I recently read the ‚Malls’ chapter in the book ‚Dream Cities: Seven Urban Ideas That Shape the World’ by Wade Graham and it was a series of true ‘A-ha!’ moments.
I grew up in Southern California. The beach was definitely a hang-out zone (and as I got older, coffee shops) but the mall was, from my pre-teen years, the absolutely go-to spot for me and my friends to spend several hours of our free time. At the outdoor mall closest to my school there was an ice skating rink, cinema and food court- all guaranteeing a fun afternoon.
I was delighted to find that in this chapter Graham also gets into the history of Horton Plaza, another Southern Californian mall that was 100% an ‚experience mall’ (as the author refers to it) and a special every once-in-a-while destination for my family and I.
I haven’t lived in the USA for several years now and it has been here in Poland that I began to have more ‘A-ha!’ moments recognizing people’s use of malls here as ‚third places’ and observing what elements of design, space and management facilitate that.
I adore my neighborhood small store experiences. If I’m looking for a dress, a gift or even just paper goods and kitchenware, I’d much prefer to go to a local one-of-kind shop than a chain store at a massive mall.
That said, I do go to malls, sometimes shop at them and also enjoy observing how people use mall space as well observing when and how this space is used for various community and cultural purposes.
It is also great to experience malls that do in fact feature unique shops, local brands and engaging experiences such as art galleries and play spaces.
I am also acutely aware that mall the mall ‘experience’ and ‘culture’ is different in different geographic, cultural, and other contexts.
But this brief post is about observing how people in the society I now inhabit use mall space and also what the ‚mall culture’ here permits, facilitates- even encourages.
Pictured below are some diverse examples of malls I’ve frequented here in Poland and also enjoy observing use of. This is by no means a comprehensive list but it is a beginning and, I think, representative of how some Polish malls are designed and managed in ways that facilitate a third-place experience.
Złote Tarasy in Warsaw
Centrally located next to the main central train station in Warsaw, Złote Tarasy was opened in early 2007. Observing just how popular this mall is for many locals fascinates me.
In winter months especially, I note how popular it is for teens who you can often see relaxing in groups on the floor huddled by various outlets (charging their devices).
Elektrownia Powiśle in Warsaw
Elektrownia Powiśle is a historic power plant turned development with shops, restaurants, housing, offices and a hotel that I could go to for atmosphere alone (and also my daughter’s favorite French fries at a great food court). I love the specialty beauty store with many wonderful Polish brands.
Stary Browar in Poznań
Stary Browar is a historic brewery complex turned into a combination of retail space and an art gallery in Poznań and a place I always have a walk and meal at when I am in the city.
Westfield Arkadia in Warsaw
The video reel above shares images and videos I recorded a few days at Westfield Arkadia. It includes scenes of ‘lounging’ areas, most of which also have multiple outlets so you can charge your device as you relax.
These videos and photos were taken mid -afternoon on the first Monday of September- back to school- and the mall was full of groups of teenagers, passing through, hanging out, eating and also lounging inside (along with other age groups) as well as outside on the lawn space in front of the mall. The well-designed food court was nearly full and predominantly groups of teenagers.
The lawn space in front of the mall impressed me as a unique quality I do not often see at malls, and which was quite obviously an area being used as a public space for lounging and socializing among diverse user groups.
Also pictured is the playground area in front of the mall and play space inside by the food court.
Toilets are available, free and regularly cleaned.
🚾🚻 This toilet in a mall included:
👶 Baby lounge which included a rest area, changing table, sinks, microwave and toilet for adult and child
🔌 Lounge couch with outlets for charging devices
♿️ 2 wheelchair-accessible toilets
🚻 Male / Female Toilets
Fabryka Norblina
Last but not least is another example of former industrial site beautifully transformed into a complex including an open-air museum, boutique cinema, a food market with focus on local goods with eco-certificates, offices, shops, restaurants, cafes, play spaces and more.
On a personal note, Biobazaar has been a ‘destination’ shopping experience for me since we moved to Warsaw- a special weekend event a couple times a month to invest in many fantastic fruits and vegetables.
Lovely carousel for kids above, photographed before open hours
The experience of malls is different based on geography, local culture, and management. My observation of Polish malls is focused on how management, local ‘mall culture’ as well as design and amenities facilitate use of malls as a third-place.
Time to start my literature review soon on this topic as it is morphing into quite the observational study.
If you are interested in connecting on this topic please contact Annika at info@pedestrianspace.org