Secret Mall Apartment - 99% Invisible
Briefly

The documentary "Secret Mall Apartment" showcases artist Michael Townsend, who constructed a hidden apartment within Providence Place Mall. Originally, Townsend was optimistic about the mall's potential to revitalize his neighborhood. As he ran past the construction, he discovered an unused space between two massive walls, sparking his imagination. This project reflects broader themes of urban transformation and creative expression in unexpected environments, and the documentary also revisits interviews highlighting the history of the mall site from its origins as a prison to a shopping destination.
"There were two giant walls which almost touched, but not quite. Why isn't that just one wall? Why would you build two walls with enough space to squeeze through them?"
"Michael Townsend lived nearby when the mall was going up. At first, Townsend had an open mind about the project, cautiously optimistic it could bring more business to the neighborhood."
Read at 99% Invisible
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