Daniel Montoya

Daniel Montoya

Beginning with the spatial analysis of the Prudential Mall, one can see the development of commerce in a unique geographic dimension. The first things you notice when entering this mall is the sheer magnitude and monumental size of both the stores and the high-rise walls. The overwhelming space creates an unbalance power dynamic between the shopper and the physical space that promotes a sense of capitalism above all. Other important factors to include is the very plain but regal walls that give a sense of classic appreciation, as well as the prevalent use of windows that plays around with the outside scenery. The crystal roof makes the skyline become part of the physical space of the shopping mall, meaning you see a gorgeous residential building springing in the horizon. Entrances to the Fashion Plaza are very fluid with the movement of persons and is not big on the promotion of 90º turns. Likewise, the entrances all pour into one big center as a way of directing traffic into a main commercial node which comes to benefit of both the shopping and commercial experience. The activities I see mostly are individuals coming with their families (Sunday) casually strolling, window shopping, every so often actually shopping and sitting. Sitting places are strategically placed in order to give a panoramic view of the shops around, meaning, while causally sitting, people will look around at shops they might had not noticed. It also provides further incentive for people to explore the entirety of the mall, without getting tired, do the sitting arrangements are placed in key center points before people begin a new route of shopping. Security is achieved by having a limited amount of entrances with top designer lines like Salvatore Ferragamo as to discourage those who might not afford such brands from moving too forward. Commerce attracts money and money attracts commerce.

Newbury Street is a unique case in the sense that it impacts a very-high end residential area with the aesthetics and influences of a commercial zone. The design and integration of the first and basement floors through kitschy advertisement and colorful signs really inspires the commerce behind the street. More importantly, the usage of both floors, sometimes an even higher floor, for commerce parallels the high-rising effects of malls as to show variety and the same power dynamic between shopper and store. Newbury is one of the most exclusive residential areas of the city, so the street balances the influx of commercial exchange with the need for a tranquil residential life. You see that by the way streets are one-way as to prevent accumulation of traffic and the lack of mayor construction around (very in the horizon). Likewise, the strategic placement of trees along the sidewalks is designed to appeal to an aesthetic of naturalism that many residences appreciate in the green outside their second or third floor apartment. The setup of the street also alludes to the grand walkways of malls with ample space given for casual stroll, a relatively high quantity of sitting space whether it is public benches or café tables. The street still maintains its own with the presence of cars parked on the side, as well as the natural touch of trees on the outside, different factors than one would see inside a mall. Finally, Entrances to and from Newbury are also done in a one-way fashion as to maintain a circulation of traffic (especially since parking is so limited). Newbury is situated in a central location of town, next to prominent streets like Park and Boylston, but it still maintains its old town-commercial feel and if you look down the street, the building heights are very standardized. Newbury is one of the most desired places in Boston, and understanding its spatial analysis, makes it even more desirable.