Getting malled to death

Life in Sanlitun recently became a little more convenient. My apartment community is located just south of the new Sanlitun SOHO, and with these towers nearing completion, the complex is no longer closed off. I can now walk directly to Sanlitun Village South and no longer have to make a detour around the large area occupied by the SOHO high rises.

Even better, the completed exteriors of these sleek, silver gray towers, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who did The Opposite House, look great when viewed from my apartment's ceiling to floor sitting room window.

But does Sanlitun really need Sanlitun SOHO? Sanlitun Village South has been open for over year, while Sanlitun Village North is ready for occupancy. A few restaurants have already begun operating in the North Village and more dining establishments and stores are set to move in.