Department stores represent the dawn of this age and occupy both positions; ancestor and present anchor within the physiology of the mall. One of the reasons for the impact of the department store was its effect on the organization and representation of urban space. The mall essentially became the next step in this evolution. The incorporation of leisure space conjoined with the elevation of design established early the recipe for consumer space. Michael Miller observes of the Bon Marche at its post-renovation grand opening in 1856, “Monumental and ornate, it rose the entire height of the building and was seated under a cupola, crowned with a pediment, conceived as an archway for the first two stories, and decorated with caryatids and reclining statues of the gods. The impression was that of entering a theatre, or perhaps even a temple.” Nineteenth century social commentator, Emile Zola, similarly commented on the architect of The Ladies Paradise, based upon the Bon Marche, saying he “was in love with modernity” based upon the extensive use of iron contained within the beams and girders. The highly visible architecture of the early department stores elicited awe and excitement from its customers as symbols of modernity. Comparatively how does the modern consumer space fare in the minds of its clientele?...excerpted from "More Within...Consumer Space"

1. unexpected perspective in consumer space cricket vauthier

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34. photos were taken in the following locations: northpark mall, dallas the galleria mall, dallas valley view mall, dallas firewheel, garland, tx vista ridge mall, lewisville, tx stonebriar mall, frisco, tx the shops at legacy, plano, tx ©2009 reallycricket