There is no denying that most shopping centers serve one main purpose—shopping. But these megamalls around the world, from the United States to Singapore, have become cultural and entertainment hotspots, making shopping only one part of the fun.
For the history enthusiast: Wafi Mall (UAE)
The distinctive design of Wafi Mall has made it a popular destination. (PHILIPUS)
Wafi Mall is a shopping center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The architecture of the mall is inspired by ancient Egyptian design, with a mix of modern elements.
The exterior features a facade with intricate carvings in hieroglyphic style, while the interiors mimic the look and feel of a traditional Egyptian market, complete with columns, arches and motifs inspired by ancient Egyptian art and culture. The mall features a large central atrium with a stained-glass roof, as well as multiple levels of retail space, dining options and entertainment venues. The unique and distinctive design of Wafi Mall has made it a popular tourist destination and a notable example of contemporary Egyptian-style architecture.
For the adventurous: Dubai Mall (UAE)
Dubai Mall is regarded as one of the biggest malls in the world. (GETTY IMAGES)
Dubai Mall is regarded as one of the biggest malls in the world, renowned for its creative design, opulent retail experiences, cutting-edge amenities, and for being home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Modern and contemporary architecture is used throughout the mall, with an emphasis on wide-open interior spaces, natural light and a neutral color scheme. The mall includes various floors of shop space, food options and entertainment venues in addition to a sizable central atrium with a skylight.
For the luxurious traveler: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Singapore)
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (CHOO YUT SHING)
Consider Marina Bay Sands to be the Venetian’s cutting-edge, contemporary cousin. It is equally extravagant and outrageous, but it is arguably best known for its boat-shaped rooftop complex, which also houses the Sky Park, a number of upscale eateries, a spa and a sizable infinity pool. The Shoppes has its own canal where sampan (a local form of boat) rides can be taken in circles around the rain oculus.
This is without a doubt the most opulent mall in the area with over half a dozen celebrity restaurants, two of which have one or two Michelin Stars, an entire Louis Vuitton Island Maison that even has its own art gallery, a cutting-edge museum, and sprawling duplex and triplex stores occupied by the likes of Chanel and Prada.
For the outdoors lover: Ala Moana Shopping Center (Hawaii)
Ala Moana Center is a large shopping center in Hawaii. (CALLISONRTKL.COM)
Ala Moana Center is a large shopping center in Hawaii, known for its extensive retail offerings, which include a mix of high-end boutiques, department stores and popular chain stores.
The mall’s architecture is characterized by a mix of modern and tropical styles, with a focus on creating an open and airy environment that reflects the natural beauty of Hawaii. The interior of the mall features high ceilings, natural light and open spaces, as well as a fusion of contemporary and traditional design elements. The exterior of the mall is characterized by large windows, spacious entrance areas, and lush landscaping that incorporates the local flora and fauna of Hawaii.
For the amusement park experience: Villaggio Mall (Qatar)
The Villaggio Mall is widely recognized for its variety of shopping and dining options, as well as its indoor amusement park and ice-skating rink. (VILLAGGIOQATAR.COM)
The Villaggio Mall in Doha, Qatar is considered as one of the largest and most popular shopping centers in the country. It is widely recognized for its variety of shopping and dining options, as well as its indoor amusement park and ice-skating rink.
The mall’s architecture is characterized by a unique and distinctive Venetian-style design, with a focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience. The interior of the mall features a large central courtyard with a glass roof, as well as multiple levels of retail space, dining options, and entertainment venues. The exterior of the mall is designed to resemble a traditional Italian village, complete with canals, gondolas, and picturesque bridges.
Beyond shopping and entertainment
The impact of the presence of shopping centers can transcend outside its walls, and further deeper into the local neighborhoods, especially when the real estate market comes into play.
Shopping centers tend to attract large masses of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, therefore increasing the visibility of the smaller retailers inside as well as the surrounding neighborhood outside. The presence of a shopping center also indicates a convenient location, or a potentially ideal location where business activity is expected to bloom, primarily due to proximity to major thoroughfares, public transportation hubs, institutions, and residential areas.
Although shopping centers certainly have positive effects on housing prices at a certain distance, they can easily have the opposite impact as properties are located closer, primarily due to increased light and noise levels around the area. High rent costs and design limitations along the area can also repulse some home and property buyers.
Nevertheless, shopping centers remain to be among the pinnacles of central business districts and are bound to continuously improvise as the concept of shopping goes beyond physical purchases.
The author (www.ianfulgar.com) is one of the premium architects in the Philippines who assists local and international clients in enhancing hotels, condominiums, museums, and commercial and mixed-use township developments with distinctive and forward-thinking design specialties for the real estate industry.