Urban Commerce, Chic and Perceptions of Want

                     The idea of an urban city as a commercial hotspot of activity has been one of the foundation principles of past and recent studies. Many hold a view that some cities are majorly influenced by, and also exert influence on economic and commercial agendas of individuals. City economies are described in great detail within the textbook Urban Geography by Tim Hall and Heather Barrett. They outline not just a basic view of commercially driven cities, but give examples as to how such commercial functions have transitioned over the course of history. This blog entry is one of two which aims to tackle the issue of economic centers in urban cities- firstly from my standpoint as an individual who encounters these centers first-hand; while the second post will focus on the broader view of multiple economic centers within a city, how they are related to one another and those of other cities, and what their influence is upon a grander scale as opposed to singular individuals.

                   The concept of Urban Chic relates to something that is viewed to be "trendy". It does not simply apply to articles of clothing, but instead to anything that can represent oneself (even building form) and signify something about a person. In recent times, Urban chic has fulfilled differing roles; the primary role, as a symbol of self expression, and a somewhat more cynical role, where "consumerism" has encouraged some purchasing of "Urban Chic" goods to improve self image. This is where the Perceptions Of Want come into play: Systems of consumerism allow for the establishment of urban commercial centers which peddle goods to individuals who believe that they need the goods, when in actuality, the goods represent only wants. This paradoxical relationship also causes wants to become a need, whereby those who do not own such goods can often be overlooked or stigmatized. Confusing certainly, but quintessentially a feature of society which replicates over time in new but familiar forms.

The Shopping Plaza

      People shuffled past the moonlit plaza, its neon signs giving fierce competition to the naturalness of the starry night light. All the stores closed, but lights inside, electricity burning, burning like the desire of the window shoppers to obtain that new winter coat (Trinidad temperatures of 32 degrees celcius on average, but never mind, the Air conditioning was freezing, the remote didn't have any batteries) , that new pair of shoes (number twenty in the closet, heels like moko-jumbie stilts) , a new suede suit and a new lambskin belt (different from the regular belt in that its texture was sublime, as if the goal of the belt was not to hold up the new "trousers" but instead to be felt and enjoyed). The plaza exhibited its wares gallantly, each article and item carried with it a promise of confidence for the next day, at a price of course. The want machines that are human beings continued to shuffle past, some ambling, some leisurely walking, others flat out sprinting so as to avoid the call of the next best fashionable want. 
     The game played by the urban shopping plaza was one of comfort and enticement, its architecture itself as a lure, then the lure shrunk into storefronts, neon lights and smiling shopkeepers. Make no mistake, the goods were good, but how good could a good actually be for the good of a consumer?



1. The above picture, and the two below, were taken in the Valpark Shopping Plaza at night. It represents just one of numerous urban commercial centers that are established within Trinidad. While the outer building form is common of commercial centers, the inner structure (two below pictures) is a bit more differential, and the overall aesthetics aim to attract the majority of consumers. While Valpark is not the most major of commercial centers with respect to number of stores and variety of wares, it is indicative of a central area of activity, with its parking lots almost always full. Many of the goods on display are geared towards urban consumers, as well as those who are wealthy. Neighbouring settlements in Valsayn are highly urban and residents frequent this center.

2. Perceptions of want are the driving force for the profitability of these urban commercial centers. The need for newer and more encourage sales, as well as when items become more popular and are associated with the wealthy, urban elite which leads to the  purchasing of such goods to enhance image and status.
 While the tendency is to associate "wants" negatively, this is not at all the case. While there are some wants that can be seen to be somewhat pointless and purely to please others, often wants can improve quality of life, and also make life more enjoyable; wants only become a problem when they extend past a person's realistic budget and financial means.
  The integration of urban commercial centers within an urban community serves to increase city status, the wealth generated by certain individuals of the city, and such wealth may even be used in the betterment of the city. In some instances, the urban commercial center is the focal point and is often more recognized than the city.








3.  
     These links reflects one of the ideas of Consumerism; The first is a more analytical viewpoint, whereas the second is a satirical musical video on Consumerism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ29DQvopZo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGaOQKJik-s