They may be synonymous with consumer chaos during the festive season, but shopping centres have quietly evolved into critical mental health sanctuaries for the elderly and isolated, effectively replacing the church or community hall as the modern “third place”.
New research published in the journal Cities challenges the view of malls as purely transactional “non-places”. Instead, public health researchers at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences describe them as vital “social infrastructure” that sustains the emotional health of communities.
The study, led by Gry Rustad Pettersen, found that for many people — particularly the elderly and those living alone — the local shopping centre serves as their primary connection to society, functioning as an inclusive, neutral ground where social hierarchies are suspended.
“Shopping centres are parts of the social infrastructure and function as third places,” the authors state. “Features of SCs that qualify them as third places also position them as crucial in alleviating isolation and loneliness.”
Four layers of belonging
Using “go-along interviews” — a method in which researchers accompanied 14 visitors on their trips — the team identified four distinct layers of social interaction that malls provide, which are often unavailable elsewhere in the modern city.
- Habitual Belonging: For regulars, the centre is not a commercial destination but a “second home”. Participants expressed a deep sense of ownership over the space, building daily routines around specific benches, cafés and walking routes.
- The Joy of Co-presence: The study highlights the importance of “unfocused interaction” — a concept derived from sociologist Erving Goffman. Visitors found deep fulfilment simply in “being among others” and feeling the vibration of life, without the pressure to engage in conversation. This “passive sociability” provides a cure for isolation without the social anxiety of formal settings.
- Casual Encounters: The “levelling” nature of the mall fosters brief, light-hearted exchanges. These “weak ties”—a nod or a comment on the weather—generate social capital and a feeling of inclusion.
- Evolved Friendships: Over time, these casual ties often crystallise. The researchers found that relationships formed in the aisles often deepened into sustained friendships, with the shopping centre acting as the safe container for these bonds to grow.
The findings paint a picture of the shopping centre as a “democratic” space. Unlike golf clubs or workplaces, malls are accessible to all, regardless of social standing.
“We wanted to understand how people use shopping centres for social reasons,” explained researcher Gry Rustad Pettersen.
The results were striking. One participant, 68-year-old Morten, described the centre simply as “the best place”. Another, 85-year-old Inger, confessed: “I don’t have anybody. It makes you understand why I leave the house.”
For these visitors, the commercial aspect is secondary to the “playful mood” and chatter that sociologist Ray Oldenburg defined as the hallmark of a true “third place”.
Urban planning rethinking
The study argues that urban planners and city officials need to stop dismissing shopping centres as “placeless” commercial boxes and start recognising them as essential public assets.
As traditional high streets decline and public services contract, privately owned shopping centres have stepped in to fill the void. The researchers suggest that future urban design should learn from the “accessibility, neutrality, and vibrancy” of these spaces to create better inclusive environments.
“Creating more places like this may be key to building healthier, more connected communities and cities,” Pettersen said.
