Metabolizing obsolescence: strategies for the dead mall

Landscapes evolve and adapt; yet obsolescence is a unique condition. Obsolescence occurs when such spaces are not used as was originally intended but still maintain some of the original qualities and characteristics. Obsolescence is partially viewed as a tangible repository of memories over time. It is time that creates change and causes obsolescence, thus such landscapes are always short-term even though they might have been designed for permanence. Although such areas may be viewed as blight upon the landscape, they can be potential prospects for repurposing. Certain factors can contribute to obsolescence in landscapes. Examining obsolete landscapes and those design strategies which leading to effective revitalization sheds light upon opportunities presented by dead malls in the American landscape. The Lincoln Square Mall of Urbana, Illinois, is analyzed as a case study to determine how obsolescence occurred and what strategies were effective for re-gaining vitality. This thesis utilizes the concepts of landscape architecture to formulate additional strategies and proposes one of these strategies to be used for the Lincoln Square Mall’s transformation. The strategies described are intended to improve site functionality, stimulate community development, and create value in landscape voids left by obsolescence. Furthermore since such areas are common, this thesis provides a methodology for design strategy development. This methodology was heavily influenced by the theory of metabolic circulation. While the methodology is developed for application to dead mall sites, its utility is applicable to other forms of obsolete landscapes.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.L.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Landscape Architecture

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Schatzman, Laura

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hindle, Richard L.

• metabolism
• circulation
• obsolete
• obsolescence
• dead malls
• landscape
• decay
• urban fabric

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 Laura Schatzman

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45379

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/45379