We live moments of uncertainty. The market constantly consults us about the future of retail, about medium and long-term trends, about how it will affect and what they can do to “combat” the impact of electronic commerce. Countless questions that need answers in order to establish the best future business plans and maintain the profitability of your assets.
From the point of view of architecture, many of these questions are difficult to answer and we do not have a “crystal ball” to predict the future, but we can point out a series of actions, criteria and trends to consider in any new development or repositioning.
Decalogue to successfully redesign a shopping center
In architecture projects we increasingly include terms that have more to do with the use of spaces than with the more technical part. That is, the “for” becomes more important than the “how.” Our presentations are full of concepts such as experiences, flexibility, satisfaction, socialization, personalization, loyalty, sustainability, healthy living, etc. The great challenge that we face now is knowing how to incorporate all these concepts into our designs.
Contents
- 1 Next, the steps to be followed when redesigning a shopping center are defined:
- 2 1. CREATE FLEXIBLE SPACES
- 3 2. DESIGN IN KEY “EXPERIENCE”
- 4 3. SEEK DIFFERENTIATION THROUGH CULTURE
- 5 4. IN SUSTAINABLE KEY
- 6 5. PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFE
- 7 6. CREATE COMMUNITY
- 8 7. ATTRACT THE MILLENNIAL
- 9 8. TOWARDS A DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
- 10 Share this:
Next, the steps to be followed when redesigning a shopping center are defined:
1. CREATE FLEXIBLE SPACES
Or what we call ephemeral architecture. Flexible spaces will allow us to adapt faster to the market changes that may arise. The use of revolving doors should be considered.
2. DESIGN IN KEY “EXPERIENCE”
Today we all seek to live experiences and not only that, we also seek to satisfy them immediately. Shopping centers should encourage the creation of these experiences. Each corner must transmit the same language and must be equipped with those tangible or intangible “winks” so that our client wants to repeat.
3. SEEK DIFFERENTIATION THROUGH CULTURE
We have all heard a thousand times that all shopping centers are the same, that everyone looks alike and that they all find the same. And probably, no reason is missing. We must create differential spaces, but at the same time rooted in their environment, the community, the culture to which they belong. We cannot enter a center and not know if we are in Malaga or Shanghai. We must anchor them where they belong, it is the only way that our clients generate feelings of belonging.
4. IN SUSTAINABLE KEY
It is not just about creating “green” buildings with an efficient use of resources and materials. It is equally important that we analyze the sustainability of our environment: sustainable transport, enhance the purchase of local products, the installation of urban gardens, etc.
5. PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFE
We must provide our shopping centers with spaces that facilitate the visit and stay of those who use alternative transport such as bicycles, segways or scooters among others. We need to create parking spaces for these elements, provide areas for repair, or give them access to showers in case they need them. These types of services create positive, unique and differentiated experiences.
6. CREATE COMMUNITY
If we want to create differential experiences, we must bet on spaces that help to socialize. Spaces where to share experiences, where community becomes. Coworking spaces, where you can exchange ideas, projects, knowledge and most importantly: collaborate.
7. ATTRACT THE MILLENNIAL
You have to create spaces and experiences for them, but you have to do it in a subtle way. We have to design areas and restoration proposals tailored to your needs, Urban Art spaces, adventure sports areas and offers of commercial spaces according to your needs.
8. TOWARDS A DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Everyone has launched into the digital experience, we see more and more windows with digital screens, there is a growing presence of screens, both advertising and sensory content, in the common areas of shopping centers. We are reaching the collapse, to a point of digital saturation where we have to be increasingly creative when integrating that digital world with architecture. Not everything goes, the digital experience must be transversal and inclusive, to accompany us on our visit.
