Wittenberg, Gordon2009-06-042009-06-042001Zhang, Qiao. "Bookstores/soft capsule: A retail prototype for small independent business." (2001) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17482">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17482</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17482Soft capsule is a new architecture prototype for the small independent business. It clusters the merchants of similar type (such like bookstores) with supporting program and common space. Soft capsule provides a structure for the small independent business to compete with chain stores by lowering down the cost of infrastructure. It enables the small business to operate in a larger system, while maintaining their individual scale and character. Soft capsule also animates an urban area with open air and pedestrian spaces.87 ppapplication/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Business administrationMarketingArchitectureThesisRICE2720reformatted digitalTHESIS ARCH. 2001 ZHANG