Michael Townsend, an artist known for living secretly in a hidden apartment inside the Providence Place Mall, shares his unconventional experience. He discusses the creativity that emerged from this unique living arrangement and the artists' protest against urban redevelopment. Alexandra Lange, an author and mall design expert, highlights the evolving cultural significance of malls, especially post-pandemic. They explore the nostalgia tied to these spaces and envision their potential transformation amidst changing consumer habits.
Michael Townsend and friends transformed a mall into a secret apartment, challenging conventional urban living and reimagining space use.
The history of Providence Place Mall underscores urban development's impact, highlighting a shift from consumerism to community-focused initiatives.
As mall traffic declines, creative repurposing of these spaces for residential or community use presents a viable future for urban design.
Deep dives
The Concept of Living in a Mall
A unique idea was proposed suggesting that living in a mall could provide convenience for everyday essentials. This concept emerged from a woman’s advertisement for the Providence Place Mall, which sparked the imagination of artist Michael Townsend and his friends. They viewed the mall not just as a shopping venue but as a potential living space where they could fulfill all their needs. This led to the creation of a secret apartment within the mall, challenging traditional notions of urban living.
Historical Context and Evolution of the Mall
The Providence Place Mall was built on land with a tumultuous history, including a notorious state prison and an education campus. Opened in 1999, the mall cost $500 million and became the largest construction project in Providence's history, featuring 1.4 million square feet of retail space. It aimed to be a one-stop shopping destination for consumers, reflecting a significant investment in urban development. However, its massive, boxy structure soon received criticism for lacking architectural charm.
Unconventional Living Arrangements
After losing their home due to urban development pressures, Townsend and his friends devised a plan to live in the mall for a week as an artistic statement. They located an unusual space in the mall that appeared to be an accidentally created room, which they ultimately turned into a secret apartment. This decision shifted from a temporary experience to a prolonged living arrangement as they decorated the space and cultivated a lifestyle resembling that of residents rather than mere shoppers. Their project stood as a demonstration of reclaiming underutilized urban spaces from commercial interests.
The Challenges of Maintaining Secrecy
Their secret apartment thrived for years, but it was eventually compromised when the door was broken into and personal items were stolen. The group had to adjust their living schedules, opting to stay overnight to reduce the risk of being discovered and keeping their project a secret. Michael's decision to show the apartment to a visiting artist led to their unraveling when mall security identified them. This moment forced them into the legal system, where Michael faced charges for trespassing, highlighting the tension between public spaces and private ownership.
The Decline and Future of Malls
Over the years, the mall industry has experienced a significant decline, with estimates suggesting the closure of hundreds of malls due to changing shopping habits and the rise of online retail. While the original purpose of malls has often centered around consumerism, many have become centers for community services, reflecting a need for adaptive reuse in urban design. Although the decline poses challenges, innovative ideas, such as repurposing mall spaces for residential use, have begun to surface. Ultimately, the future of malls may lie in their ability to evolve and adapt to the community’s changing needs.
A group of artists explored the back hallways of a mall in Providence, RI, and found the perfect place to build a private hangout. We interviewed the group's leader Michael Townsend a few years back, and he's now the subject of a new documentary called Secret Mall Apartment. Plus, mall history with Alexandra Lange.
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