In a city such as Hong Kong, already exploring the tradementionality of their urban territories, it was interesting to explore the future of one of the main functionalities of the city, the shopping malls.

E-commerce is definitely changing our perception and expectations with regards to the shopping experience. With the evolution of technology, the idea of easy-purchase, rapid delivery, availability and quality are constantly expected to be met by the consumers. Although we are moving towards e-commerce and online shopping, I believe that the shopping mall in the future would yet exist strongly by changing some of its concepts and adapting to the 21st century needs and wants.

Expanding shopping malls to serve as distribution centers and connecting them through corridors that can foster the future of food and offer experimental retail to the users.

  Public Space in a new mall extension.

In this sense, I propose the integration of urban farms for food production – to reduce logistics and improve the quality – , catering to distribution centers from which items could be shipped faster and creating an unforgettable retail experience which does not necessarily require immediate purchase. Hence, I see that malls should be expanded, and revolve more around experience, networking and production rather than pure retail.

Mall of Tomorrow is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, developed at MaCT (Master in City & Technology), 2017-18 by:

Student: Najla Aldah

Faculty: Willy Muller & Jordi Vivaldi