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Abstract
Strip malls today look the same or are similar to those constructed in the 1930s. The visual pollution created by strip mall signage, parking lots, and architecture distracts and confuses drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The environmental pollution created by visitors, strip mall tenants, and the physical building negatively impacts the air, sound, light, and soil quality of the surrounding suburb.
This thesis analyzes the components of strip malls and their effect on the surrounding community and environment. It is important to understand how strip malls can be reimagined to reconnect with the urban fabric of the surrounding community. The surrounding area, location, tenants, and owner are a few reasons why a strip mall is a success or failure. The effects of demographics, culture, politics, pollution, and the public realm on strip malls should be further researched and taken into consideration in order to advance the strip mall typology.