Project Development Post 3

The readings this week had four key points which are relevant to our design this semester and in general.

1.The inter connectivity of both devices and online technology that has lead to the aspace, a global distance-less entity dependent on time.  
In terms of creating a sustainable retail environment the aspace of retail is leading to a massive re-think in retail methods. Since it is cheaper, faster and more convenient to shop online many sellers are reducing overheads by closing or downsizing physical shop fronts. In order for the huge amounts of land devoted to retail  to remain vibrant sustainable environments they need to provide something that the online world can not provide yet.

2.Following the money, adapting for time and the interrelated realities of the seven S's 
Site, Structure, Skin, Services, Space, Stuff and Soul
 If the buildings of retail are to be sustainable where is the trade off between retrofitting existing structures or demolishing to make way for the new. Since I believe that demolishing something is the complete opposite of sustainable practice I want to focus on manipulating and redesigning the skin, services, space and stuff to make the most of the existing site and structure. If this is done right a new soul which enriches the community and retail experience which adapts organically are not just possible but desirable.

3.

Brand, S., 1997. Shearing Layers, in How buildings learn : what happens after they’re built, London: Phoenix Illustrated. pp12-23

The importance of small scale in retail situations can be scene in every community and every mall. Small shops allow for a variety of consumer choices which is highly desirable in safe guarding retail environments from collapses due to businesses failing or becoming unpopular. Customers are drawn in by convenience in location, variety and atmosphere.


4. Adaption is so vital to harmonious environments
 In order for our suburban center to be adaptable the compartmentalization of tasks, shops and consumers needs rethinking. Why go to 20 shop to compare products and prices if you could go to one and have someone help you without prejudice. If a harmonious adaptable environment could be created would it be more attractive than the competing influences in today's shopping center. Ikea is one example of dissolving  compartmentalization in there multi item interactive displays which allow organic testing of the product and education into a greater product range.