Victor Gruen was an Austrian-born architect, best known for pioneering the concept of the modern shopping mall. He immigrated to the United States in 1938 and designed the first enclosed shopping center, the Southdale Center in Minnesota, which opened in 1956. Gruen aimed to create spaces that fostered community interaction and provided a sense of place. Throughout his career, Gruen advocated for urban planning that prioritized pedestrian-friendly environments. He believed that cities should be designed to enhance the quality of life for residents, leading to his involvement in various urban renewal projects. His ideas have significantly influenced contemporary urban design and retail architecture.