So it may be an unpopular opinion , but I think its better to just tear down malls instead of trying to repurpose them.
First, you have the issue of consolidation of poverty. Dropping hundreds to a thousand formerly unhoused people into one spot makes it more difficult for them to reintegrate to society. It was a similar issue that occurred with public housing projects in the mid-20th century. The consolidation of poverty to one area makes it difficult to escape.
Second, living in a mall (at least the ones I went to in the 90s) would be a nightmare. Having a place with no windows and all that artificial lighting would just be dreary AF. I also have a hard time believing these things structurally were built to last anyway.
I think finding a way to operate more, smaller scale shelters spread throughout cities (as long as they remain close to services that people will need) is a better route.
Okay but they're uniquely good for it. Parking lot off ramps, those layers of balconies with like rafters running between them, huge open spaces, weird corporate art that's super climbable, drained swimming pools...
Good points. I think the meme is most effective at getting people to think about how much abandoned infrastructure there is that could be used for something beneficial, instead of whatever some real estate ghoul thinks is a fun idea.
So it may be an unpopular opinion , but I think its better to just tear down malls instead of trying to repurpose them.
First, you have the issue of consolidation of poverty. Dropping hundreds to a thousand formerly unhoused people into one spot makes it more difficult for them to reintegrate to society. It was a similar issue that occurred with public housing projects in the mid-20th century. The consolidation of poverty to one area makes it difficult to escape.
Second, living in a mall (at least the ones I went to in the 90s) would be a nightmare. Having a place with no windows and all that artificial lighting would just be dreary AF. I also have a hard time believing these things structurally were built to last anyway.
I think finding a way to operate more, smaller scale shelters spread throughout cities (as long as they remain close to services that people will need) is a better route.
Counterpoint: Malls should be left up for parkour and skating.
Counter-counterpoint: everywhere should be open for parkour and skating so that we can tear down malls.
Okay but they're uniquely good for it. Parking lot off ramps, those layers of balconies with like rafters running between them, huge open spaces, weird corporate art that's super climbable, drained swimming pools...
Malls should be left open
Malls should be totally public spaces where anyone can apply for a temporary storefront or rent a stall for a low fixed price (but also that stuff)
Good points. I think the meme is most effective at getting people to think about how much abandoned infrastructure there is that could be used for something beneficial, instead of whatever some real estate ghoul thinks is a fun idea.
Oh yeah absolutely. The idea of taking [back] cities instead of them being vehicles for real estate speculation is always good to spread.