Clicks or Bricks: Two Ways Indoor Malls Remain Relevant as 'Public' Space

Mall walking for adults and play areas for children are two of the popular recreations at indoor malls during winter in cold weather climes, writes Clement Lau, LA park planner, USC lecturer, and planning author. In fact, the latter are also popular in Southern California malls.  The ability to physically recreate at an indoor mall when the outdoors is inhospitable would also apply to inhospitable summer climes.  

Lau describes his first encounter with mall walking: 

Also, it was not until I spent two weeks in the Midwest in December that I recognized or appreciated how important large indoor spaces like malls are in areas with harsher weather conditions than in Southern California.  

. . .

It was during these visits that I came to realize that mall walking is a popular activity that is encouraged and supported by the shopping center.  For example, White Oaks Mall [Sprinfield IL] publicizes on its website that the mall is open for mall walkers Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (before stores open) and that a lap around each level is equal to about half a mile. . . . [M]all walking as a form of exercise actually makes a lot of sense for older adults and in places with tough external conditions, such as extreme temperatures and inclement weather.  It is a safe, comfortable physical activity mode that is often recommended by health care providers because malls offer free, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly environments.  Shopping centers are desirable places for walking because they provide a sheltered indoor environment free from the dangers of automobile traffic, and can be used most days of the year regardless of weather or seasonal differences.  Security guards are usually around so people feel less fearful and vulnerable when walking in malls than outdoors or in more unpredictable environments.  Additionally, malls have flat surfaces, benches for places to rest, restrooms, and drinking fountains.

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