How We Live is is an ongoing look at how life is lived in America today. The series will explore debates about city planning and development, and cover new ideas affecting how we live and work. In this installment, Ray Suarez looks at architect Rem Koolhaas's efforts to reshape the shopping environment to one where the design of the store is as crucial as the merchandise.

The Dutch architect recently designed a store for Italian fashion house Prada, which opened in New York in December 2001. The high-tech "epicenter" store is an example of such a design-centered shopping environment.