Big Box Belligerence.

From the Seattle P-I:

On Architecture: The design of enormous warehouse stores brings out the worst in people

By LAWRENCE CHEEK
Published: February 28, 2006

SEATTLE, Feb. 28 – I don’t often mention myself in connection with the buildings I critique, but this time it’s relevant because I’ve been banned from one — a big one. My wife has ordered me to stay away from Costco. Not because I’ve been carting home impulse-purchased power tools and plasma TVs, but because I become edgy and irritable inside the store, quick to snap at her or other people. Read more….

God, this is so true! How the design of space and subsequently how we move through it affects our psyche (ala Henri LeFevbre). Which is why I like shopping at Metropolitan Market instead of Safeway, despite the higher prices. Design really does matter.