Throw in scorching summers and a lack of public spaces, and the environment becomes antagonistic.

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Alternatively, co-working spaces and other sandboxed environments can offer an inspiring environment.

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Convenient parking, liquor license availability, a large potential customer base accustomed to visiting the destination, as well as the opportunity to build out spaces to specifications and size requirements have created an environment where operators are looking as much at Malls as Malls are looking for operators.

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The past few years in New York have seen an extraordinary enrichment of the public environment through the recovery of several abandoned and ignored spaces, and New Yorkers and tourists are embracing them in droves.

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How might our shared built environment -- our homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces and public spaces -- be shaped differently if women were behind half the proverbial blueprints?

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