Facade of the future

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The mall has changed the way we splurge. And almost nine years after the mall story began in India, while the concern is about construction and operational efficiencies, meeting environmental safety and conservation criteria, the initial attraction is often a project’s architectural and design aesthetics. With nearly 50 million square feet of mall space in various stages of completion across major cities in India, mall architecture looks to set to match the best the world has to offer.

Taking a step forward from the usual, run-of-the-mill rectangular buildings, and seeking inspiration from the towering modern day marvels in Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai, it’s now the turn of crescent-shaped or fish-shaped facades to make an appearance in the Indian mall arena. In first-world countries, it is generally accepted that if a retail environment lacks synergy between its diverse elements and experiences it will not be successful. Although location is important, the right expertise in conceptualisation, design, development and management of malls is absolutely necessary to optimise long-term sustainability and profitability.

Kunal Banerji, President, Ansal API, points to two architectural wonders coming up in Lucknow and Ludhiana. “The mall in Lucknow has two towers on either side with a long horizontal passage connecting the two towers. This mall will house a hotel along with office complexes. Whereas the Boulevard in Ludhiana will be a boutique mall housing the high end luxury brands,” says Banerji.

According to a survey conducted by global property consultancy firm Cushman & Wakefield, not all mall operators are likely to benefit equally from how the linear structures are giving way to more innovative forms: “Only the ones in favourable locations and with the right format and suitable strategies are likely to be long-term players,” the survey states. “Modern structures attract both consumers and retailers. With 97% of our retail market unorganised, malls offer a great business opportunity,” says Banerji.

A shopping mall should be able to bring together a perfect blend between the exterior and the interior elements under one roof. Industry experts say that the planning of existing malls in India lacked an understanding of mall culture. Large retailers were positioned incorrectly — as a result the traffic flow of shoppers did not provide opportunity for the smaller retailers to increase trade and therefore for the developer to increase his return.