The economic boom in Asia is reflected in the development of modern temples of consumerism. Nine out of ten of the world’s biggest shopping malls are located in Asia. Offering much more than “shop till you drop” opportunities – malls are becoming amusement parks and lifestyle centers surrounded by shops.
Emporis.com generated the Top 10 rankings, which are based on the gross leasable area, the area used for revenue-generating activities. Historically, malls have always been the icons of America – the first mall ever was built in Minneapolis in 1956.
However, Asia’s economic boom has resulted in the rise of consumerism and the development of mega-malls. Nowadays, Asia has more malls than America, and the two largest are located in China.
The dimensions of the malls is demonstrated in this comparison: the second biggest mall, Golden Resources Mall, has an area of 557.419 m², the size of about 75 soccer fields.
But some mega-malls in Asia are experiencing problems. New South China Mall is the biggest mall in the world with 600.153 m² of shopping space – most of it empty, with little consumer traffic and a high vacancy rate. It has been classified as a “dead mall”.
In recent years, developers have invented new ways for the mega-mall to survive in this economy. Gone is the store-dominated shopping centre welcoming instead, an age of mixed-use “lifestyle centers”. The Dubai Mall offers an ice-rink and aquarium on an area of 350.244 m². The Persian Gulf Complex, once completed, will house an indoor amusement park, prayer room, and helipad.
Another strategy calls for ways to combine environmental solutions with architecture. An indoor rainforest with koi ponds and the largest rooftop garden in Southeast Asia was implemented by 1 Utama mall in Malaysia. CentralWorld in Thailand features an indoor salt-water lake with sea lions. Trends to include office and residential space, such as the Cehavir Mall in Turkey, are also a survival method of mega-malls. BD+C
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE TOP 10 LIST
Related Stories
Architects | Apr 22, 2021
SmithGroup enters partnership to support architecture programs at three Historically Black universities
The firm is providing instructors and mentors as part of a broader effort to expand the industry’s diversity.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 22, 2021: COVID-19's impact on multifamily amenities
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C's Robert Cassidy speaks with three multifamily design experts about the impact of COVID-19 on apartment and condo amenities, based on the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Survey.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 15, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 15, 2021: The ins and outs of adaptive reuse, and sensors for real-time construction monitoring
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders from PBDW Architects and Wohlsen Construction about what makes adaptive reuse projects successful, and sensors for real-time monitoring of concrete construction.
Architects | Apr 14, 2021
HASTINGS elevates Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal
Hastings Architecture promotes Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal.
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
Architects | Apr 2, 2021
Spring Has Sprung at Construction Specialties
Introducing a slew of sensational solids, metallic finishes that cast subtle and shimmering effects, and disposable curtains to complement our exclusive fabric line.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 30, 2021
Bipartisan ‘YIMBY’ bill would provide $1.5B in grants to spur new housing
Resources for local leaders to overcome obstacles such as density-unfriendly or discriminatory zoning.
Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021
Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19
Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.
Architects | Mar 25, 2021
The Weekly Show, March 25, 2021: The Just Label for AEC firms, and Perkins Eastman's Well-Platinum design studio
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about the Just Label from the International Living Future Institute, and the features and amenities at Perkins Eastman's Well Platinum-certified design studio.