Strategic design guidelines for Universal Design of shopping malls

Making it a user friendly public space

Riddhi Sanghvi (08 SA 129) 11th July 2013

1. Introduction
Universal design Universal design is a broader concept that is defined by The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University as "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. An environment which is accessible, usable, convenient and a pleasure to use, benefits everyone. By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all throughout the design process, Universal Design creates products, services and environments that meet peoples' needs. Universal Design is good design. Both accessible and universal designs are concerned with addressing the needs of users beyond those considered to be "average" or "typical." Designing any product or environment involves the consideration of many factors, including aesthetics, engineering options, environmental issues, safety concerns, and cost. Typically, designers consider the average user. In contrast, "universal design" is the design of products and environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. When universal design principles are applied, products and environments meet the needs of potential users with a wide variety of characteristics. Disability is just one of many characteristics that an individual might possess. (what is universal design, 2012)

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

Shopping Malls Shopping mall is mercantile establishment consisting of a carefully landscaped complex of shops representing leading merchandisers; usually includes restaurants and a convenient parking area; a modern version of the traditional marketplace (Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.)

Shopping malls didn't just happen. They are not the result of wise planners deciding that suburban people, having no social life and stimulation, needed a place to go (Bombeck, 1985). The mall was originally conceived of as a community center where people would converge for shopping, cultural activity, and social interaction (Gruen& Smith, 1960). It is safe to say that the mall has achieved and surpassed those early expectations. In today's consumer culture the mall is the center of the universe.

Public place Public space is a literal commons: the common ground where people come together as friends, neighbors and citizens. Places we share togetherparks, streets, sidewalks, squares, trails, markets, waterfronts, beaches, museums, community gardens, public buildings and moreare the primary sites for human exchange, upon which our communities, economy, democracy and society depend. After years of neglecting public spaces as old-fashioned and unnecessary there is a growing realization of how important lively, appealing gathering places are to every aspect of our lives. Cultures and climates differ all over the world, notes architect Jan Gehl, but people are the same. They will gather in public if you give them a good place to do it.The street, the square, the park, the market, the playground are the river of life, explains Kathleen Madden, one of the directors of the New York-based Project for Public Spaces, which works with citizens around the world to improve their communities. Hence it is observed that there is an inevitable need to develop and design public spaces that are usable and enjoyable by all without any discrimination.(Gemzoe)

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

2. Aims and objectives

The purpose of current study was to describe importance of concept of Universal design for built environment. To determine relevance of shopping malls catering to mixed functions as contemporary public spaces. The present study was undertaken to establish inevitability of universal design in shopping malls. Determine problem faced by wide range of user group that not only includes physically challenged and aged but also kids, pregnant females, people with temporary disabilities etc. while accessing shopping malls. Fining out loop holes in current guidelines mandated by government with respect to efficiency and holistic approach. To delineate strategic design guidelines for shopping malls in Indian context and check its efficiency by redesigning services in a predesigned shopping mall.

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

3. Scope of limitations
Although the research was carefully prepared I am still aware about its limitations and shortcomings. First of all research was conducted in city of Ahmedabad in a medium sized mall for a duration for 2 weeks hence it is not possible for the research to observe year round activities as well as difficulties faced by selected user group. Moreover result gathered from questionnaire may not be generalized or be applicable to other cities as psyche of users might vary from city to city and mall to mall. Furthermore the academic purpose of the research is for architectural dissertation the study was conducted only for built environment of universal design for shopping malls. Hence other aspect such as spatial organization of functions, interior designing of malls, studying design of mall so as to make it a success in terms of business, etc are not investigated here during my research study. Besides the study was designed for graduate level dissertation which could be finished within a span of six weeks. Likewise the findings of the study were highly depended on the availability of resources, primary case study, context and a sample size. Strategic design guidelines which are prepared at the end of research would comprise of designing criteria for universal design of shopping mall concerning circulation, services, controls, parking, entrances, etc.

