Welcome to Week 3

1. Welcome to Week 3 BENV 1082

2. Program for today Feedback from last week Discussion Synthesising texts Activity

3. Feedback from week 2: Many people do not answer the questions: what insight did you gain+ some of the ideas of your group related to that insight. The purpose was to get you to think through one specific aspect of the discussion. Comments on writing style: In the discussion , it is highlighted that when presenting own ideas, it is important to understand the topic thoroughly first before trying to convince clients. Still too many people writing generalisations and main ideas without supporting details. Eg ‘Developing my thinking about a topic in a positive and negative way’. I learned some design strategies about shopping centre. An image is more powerful than a written text.

4. Process of writing a synthesis: What is your purpose? Read each article Re-read and underline / highlight Take notes Compose a grid of common points raised Take an analytical approach to this list List additional important point/s raised by an individual writer Write first draft Add an introduction Second draft Add a conclusion

5. Compose a grid of main ideasHow do BE professionals add quality to the shopping experience in modern cities today? Note: A B & C represent the order of presentation of ideas in the final text. Your ordering of ideas using abstract headings is one way to be analytical.

6. Note significant points made individual writers (differences)

7. Introduction How do BE professionals add quality to the shopping experience in modern cities today? Over the last few decades there has been a growing tendency for shopping complexes in modern cities to become centres of opulence and indulgence. They are often described as centres of fun, excitement and entertainment. Laria (1999) writes of the Australian experience of shopping malls; Pullin (1999) describes the themed ‘megamall’ popular in the US; and Kho (1999) discusses how Hong Kong has adapted the trend in the West to suit its particular situation. All three writers are concerned that shopping malls are primarily concerned with consumerism rather than meeting the cultural and social needs of a local community. However BE professionals add quality to the shopping experience by providing a range of facilities and creating an ambient space that is both comfortable and convenient.

8. Paragraph: How do BE professionals add quality to the shopping experience in modern cities today? Modern shopping centres are portrayed by Laria (1999), Pullin (1999), and Kho (1999) as alluring places which create ‘a surreal world’(Laria1999, p.1) to seduce the consumer to spend. While the intentions of owners may be to maximise profits, the intention of the architectural professionals is to create a space which is well-resourced, and aesthetically pleasing. Resources may include food courts (Laria 1999; Pullin 1999); ‘generous parking lots’ (Laria 1999 p.2); and entertainment facilities (Laria 1999; Pullin 1999). Kho (1999) highlights the importance of providing good public transport links as an important resource. In order to attract customers, it is important shopping malls are attractive. Customers appreciate good lighting, natural elements such as water features, greenery and high quality decorations (Laria 1999; Pullin 1999). Improving the experience of shopping improves customers quality of life and sense of well being. However, customers do need to be alerted to the seduction of the modern shopping mall, so that they can enjoyed its convenience without falling victim to its temptations.

9. The conclusion How do BE professionals add quality to the shopping experience in modern cities today? Over the last two decades, there has been a trend for shopping centres in modern cities to promote shopping as a fun, entertaining activity. To create this fantasy, BE professionals ‘are becoming more expressive with their designs’ (Laria 1999, p. 2) and creating a sense of fantasy or ‘hyper reality’ . Yet Laria (1999), Pullin (1999) and Kho (1999) also acknowledge that, on a less superficial level, the provision of cafes and other meeting spaces within shopping complexes, ‘express and communicate’ (Kho, 1999 p.3)a need for social interaction. By meeting this need for connection, BE professionals will indeed by adding quality to the shopping experience.

10. Write your own synthesis Address the question: By their design of shopping centres, are BE professionals unwittingly promoting the values of shopping centre owners and developers? Use any two of the three texts discussed today. Include an introduction, a summary paragraph, and a conclusion. Your conclusion will critique the main ideas presented in your paragraph.