tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460551.post-83133036677560781552008-04-08T17:43:00.002-04:002008-04-08T17:47:42.925-04:00Here's The Star's Christopher Hume ranting about retailers. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hmm</span> - make them build up and insult them at the same time.<br /><br />Christopher Hume's idea to require retailers to build may have merit. However, he seems not to have noticed that retailers are already building up. All <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ikea</span> stores are two stories. The new Canadian Tire at Leslie and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lakeshore</span> is two stories. In addition, warehouse stores such as Home Depot use the space above the retail floor to store goods - which eliminates the need for a separate footprint for warehouse space.<br /><br />Hume closing rhetoric is uncalled for. Most cities grew out of market places. In Ancient Greek cities, the <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">agora</span></em>- the trading and meeting place - was foundational to what became cities and city states. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">agorai</span> were open air - in essence a zero-story buildings!<br /><br />Urbanity is based on the trading of goods and services. Instead of ranting against retailers, Hume should head back to school for a refresher course on architectural history.J. Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14566574715211055826noreply@blogger.com