PUBLIC LIFE AS EXPRESSED IN THE SINGAPOREAN MALL

Abstract

Various studies on the dynamic nature of the Shopping Mall typology shows adequate discussion of the evolution, the categorizing of physical form and factors influencing the design and planning, yet the discussion of the impact of the volatility of the concept of Shopping and the dynamic nature of this building type has not received serious treatment in the planning theory. The aim of this dissertation is not to find the formulae, instructions or design patterns that can be automatically used by anyone, but to explore the directions from which the whole subject can be approached and to furnish a basis for further discussions and development in Singapore malls. Its aim is to further the understanding and use of inherent good planning principles from the first stages of shopping mall developments onwards, and whether these underlying patterns and planning of this building typology is relevant in the contemporary malls of today and whether it should remain as the essence of this unique building type. Should there be a constant or principle this typology needs to abide by, despite the dynamic nature and adamant reinventions and diversifications of this building type, or should it be evolved and developed into another building type altogether, without traces of its past because its framework is conformed to issues within the volatile world today.

The case of Orchard Central and ION Orchard demonstrates this dilemma where two very polarized attitudes exist toward the same resourceful and successful commercial effectiveness of this mall typology. These unprecedented and apparently contradictory tendencies in the two development of contemporary malls form an intriguing background to examine and consider some questions they pose for the future of this building type. The study will include the social and design aspects of the shopping malls in the city centre to draw a fair comparison. It looks into the general layout of the enclosed mall and other formats of shopping will be out of the scope.

However, moving too far ahead of the ‘constants’ in planning from the shopping malls, human would not know immediately how to adapt and use the space and therefore this will be a factor of repulsion from the mall. It is therefore one matter to plan according to the ‘variables’ or ‘constant’ in architecture and quite another to develop a synthesis between these two sets of criteria. Shopping malls planning and design theory (the constants) is thus obliged to wrestle with the consequences of ubiquitous and uncertain changing patterns of life (the variables) today.