

Therefore, considering the multiple complexities involved it is most advisable to appoint an “Shopping Mall Specialist” This Shopping Mall Specialist brings in, in depth knowledge, expertise, understanding & experience in various aspects of running a shopping center. In most cases it is very difficult to get everything right the first time.

We would all agree that Shopping center design is a learning curve, similar to any other aspect of Retail. Simple steps to achieve an Efficient Design. Now that we agree right Planning & Design is critical, lets look at the different aspects, which indirectly affect the designing of the Mall and how one can get better their chances of achieving an optimum design through an organized approach. A Mall can be called efficient when it connects with the customer through the various touch points, whether the entry into the premises thorough pedestrian entry or entry to car park, proper & ample parking, easy connectivity from parking to Mall level etc. Understanding customer habits & expectations play a very important role in the design of any mall. But having said that, there is always a certain science of shopping involved. Which brings us to realize that without the correct Mall Design & Planning, even the best Mall Management team will not be able to deliver.Īn efficient design is always driven by common sense. At the same time, a mall which is much newer & having better finishes, is probably not doing as well & the brands are dying or shuffling every 6 months. The reason for this success is probably, an impeccable operations team but moreover a very efficient Mall Design. This is in spite the fact that the common corridors, aisles, food court areas look overdue for renovation. Look & feel undoubtedly is an important factor, however an efficient Design Planning & Circulation is most critical for example A Mall in the suburbs of Mumbai, which opened around 04-05, is till today known amongst the best Malls in the country.

SHOPPING MALL PROJECT DETAILS PROFESSIONAL
One should not refrain from taking professional help in this context.Ī common mistake is that while designing a Mall, a lot of emphasis is given to the look & feel or exterior finishes of the Mall, but not as much to the basic circulation planning, zoning – with respect to the site & project requirements. Any ambiguity in the mind of the developer or absence of clarity would spell disaster. A Mall has to be planned, designed and built like a Mall from start to end. The developer has to have a clear thought process & vision of what he wishes to make & for whom. A Malls design has to be custom made, to suit the specific retail needs. The Design & Planning of a mall is the foundation & spine of the structure, and it is one of the single most important contributing factors. One of the primary reasons for the decline of the mall is the improper Design & Planning. Many of these malls are either closing or dying at the same pace. Today, we have so many malls opening in the country, but at the same time, there are only a very few who are able to sustain the treacherous path of retail.

Infact, many architects first make the error of designing an elevation of the mall first, to impress upon the mall developer, which is a sure ingredient of failure. Most Malls in India have been designed outside - in, which means that the elevation of the mall has been given too much of importance than the actual mall inside. The problem arises when one designs the space & decides to build without proper understanding or knowledge of the business requirements. In most cases, the crux of the problem is improper planning & a disorganized design approach. The project starts with great enthusiasm & fervor, but many a times this dream soon turns into a nightmare, when reality strikes and it is realized that mistakes have been made which are irreversible. (Please share the post, if you like it, for the benefit of the Shopping Mall Industry)įor most Developers, especially the first time Mall developers, building a Mall is their sentimental dream project, about which they are very passionate.
