John Meisterich Senior Project

Abstract

Public space exists at a juncture of both crisis and opportunity. Factors of contemporary life such as online retail, social media and COVID-19 have led to a chilling decrease in community interaction. However, public space can be saved, in part due to its potential for physical longevity. This paper focuses on the model of the shopping mall as a source of hope, and examines the ways these physical structures can be repurposed as long as they are still standing.