Maria McLaughlin

Maria McLaughlin

Copley Place and the Prudential Center make use of a lot of natural light let in by atrium- style ceilings and large windows. The white-accented walls reflect the natural light in a way that makes the entire mall seem bright, clean, and airy. The constant upward and downward and across mobility that the space necessitates makes the layout more organic and less monotonous. This can improve the shopping experience because it keeps the shopper walking around farther than they would have.

I went during lunchtime on a weekday, so I noticed a lot of businesspeople using it as a lunch spot on their breaks. I also noticed a few younger women who looked like they were shopping on their lunch breaks, an elderly couple shopping, and a few tourists.

In Bridge Court, I was asked for money from a homeless person sitting on a bench there, which leads me to believe that anyone is allowed to enter and exit. The doors are almost always revolving though, and there are a lot of escalators involved, so I would assume that it’s not the most handicap accessible place. There are many benches. Newbury Street is clearly commercial on the first and second levels of the townhouse- like buildings because of the shop windows and subtle signs. The place is different because it resembles a neighborhood, complete with front yards. The other purposes for Newbury St. are learning facilities and some residences, although they are very high-priced.

Newbury St. is situated so that you cannot see Hynes and the Pru from it, but so that you are close enough to walk there easily from the corresponding T stops