Mississauga Developments

[ijmorlan]

The best mixed-use neighbourhoods were “piecemealed” together over decades or even centuries. Malls by contrast are typically built all at once and then occasionally extended somewhat. So I’m not really sure what you’re getting at.

Yes, I’m aware a lot of malls are getting knocked down and replaced with unprotected spaces.

I keep trying to ask but nobody seems to be able to answer how ripping the roof off the mall and letting cars drive down some of its corridors makes it a better shopping experience.

I would hazard a guess that most of those neighbourhoods were conceived in the 19th Century.I think you would be hard pressed to find a nice mixed use neighbourhood "piecemealed" together in the past 80 years. Both Fairway and Conestoga mall have added major wings after initial construction hense "piece meal" non grid form of most malls. 

Its not all about the "shopping experience" anymore. This is what developers are realizing. New Malls haven't been built in to past 30 years its all stip malls in the suburbs now. Is this a better shopping experience? The thing is more and more people are turning to online shopping for convenience. These neighbourhood malls have to look at alternatives to bring people in. Having people live/ work on top/ beside is a good start. Providing park space, unique restaurants with patios are some of the innovative solutions being used to attract new patrons.

I’m including Europe, where many shopping areas contain buildings going back 500 years.

I agree malls should have mixed use and non-commercial attractions built into them. What I dispute is the idea that this can only be done by having a bunch of small buildings with no indoor links. Enclosed malls provide a significant benefit for everybody, but especially those with limited mobility or health problems. With careful design and creativity, they could even provide amenities that really don’t exist right now. For example, I’ve long thought that there should have been a long-term plan to create continuous indoor space between Westmount Place, the retirement residence, the Rec Centre, and the Barrelyards development. Then instead of a boring rounded rectangle walking track inside the Rec Centre, there could be a walking track that actually takes people somewhere.