It is obvious that open spaces have lost some of their
previous users due to the new recreational opportunities
offered in shopping malls. However, there might be
further possible reasons that attract people to the
shopping malls other than the recreational opportunities.
Crowded vehicle traffic is becoming a bigger problem day
by day in Ankara. It is very difficult to find parking lots,
especially, within the city centre. In contrast, shopping
malls have lots of parking spaces, although, even these
can sometimes fail to meet the demand, especially, at
weekends. Although, participants did not mention the fact
of personal security, we believe that, it is another issue
that needs to be addressed. Feeling secure definitely
plays an important role in place preferences. Shopping
malls with their own security staff and closed-circuit TV
camera systems make people feel safer.