Central city malls / Harvey M. Rubenstein

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction -- 2. Feasibility analysis -- 3. Context and form characteristics -- 4. Design elements and street furniture -- 5. Plants in the city -- 6. Case studies -- Appendix: Catalogue of Central City Malls -- Bibliography -- Index.

It is the purpose of Central City Malls to illustrate how pedestrian malls have become an exciting part of the revitalization of downtown business districts. Pedestrian malls have developed out of the need for renewing downtown shopping areas to compete with suburban shopping centers, to create a new image for a city, to increase retail sales, to strengthen property values, and to promote new investor interest. This book discusses the process of developing a mall, including feasibility analysis, planning, and design. The great interest in rebuilding downtowns, and the enthusiasm for the design and construction of malls, have also led to improved understanding of the problems that affect downtown areas. In reviewing mall feasibility, cultural factors such as traffic, transit, and parking are analyzed, as well as natural factors like soils and climate, and economic factors like market analysis and cost benefit; the funding, political, and legal factors involved in the establishment of a mall are also explored. Readers will find that analysis of these factors determines a mall's feasibility, size, location, and cost. This book also reviews the physical factors related to the context of a mall, such as image and form characteristics. Design elements and street furnishings are also discussed and are shown photographically. These include items such as paving, sculpture, fountains, lighting, seating, and canopies. The importance of trees in the city for climatic uses, environmental engineering, and architectural and aesthetic value is reviewed with specific examples of types of trees suitable for the city and mall.