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

4. Research methodology
This research is based on mixed methods. Data collection involves both qualitative and quantitative approach. Qualitative section would consist of behavior analysis, post occupancy analysis and movement mapping, access audit and other such exercises. The later i.e. quantitative section covers interviews, questionnaires, and visual surveys of the users, designers, experts, etc. Data Collection Questionnaire: short questionnaire is formed so as to know peoples opinion about the space they are using, in terms of accessibility and usability. Sample size of 50 randomly selected users would be questioned during their visit to the selected site. Visual survey: through visual analysis would be done from observation as well as photographs. Data analysis Behavior analysis is done to study behavior of users while interacting with surrounding built environment. It comprises of detailed study of their actions and reactions during their involvement outside their known environment where they are not familiar with surroundings. Access audit is a thorough analysis of a built environment in terms of its accessibility and ease of mobility for differently abled as well less abled people. It would further give us an idea of it being a successful execution of universal design. The samples and case studies include both successful as well as less successful examples. Interviews, questionnaires and surveys include conversations with experts in the field of universal design. Differently abled individuals already exposed to outside surroundings, people handling and co-coordinating differently abled individuals, parents or relatives of differently abled individuals, ophthalmologists, active members of the society, random individuals, etc. Moreover it also includes an extensive literature review, visual documentation, detailed measure drawings, etc.

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

5. Conclusion
The relevance of universal designing for built environment in public spaces is clearly supported by the current findings. One of the most significant findings to emerge from this study is that there is an unavoidable need to reframe the definition of disabilities, categories, temporary disabilities and other such considerations for user group while designing built environment. As the definition given by CPWD barrier free guidelines for disabled and aged is highly limiting the needy, hence the definition that needs to be framed now should be on functional (terms) capabilities and not on medical disorders. Furthermore it was shown that there is this necessity to sensitize people when differently abled are concerned, this can be achieved by spreading awareness regarding them and their needs. Building empathy and understanding among individuals for differently abled and others also creates meaningful employment opportunities for them making them financially capable and independent. The second major finding was that there are few loop-holes in current guidelines and hence it is necessary to update them as according to Indian context. Once a new set of guidelines are prepared and are mandatory to follow the built environment around us would become more and more inclusive ensuring independence of differently abled individuals. Moreover detailed case study has shown a need of forming a statutory body that mandates enforcement of these revised guidelines and ensures its application and maintenance.

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

6. List of Case studies

Case study is conducted to understand a number of factors regarding Universal Design of built environment for shopping malls. Doing a case study helped me understand the various aspects that I have to consider while design and formation of strategic design guidelines for universal design for shopping malls. Literature case study - Secondary case study Before I started with my detailed live case study I did my literature case study so as to set up a background as well as get information and application of universal design in countries other than India. The sites of case study include: a. CEPA mall, turkey b. AEON mall Live case study- Primary case study Live case study gave first hand information regarding the spaces, design, and its usability. Moreover the information noted was without any kind of interpretation by other sources. The sites of case study include: a. Himalaya mall b. Acropolis mall

Criteria for primary case studies Building typology: buildings of public domain, shopping mall Context: Ahmedabad, India Timeline: built after 2000 Size: medium sized mall i.e. around 5,00,000 sq.ft. Functions: catering to multiple functions such as food courts, shopping areas, entertainment zones, etc. Design: designed with a central atrium space

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

7. Design proposal
Three step design process Redefining the user group Strategic design guidelines Showing its function through model redesigning

Study focuses in making shopping malls a user friendly public space through application of universal of design of built environment. The design solutions given would be economical and context responsive keeping in mind the psyche of Indians and their lifestyle. This would be done through delineating strategic design guidelines for the same. Furthermore the working of these set of guidelines is shown through redesigning a shopping mall. The project site undertaken for redesigning a model space is acropolis mall on S.G. road in Ahmedabad. This mall is already studied as primary case study by me.

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129

Bibliography

Gemzoe, J. G. (n.d.). Public Spaces Make the World Go 'Round. Retrieved from cities. what is universal design. (2012). Retrieved 2012, from center for excellence in universal design: http://www.universaldesign.ie/exploreampdiscover

10

Strategic design guidelines for universal design of shopping malls.

08SA129