ARCH 701-204

Multifarious Matter: Les Halles 2030

Urban retail is undergoing a significant transformation due to the rise of online shopping. Amazon Go is the first supermarket to allow customers to walk out without paying at a register, while a suite of new fashion boutiques utilize virtual assistants to deliver clothing to change rooms at the touch of a button. Beyond novelty, these applications of technology transform not only the experience of shopping, but also the square footage, fit-out, staffing, security, supply and delivery logistics. Apple’s park-bench and tree-scape interiors, or Nike’s half-court basketball facilities have become a destination in themselves. Extending beyond merchandise, these retail ventures privilege experience over sales, recognizing a sale could take place at a future date online. These experiential retail stores create a fuzzy edge to public space, capable of enhancing our urban experiences.