Life Between Shopping Centers

This research is basically focusing on the open space outside Westlake Center, Westlake Park and slightly addressing the sidewalk in this shopping district. According to Franck and Stevens’ Theory of “Loose Space”, and Crawford’s concept of “Everyday Urbanism”, the space here can be seen as a loose space by a variety type of usage and an everyday space shared by urban residents’ randomly use in their everyday life pattern.

It is almost the most vivacious area in Seattle downtown. There are many department stores, hotels, and banks around. According to “From Everyday Urbanism”, the author said that everyday space “existing in between such defined and physically identifiable realms as the home, the workplace, and the institution, everyday urban space is the connective tissue that binds daily lives together.” And in “Tying Down Loose Space” article, the author mentioned loose spaces give cities life and vitality. It is a breath space of city life. Westlake Park can be seen as a tissue connecting the surrounding shopping centers. The space does simulate imagination and intervention. People’s action here does make a space loose, with or without official sanction and physical features that support those actions. Meanwhile, they enjoy the freedom in the spaces by avoiding and accepting each other.