Introduction

Traditionally speaking, shopping malls are defined roughly as a single or a few buildings forming a collection of shops, merchandisers, parking lots and interconnected walkways enabling visitors to walk from store to store (Carretero). In reality, they are the staples of communities, foundation of retail economies, social sanctuary for the youth, and prime event space to build community morale. Despite the many opportunities and successes shopping malls provided in 70s, 80s, and 90s, they have been on rapid decline starting as early as the 2000s (Carretero). According to analytical surveys taken by experts, 50% of shopping centers in America are said to become vacant by 2025 (Repko, 2020). With a steady increase in availability in products, technology, and many other factors the market for shopping centers became obsolete. The literature surrounding these issues can be summarized within four broad categories: sustainable energy solutions, social special design, connectivity, and site-specific content. In theory, all are included in effective design but vary largely on site-specific factors and cost related attributes that make up many professional examples. Strong variables such as sustainable design and community centered programs are the two most reoccurring topics found in each source. The review of these suggests shopping centers lack or are in absence of sustainable efficiency, sense of belonging, identity, and all previously listed attributes (Geiryn et al. 463-470). These research variables will be broken down using landscape architecture related field studies, professional projects, journal articles, and more as sources of knowledge to apply usable knowledge for this thesis. For this study I gathered knowledge from related professional examples, site context, and the community’s input to drive the design process. Nevertheless, I have developed an effective and sustainable solution to the rapid decline in mall-based retail business within the Muncie Mall in Muncie, Indiana and restored the mall as an economic and social cornerstone for the Muncie

community. I started this by diving into the sociology of malls across the United States and relating this information back to the Muncie Mall. By doing this I was able to not only look at the landscape architecture factors that affect this space, but the social aspects that surround the framework of a mall. While doing so, I examined the history of the Muncie community and the new “look”

of repurposing mall space. These two factors have changed dramatically, specifically within the 21st century as Ball State University and the city has seen an increase in development. Malls have changed, besides the additional factor of the Coronavirus, in a way that takes out the social interaction of shopping. Muncie has grown in tactical ways but has not found a way to maintain the longevity of its people. As Muncie continues to grow, it is essential to form a more reliable solution, and not just with retial. Sustainability is a way to attract this new generation entering college and young nuclear families. Not only is this an attraction, but it is a necessity to maintain a healthy community. By in large, these three concepts intertwine in ways that compliment and build off of each other. It is through this thesis that I wish to make this connection apparent and a focal point in this community that has given so much to me.

Vacant Malls in the U.S (2020)

FIGURE 0.1 CURRENT VACANT MALLS IN THE U.S.

CHAP-

TER 1: THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING