemporary society. It investigates the historical development of commercial spaces, analyzing their influence on urban development, social habits, and public life. The study uses specific case studies to illustrate the complex interplay between architecture, commerce, and social dynamics.
- The historical evolution of commercial spaces from Parisian Passages to modern shopping malls.
- The impact of shopping malls on urban development and the decline of traditional city centers.
- The role of shopping malls as spaces of socialization and their influence on social behavior.
- The architectural design of shopping malls and their creation of a distinct "buyosphere."
- Comparative analysis of shopping malls across different geographical contexts (Europe, South America, Asia).
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This abstract introduces the study's origins in a 2009 research project on the "Serfontana" shopping mall and its appeal to teenagers. It highlights the significance of analyzing the impact of commercial spaces on urban development, social attitudes, and public life, emphasizing the interplay between architecture, landscape planning, and sociocultural factors. The study aims to provide a critical analysis of the effects of shopping malls on consumption patterns and the transformation of public spaces.
Argument: The development of commercial spaces: This section delves into the historical evolution of commercial spaces, beginning with the transformations brought about by 19th-century industrialization. It traces the development from Parisian Passages – multi-functional spaces combining commerce, dining, and social gathering – to the Grands Magasins, which marked a shift towards larger-scale commercial spaces and a separation between producer and consumer. The analysis emphasizes the interplay between production methods, architectural design, and evolving social habits, laying the groundwork for understanding the later emergence of the shopping mall.
Argument: The shopping mall in contemporary Europe: This section examines the impact of shopping malls on European cities, particularly focusing on the decline of inner city commercial spaces and the subsequent revitalization efforts. The exodus of businesses to suburban malls is explored, along with the phenomenon of gentrification and the transformation of historic city centers into tourist destinations. The case study of Barcelona illustrates strategies employed to revitalize public spaces and integrate art into urban environments, offering a contrast to the effects of mall development elsewhere.
Argument: Commercial spaces as places of socialization: This chapter examines the social dimension of commercial spaces, analyzing their role as places of social interaction. It begins by studying the impact of commercial structures on the Parisian bourgeoisie and explores the question of whether physical public spaces are being replaced by shopping malls. The concept of the shopping mall as a "buyosphere," a self-contained world of leisure and consumption, is discussed, highlighting its significance in shaping contemporary urban life.
Argument: Shopping architecture: This chapter focuses on the architectural design of shopping malls and their influence on consumer behavior. It examines the attraction of malls for teenagers ("Mallrats"), considering the social and spatial dynamics at play. The chapter also includes a comparative study of shopping malls in São Paulo and Beijing, illustrating the variations in their design and function across different cultural and urban contexts.
Argument: The shopping mall in Switzerland: This chapter provides a specific analysis of shopping malls within the Swiss context, offering insight into contemporary consumer habits and the future development of commercial spaces in Switzerland. While specifics are not given in this excerpt, the implication is a case study approach to demonstrate national variations in shopping mall use and impact.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Shopping malls, commercial spaces, public space, urban development, consumption, socialization, architecture, historical development, gentrification, buyosphere, case studies, Parisian Passages, Grands Magasins, Victor Gruen.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this research paper?
This research paper critically examines the relationship between commercial and public spaces, focusing on the impact of shopping malls on contemporary society. It investigates the historical development of commercial spaces, analyzing their influence on urban development, social habits, and public life.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical evolution of commercial spaces (from Parisian Passages to modern malls), the impact of shopping malls on urban development and the decline of traditional city centers, the role of shopping malls as spaces of socialization, the architectural design of shopping malls and their creation of a "buyosphere," and a comparative analysis of shopping malls across different geographical contexts.
What historical developments are discussed in the paper?
The paper traces the historical evolution of commercial spaces, starting with the 19th-century transformations brought about by industrialization, the development of Parisian Passages, the emergence of Grands Magasins, and the subsequent rise of shopping malls. It highlights the interplay between production methods, architectural design, and evolving social habits.
How does the paper analyze the impact of shopping malls on urban development?
The paper analyzes the impact of shopping malls on urban development by examining the decline of inner-city commercial spaces, the phenomenon of gentrification, and the transformation of historic city centers into tourist destinations. Specific case studies, such as Barcelona, are used to illustrate different approaches to urban revitalization.
What is the paper's perspective on the social role of shopping malls?
The paper examines the social dimension of shopping malls, considering them as places of social interaction. It explores whether physical public spaces are being replaced by shopping malls and discusses the concept of the shopping mall as a "buyosphere," a self-contained world of leisure and consumption.
What architectural aspects of shopping malls are considered?
The paper focuses on the architectural design of shopping malls and their influence on consumer behavior. It examines the attraction of malls for teenagers ("Mallrats") and includes a comparative study of shopping malls in São Paulo and Beijing to illustrate variations in design and function across different cultural and urban contexts.
What geographical contexts are included in the comparative analysis?
The comparative analysis includes case studies from Europe (specifically focusing on the decline of inner city spaces and revitalization efforts in Barcelona), South America (São Paulo), and Asia (Beijing). Additionally, a specific analysis of shopping malls within the Swiss context is also included.
What is the purpose of the case studies?
The case studies (Barcelona, São Paulo, Beijing, and Switzerland) illustrate the complex interplay between architecture, commerce, and social dynamics in different geographical and cultural contexts. They serve to highlight variations in shopping mall design, function, and impact on urban development and social life.
What are the key words associated with this research paper?
Key words include: Shopping malls, commercial spaces, public space, urban development, consumption, socialization, architecture, historical development, gentrification, buyosphere, case studies, Parisian Passages, Grands Magasins, Victor Gruen.
Where can I find more information about this research?
This FAQ provides a summary of the research preview. The full research paper would contain more detailed information and analysis of the topics discussed here. [Note: Add a link to the full paper if available].
- Quote paper
- Anne-Dorothée Herbort (Author), 2012, Buyosphere - The relationship between commercial and public spaces and the impact of the shopping mall on contemporary society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/190218
