Square Feet Quote by Dolores Hayden
““By 2000, Americans had built almost twice as much retail space per citizen as any other country in the world: over nineteen square feet per person. Most of it was in malls. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Place, 1995
America’s retail expansion creates excessive consumption and suburban sprawl, impacting community life.
In simple terms: Too much mall space harms communities.
Key Takeaway
Consider sustainable, community‑focused development.
Themes
urban planning
consumerism
environment
community
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- city planning
- local business support
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
sustainability
sprawl
economic policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives to malls could serve community needs?
- How can policy curb over‑development?
A Different Perspective
Balancing economic growth with livability is complex.
![“Since the Leeburg Pike [at Tyson's Corner] carries six to eight lanes of fast-moving traffic and the mall lacks an obvious pedestrian entrance, I decided to negotiate the street in my car rather than on foot. This is a problem planners call the 'drive to lunch syndrome,' typical of edge nodes…” quote by Dolores Hayden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/536/dolores-hayden-41640_design_since-the-leeburg-pike-at-tyson-s-corner_2353746.jpg)
