Default Activity: Shopping

Is the modern indoor shopping centre really the descendant of the ancient city marketplace? I'm not so sure.

In the article Southcentre Mall in CalgaryI took a look at a popular indoor shopping centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and in particular I thought about its accessibility, which was what prompted me to do the article in the first place.

I personally hate most shopping, especially shopping for clothes. But I love browsing (and buying) in book stores and having coffee at a coffee shop. I also like looking at the deals in the travel agent's window and picking up a single chocolate from our local chocolate expert's store, Bernard Callebaut. I do love Christmas shopping because it makes me think about the people I love.

It's so easy to go to the mall. Is it any surprise that kids do it as soon as they figure out how to get there on their own? I don't think it's healthy or wholesome, as compared to hiking or playing sports, or even reading, but I have to grudgingly agree that there are worse things for kids to do.

Is the modern mall truly an extension of the historic marketplace and civic square, really? It seems logical to say so, but the mall has evolved to be something quite different than the market ever was, I wonder if the apple hasn't fallen extremely far from the tree.

Whatever it is in the hierarchy of public spaces, the shopping centre has become our fallback away-from-home place. A trip there is no longer driven by the need to get some specific item. It's more of a recreational experience mixed with some commerce. Do you believe me? I think our malls are as much tourist attractions as they are centres of business. What do you think?