It was instead a rude development that occurred in September at the most mega of American malls, also outside Minneapolis.

For that reason, architects do not expect the American mall to be transformed into a mini-city with row after row of mock townhouses.

They probably have never seen the amount of land moved for an American mall.

Karl Marx has left his mark on the American mall.

The diversity of design among the winners may stem from confusing statistics on the health of the American mall.

And smaller versions will appear in upscale American malls soon after, Sephora executives said.

The wait for shopping to cease goes on not only in the climate-controlled comfort of the modern American mall.

Mega is Eastern Europe's biggest mall, though still smaller than most American malls.

A commercial complex of shops, a hotel and movie theaters will be similar to an American mall.

"The American mall is rigid because you can find the Gap anywhere," Mr. Kang said.