1. The extent to which Whyte and Gibb differ depends on the aspect of the shopping area that they focus on. Broadly, Whyte evaluates cities as a whole, focusing more on pedestrian flow and observing how customers are pulled into stores by a window display, the entrance, and how second story stores attempt to attract customers. His focus is not very specific, although, he does address trash containers and makes mention of trees and benches. Additionally, Whyte observes the movement of people on a limited amount of walkway. Gibbs, however, focuses more on the downtown, "Main Street," evaluating how it can be successful, attracting people through appearance. He observes that the factors that attract customers the most is cleanliness and security. While Gibb observes downtown, he compares it to the success of a shopping mall. Whyte does not compare a city to the downtown area.
I think Whyte's analysis is more convincing, although it is difficult for me to follow. I think he address important and interesting concepts, especially the movement of the customers/pedestrians in the city. I thought his analysis of the width of the walkway was also very intriguing, and convincing. I am not convinced with Gibb's analysis after hearing students in class discuss the Novi shopping center, which he designed. Students said it was confusing, and I gathered that it is not well organized.
2. I am keen on observing human behavior in an urban area, especially where customers tend to stop and look at windows, what stores are most commonly entered, and the overall congestion of the location. It is interesting to observe what attracts people, and what does not attract them. These observations allow me to determine what designs works best and what works poorly. I am repelled by minute details, such as the type of light fixtures that are used, or the type of stone that is used. If the area is clean, and is functional, than it can be successful regardless of the stone or light fixtures.
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