What if shopping malls weren't just retail spaces, but carefully designed social hubs that reveal profound truths about American culture? Alexandra Lange's "Meet Me by the Fountain" takes us on a fascinating journey through the unexpected origins and evolution of one of America's most influential architectural forms.

Throughout our conversation, Lange uncovers surprising connections between malls and urbanism. Despite their reputation as anti-urban spaces, malls offer valuable lessons in creating environments where people actually want to spend time. Climate control, ample seating, accessible restrooms, and opportunities for both planned meetings and chance encounters—these simple amenities are often overlooked in our public urban spaces but prove crucial for creating functional social environments. 

Show Notes:

• Author Recommended Reading: 
  • Radical Suburbs: Experimental Living on the Fringes of the American City by Amanda Hurley 
  • The Harvard Design School to Shopping edited by Rem Koolhaus
  • When Women Ran 5th Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion  by Julie Satow
  • Claire: The little girl who climbed to the top and changed the way women dress by Debra Scala Giokas
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• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/ 

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