Author Paco Underhill's new book looks at the effects of psychology on the shopping experience.
In his latest work, anthropologist Paco Underhill examines how consumer centers both dictate and follow shopper's desires. In terms of mall design, the author discusses the role of the private sphere as a public space, the selective exclusion of 'unwanted elements' through transportation, and both the liberating and confining aspects of merchandizing. As for the future, Underhill thinks American malls are trailing Japanese models, which feature libraries, galleries, and wide scale access. As baby-boomers age, the author says that "malls are not going to be the slam-dunk proposition...they were 25 years ago."
Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman
FULL STORY: Malls thrust under a microscope

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
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Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.

Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.

Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
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