Ostarista paikalliskeskukseksi

Lähiön kauppapaikan muodonmuutos eläkeikäisten kuvaamana ja kokemana

Abstrakti

Finnish suburbs are facing remarkable changes as the
age structure of the population continues to shift
towards a more mature society. This research examines
the descriptions and experiences of retired
residents of a large suburb where a local shopping
centre was renewed and enlarged. The 29 respondents
of the interviews were first encountered before
the renewal of the shopping centre took place and
then a year after the opening of the new extension.
In addition, a planner, a city officer and the owner
were interviewed about the development process of
the shopping centre. The analysis was structured using
the framework of action, orientation and fantasy
applied from the work of Rowles (1978). The results
from the interviews showed a focus on action with
less attention to orientation and fantasy. Also, the
renewal of the shopping centre attracted respondents
to get out more with the emphasis on getting
exercise and socializing rather than actual shopping.
The respondents demonstrated their ability to engage
in active redefinition of a commercial venue to
act as a space of casual everyday encounters.