Junkspace + Third Places
Junkspace is an interesting take by Rem Koolhaas on in between, third places like a shopping mall or arcade. These are places that are important to society as they are the modern-day town square or courthouse, a place for people to meet and socialize. What was once a public space has become commodified and promotes spending money to enjoy these spaces. You don’t have to spend money in these places but its difficult to enter these places and not be influenced to. If we didn’t have these spaces, where would one go to get out of the house and meet new people. At what point are these spaces oversaturated and will be abandoned or torn down and made into something new? These spaces are useful to our society in a social aspect but why do they have to be commodified and require payment to be a part of? Why aren’t there more free third places for people to go and experience?
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I think the idea of a space falling out of use is very intriguing like you mentioned. It's almost like the shopping mall was just a spatial trend in the millennia-long timeline of the built environment. But other building types have stayed relevant the entire time, so what made the shopping mall come into and out of fashion, and do we want to avoid that again, or do we let spaces come and go to suit the needs of humanity?
ReplyDeleteI believe that humans are always looking for something new. These abandoned structures could be seen as a result of that. However, I don't think our overall thinking has changed- we just want a modern version of what we already have. However, I do agree that there should be more places that are free and where different communities could hub together for people to experience. I'm not sure if this new space needs to be centered around commercialization but it is a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good point - people are always searching for the next big thing. Since Amazon and online shopping has taken over during the last ten years especially, does this mean shopping malls might be converted into giant Amazon fulfillment centers? It would be great if we found another third place similar to a mall, like you said, that doesn't tempt you to clear your wallet but simply aids in creating an enjoyable atmosphere outside of everyday life demands.
ReplyDeleteI like that you brought up how junk spaces tend to involve business interactions or at least try to influence them. I think that when large shopping malls first came to be they were less about the actual shopping part and more about the social interaction that it could create. I know that isn't how these spaces are typically used now but I have seen plenty of people, especially from older generations, just meandering through the mall like they are in their own world. I find it interesting how spaces can change but sometimes how people interact with them remains the same.
ReplyDeleteI find your point interesting with the question of where could we go and experience new things. It seems the mall has become synonymous with spending time and experiencing the world in a way. It would be an interesting shift to see what these spaces could become, if online shopping does overtake the need for physical stores.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great point! I agree that we need third places which will be completely free and people can socially interact with people. But when we talk about malls, we need to think that what was the intention behind the concept of malls? Was the primary intention of it to be for shopping or for public space? I think it was nothing but a modernized shopping where people can be safe indoors irrespective of outside weather and shop. The concept became successful when it was mingled with food courts and other activities for the public.
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