The mall problem understanding unsustainable structures in American suburbia

Abstract

Malls have been a part of modern American life in a multitude of ways. They are massive structures that aim to act as a third place for the local community and, more importantly, create a prosperous and efficient place for the local community to shop. Over the past few decades malls have been dying off, either bleeding stores until they sit vacant or demolished or falling so far in debt that the owners are forced to sell. This paper argues that the death of malls is due to their unsustainability, which is defined through their short comings in any of the three following categories: poor sociability, economic or financial inflexibility, and poor environmental planning.