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
Contractors | Oct 5, 2022
Materials shortages, cost spikes throwing Design-Bid-Build process out of whack
The traditional Design-Bid-Build delivery process is under considerable stress this year as materials shortages and cost spikes are upending usual practices, according to a new report from JLL.
Green | Oct 5, 2022
In California, a public power provider’s new headquarters serves as a test case for an innovative microgrid and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), the public power provider for California’s Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, recently unveiled its new all-electric headquarters.
Contractors | Oct 4, 2022
Which comes first, the building or the cost estimate?
At the start of a project, don’t forget to establish financial parameters when you’re discussing the design and program. By establishing the costs up front, you can avoid the pitfalls that might derail your project and guarantee its lasting success.
Fire and Life Safety | Oct 4, 2022
Fire safety considerations for cantilevered buildings
Bold cantilevered designs are prevalent today, as developers and architects strive to maximize space, views, and natural light in buildings. Cantilevered structures, however, present a host of challenges for building teams, according to José R. Rivera, PE, Associate Principal and Director of Plumbing and Fire Protection with Lilker.
| Oct 4, 2022
Rental property owners want access to utility usage data for whole properties
As pressure from investors for ESG reporting mounts, owners of multifamily properties increasingly look to collect whole-building utility usage data.
| Oct 4, 2022
In dire need of affordable housing, Aspen, Colo. will get a development that provides 277 affordable homes
A few miles from downtown Aspen, Colo., a development will provide 277 new affordable homes for an area experiencing a dire affordable housing crisis.
Green | Oct 3, 2022
California regulators move to ban gas heaters for existing buildings
California regulators voted unanimously recently on a series of measures that include a ban on the sale of natural gas-powered heating and hot water systems beginning in 2030.
| Oct 3, 2022
The College of the Holy Cross completes a $110 million performing arts center
In Worcester, Mass., a one-hour drive from Boston, the College of the Holy Cross has completed its $110 million Prior Performing Arts Center.
Resiliency | Sep 30, 2022
Designing buildings for wildfire defensibility
Wold Architects and Engineers' Senior Planner Ryan Downs, AIA, talks about how to make structures and communities more fire-resistant.
| Sep 30, 2022
Manley Spangler Smith Architects partners with PBK in strategic merger
Manley Spangler Smith Architects (MSSA), a Georgia-based, full-service architectural firm specializing in educational and municipal facilities, announced today a significant development aimed at increasing its capabilities, expertise, and suite of services.
