Main Street

1. List the criteria Robert Gibbs uses to evaluate a Main Street
- Should be clean and easy to maneuver around, otherwise it will detract people from coming there.
- Make people feel safe and comfortable.
- Accessories should be limited and simple. The ground should be almost boring to look at, so that people's eyes focus on the stores.
- Design stores according to the fact that people naturally turn right.
- Grab people's attention effectively. They will be strolling by the store in just seconds and that is the amount of time allotted for the store to stand out.
- Accommodate to pedestrians and to people traveling by car.

2. Think critically of Gibb's argument. Do you think "Main Street" should be a mall?
I think with some improvements it very well could be. The detail and coloring have mall like qualities. The gym is an effective "generator". I like how Main Street has its unique small shops. However, there needs to be a balance between these small boutiques, and popular and larger stores. Like Gibbs says, "brands are what give you credibility", and people like familiarity.

3. Make your own checklist to judge a Main Street. What things do you think are important?
It should be clean, safe, and inviting. It should follow the right turn rule. I actually disagree with Gibb's views on distracting accessories. I think architecture outside of the stores actually catch people's eyes, and then their focus can turn to the stores behind these figures. There should definitely be places to eat and sit evenly spaced along the street. The stores should obviously be easily accessible and visible, with visual clues telling me what I should expect if I entered the store. They should catch my eye since they only have a few seconds to do so while I am walking or driving by.