When millions of Americans venture forth from their food comas tomorrow to their nearest mall, the shopping environment may have changed from last year. By design, most shoppers are unlikely to notice the increased security measures.
"For years now, shopping centers have been the target of highly publicized attacks like the shooting last December at a mall near Portland, Ore., that left three people dead including the gunman, and the coordinated attack in September on the Westgate mall in Nairobi, Kenya," writes Ronda Kaysen. "With multiple entrances, numerous parking levels and webs of corridors, the very design of a mall provides an assailant with endless opportunities for cover."
Though mall owners are working to increase security, they're trying to find ways to balance creating a commodious shopping environment with creating a safe one. "So mall operators are increasingly turning to subtler, less visible measures to keep a watchful eye on the activities of shoppers."
Increased training, hardened windows and trash cans, expanded video monitoring, and social media strategies are being deployed to better secure many of the nation's 115,616 retail centers.
FULL STORY: Malls Work on Their Security, but Keep It in the Background
The Link Between Urban Design and Crime
A meta-study shows that public realm interventions can help reduce crime rates.
Designing Safer Cities
For women and other vulnerable groups, navigating the urban space can be fraught with real and perceived dangers.
The Evolution of Retail Centers
Catalytic developments initiate economic and cultural improvements.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie