What: Asia is the place to look at when it comes to huge malls at the heart of cities.

Why it is important: Malls do not replace the need, and crave, for public spaces addressing the whole population. Is that important enough to mark their end?

Asia is recognized to have transformed the shopping mall idea into something bigger than what was initially designed in the West, and now 8 out of the 10 biggest malls in the world are in Asia. They have historically marked a huge social, architectural and cultural break in the cities, often also intertwining with logistical hubs such as train stations.

The Economist argues that Asian malls have evolved into disconnected bubbles, all offering a standardized array of brands, retail, entertainment and eateries, but do not replace the need for public spaces, as they are not addressing the whole population, but only a selection of citizens who have the cash to enjoy such activities. Now that huge Asian malls are, just like in the US, loosing traffic in favor of online shopping, The Economist wonders if they are becoming also there endangered species.

Asian malls are no substitute for public spaces