School of Planning and Architecture: Vijayawada (An institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India)
S.No. 71/1, NH-5, Nidamanuru, Vijayawada – 521 104, Andhra Pradesh, India
Architectural Design
“Shopping Mall- A Stage for the city” In 21st century India became the upcoming market for investment along with global investment and economic transformation that defines the form of the city, which is much visible in changing skyline of the city, with glass façade showing dominance over the Indian form. Along with business centers and offices, Mall is one of the western typology in India, started from major centers and now slowly changing the built and socio-economic structure of minor cities. Mall defines, a large enclosed shopping area, usually lined with shade trees and shrubbery, used as a public walk or promenade. Whereas shopping mall is the most common design mode for regional and super regional centers. The walkway or mall is typically enclosed, climate, controlled and lighted, flanked on one or both sides by storefronts and entrances. It is the illusionary, exclusionary and controlled environment designed for the sole purpose of separating the money from the consumer. The agenda of mall is especially an exclusive one. It is a space in which the chaos of the city is kept at bay and a manicured space created so that the business consumption may be conducted in complete and illusionary comfort. In India, shopping mall is new addition to the places that shape the Indian cities, being a closed box, it goes against every tradition of urbanism specially market places in India. Whereas Indian shopping is an experience, surrounding with the strong context of public space, religious space, work place, etc. It is an experience of variety of spaces, enclosures, juxtaposition of spaces, vibrancy, shades of color. Together it gives the idea for shopping as an experience. ‘Let us make an enjoyable public space leading up from the street” - Charles Correa
The 21st Century City is poised for a total transformation of the "shopping mall", and consequently for the entire idea of public interaction, desire and commerce. Shopping mall can create a field of experience which is multidimensional and interdisciplinary. It is in this way, the great traditions of public spaces, the market, desire and fulfillment are connected to our present—which creates a future that is both unexpected and compelling.
Beyond designing spaces, need to question the mall as a typology in Indian context, Page 1 of 2
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Design Brief - Architectural Design VII- 4 Year B.Arch, 2016,A.Y, School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
desirable volumes, forms, enclosures, shop-front, natural and artificial lighting. One must also bring a powerful new notion of nature, both animate and inanimate, which will infuse the shopping plaza with a fantastic sense of joy, discovery and wonder. One of the ways to delve into this problem is to look into the history of public space and infuse the idea of public space with commercial, societal, technological and artistic dimensions. Perhaps the 21st century capital needs to discover its own heritage. This heritage is not only to be found in existing typologies and obvious requirements and needs but to give accessibility to everyone from the lonely individual, to families, young people, children, the elderly, tourists and visitors, one needs to develop an integrated program, which includes all of the arts. While virtual shopping has counted its own successes recently, there is a need to re-affirm the sense of community engagement with people, face to face. It is the core of the longevity of all spaces that are meaningful. One might use virtual technologies but for a different purpose: to show the magic of the material world and the aura of being able to access things with all of the senses. The aim of the studio to visualize and explore the idea of shopping mall as an stage for the city and translate in to desirable form, which includes all of the possibilities of shopping, Indianans, entertainment, leisure, public spaces, experiential multidimensional spaces, attractive and dynamic environment, freedom of choices, etc. being in any form that can communicate practicaly, pragmatic and economically achievable solutions and as together it should reflect the idea of stage for the city.
Project outcome: 1. Case study – understanding of design programme, requirement and functions , spaces and activity, design elements, volume, form, enclosure, services, proportions,etc. 2. Design process – exploration of patterns, arrangements, organization of form and spaces, volume, interlocking spaces, enclosures, ordering principles, circulation, zoning, services and approach. 3. Conceptual drawings, concept models, 3D views, plan, elevations and sections.
References:
Rubenstein Harvey M.,(1978), “Central city malls”,A wiley-Interscience Publications,John Wiley and Sons, Inc.,New York. Gruen Victor,(1973),”Centers for the urban environment – survival of the cities”,Van Nostrand Reinhold company, New York
Studio Faculty: Shri.Nagaraju Kaja, Shri.Kranthi kumar, Shri.Milind Kamble, Shri.Karthik Ch, Shri.Syam Chandan & Shri.TVS Chowdary Page 2 of 2
