Its a Love Hate Relationship

 

I have mixed emotions regarding “junkspace” in architecture. On one hand, I love junkspace in the case of shopping malls because it epitomizes what we aim for in design in many ways: a space where all are welcome and everyone can find something to do that suites them, a space that is adaptable and constantly changing, avoiding the need to clear new land every time a store wants a new location, designing for the needs and wants of the people, not simply for the sake of designing. However, on the other hand, I have always believed that you can judge a society to a certain extent by the architecture that encapsulates it. Whichever way the dominant architectural style/typology in an area swings, so follows society. The more simplistic, superficial, and self-serving the architecture, the more simplistic, superficial, and self-serving the people that inhabit it will be. Without rich, lasting architecture that inspires deeper thought and connection outside of our own desires, society is doomed to fall apart. Junkspace, particularly in the form of large shopping centers, epitomizes this superficial, fake, gimmicky, self-indulgent lifestyle. We already live in a world of constant distraction and over consumption and the junkspace of shopping malls do not help, and therefore, I hate junkspace. I'm interested to see what everyone else thinks about it.