A STUDY OF UNDERGROUND RETAIL SPACE - RAFFLES PLACE MRT STATION COMMERCIAL SPACE

Abstract

There is a widespread of use of underground space in the world. Singapore is adopting more of such use, especially in retail, as the competition for land on this small island city heats up. This study uses the Raffles Place MRT Station Commercial Space as a case study and aims to examine how current underground retail space is utilized by both the commuters and the shop operators; and the physical characteristics, which enhance the usage and give rise to problems to the Raffles Place MRT Station Commercial Space; also the study attempts to recognize the factors enhancing the underground space, in order to create underground retail spaces which are more efficient and more comfortable in the future. These objectives are examined through exploration of 3 different categories, namely the physical characteristics of the underground space, the psychological influences of the underground space on the commuters and operators, and the consumer behaviour of the commuters. Both the commuters and operators are generally satisfied with the physical state of the Raffles Place MRT Station with the exception of the complaint of the air quality. The study also found that commuters and shop operators are generally receptive towards the use of underground space. Most respondents do not feel a distinctive difference between shopping underground and shopping elsewhere. The major difference found is in consumer behaviour between the transitor and the shopper. The transitor's reluctance to shop in the Raffles Place MRT Station Commercial Space is found to be due to the restricted tenant mix, especially the ban on food outlets. With the findings and reviews of previous works, proposed changes and additional features are suggested in the final chapter to facilitate future underground retail developments.