The Lab is part of Sobeca an anti-mall development in Costa Mesa California. What has intrigued me about it is that its creators have through trial and error been able to establish a new socially aware shopping environment that crosses between an upscale flea market and an Artisan’s craft fair. Creating a pulpable alternative to the enclosed mega malls that are proliferating many of the suburban landscapes of Western society is something that the founders can really be proud of.

One of the halva merchants spied that I was a foreigner and within in minutes had not only sold me “the best halva in the world” but had also told me the history of my name and its relationship to his; having a name like Aaron opened the door – just a little – I think.

Anyway, shopping centres may come and go as we always have to keep refocusing their every changing demographics. But these old genuine meeting places of commerce seem to hold a successful mystical allure all their own.

Pikes Market is a new ….