I think there is a lot to be said for a stroll outside that involves protection from rather than immersion in the elements.  I don't understand why porticos aren't everywhere in the northern lands--it rains, it's windy: put up some porticos, fix some windbreaks appropriately--everyone still outside but somewhat protected.  Malls have that shininess, the huge cark parks, (cark parks!--)--so I can see that a "green mall" would have some pull: go into town (=go shopping, but not only, there are bars, cafes, and the places where you can hang out)--

Here, the issue was always: Malls are private property, so they're not public spaces.  They have security guards, who can and will move you on if you don't appear to want to partake of any of the consumables--and no public buildings.

Heh!  But protection from the elements does sound good!  Maybe there should be a rule that one third of Mall space has to be given over to public buildings--run by the local council maybe--a swimming pool, a sports complex, a play area--and yes, make it green--have some inside/outside going on, plants and trees, a rope-filled monkey playground for kids of all ages and their kids--

Being stabbed in the back, literally: it's a classic!  Great scene you wrote there!

Don't fight forces, use them R. Buckminster Fuller.