The mall and the city

The mall and the city

Himanshu Burte

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First Published: Thu, Sep 04 2008. 12 30 AM IST

A city street merges seamlessly into mall space. Charles Correa Associates

Updated: Wed, Dec 31 2008. 04 38 PM IST

The mall is a relatively new addition to the places that shape the Indian city.
Being a closed box, it goes against every tradition of urbanism, especially of
marketplaces in India. And even though we know it would have been out of
place in life as we knew it till a few years ago, few can resist the charms of the
big air-conditioned cocoon that complements the air-conditioned ensemble of
bedroom, car, office, hotel and bank. We love (and often unknowingly hate)
the way it puts us out of touch with the city—any city around us. Is there a
choice?
 A city street merges seamlessly into mall space. Charles Correa
Associates

Charles Correa seems to think there is. In fact,

at Salt Lake City Centre, Kolkata, he has shown
that the mall need not be an aluminium and
glass box that subtly excludes all but the
affluent from entering. Instead, he shows that
a mall can actually become a high-quality
public space. And that, with the right design, it
can be a much more inclusive public space
than it usually is.

The details

Appropriately, it is the little things that crop

up most frequently as he discusses the Salt
Lake City Centre, completed in 2004. Like the
decision—taken in the face of serious scepticism from the client—not to put a
gate at the entrance or build a compound wall. Or the effort to ensure that a
strategically located shop within the mall was sold only to a restaurant.

Small things such as this reinforce the overall spirit of generous urbanism
underlying the design concept. A Bengal Ambuja project, this mixed
development is spread over 6.5 acres, with a built-up area of 550,000 sq. ft.
The design concept includes a residential block of 60 units behind the
sprawling shopping centre and office complex.

The new marketplace

The courtyards mimic the social experience of a
marketplace. Charles Correa Associates

Given what we are used to, it is

difficult to call this a shopping
mall. In fact, though it connects
quite well to an older meaning of
the word “mall”—street. It also
harks back to the culture of open marketplaces typical of India.

Correa was among the early modern Indian architects to derive inspiration
from the sociable local architecture of traditional towns, houses and streets. At
the City Centre he disaggregates the mall into an arrangement of commercial
blocks (with shopping below, office and other spaces on upper floors) that
form different kinds of “streets” and courtyards in the interstitial spaces of the
complex.

Shops open out to these pedestrian spaces that are wide enough to
accommodate a crowd but not so wide as to snip the subtle bonds of
community with others sharing it—a tension that animates every traditional
marketplace.
‘Streets’ inside lead up to higher levels. Charles
Correa Associates

Walking these spaces you

experience a sequential drama of
space, activity and colour. That’s
something common to all malls,
you might argue. However, City
Centre makes you feel you are in
an extension of the street, still in
touch with the city. Of course, this
is a controlled open space in
terms of design as well as
management. But, at the very
least, it presents a number of easy
entrances leading in, almost
imperceptibly, from the bustling city just outside.

A sense of inclusion

The agenda of a mall is essentially an exclusive one. It is a space in which the

chaos of the city is kept at bay and a manicured space created so that the
business of consumption may be conducted in complete, if illusory, comfort.
While that core agenda could not be entirely subverted in a commercial
project, Correa chose to approach it from the other end. “I said let us make an
enjoyable public space leading up from the street to the air-conditioned
shopping areas,” he says.
City centre at night. Charles Correa Associates

The main public space abutting the street

stakes a significant claim on our imagination.
It is dramatically jigged into the profile and
form of the building, has a theatrical landscape
of levels and, most importantly, is hospitable
to everyone who walks in. Unlike in other
malls, it is the public spaces of City Centre that
remain more strongly etched in our minds
than the indoor spaces.

Interactive space

Correa’s felicity with theatricality is central to

the success of the public space. The
architecture itself thrives on fundamental contrasts expressed subtly. The
building seems to advance and recede alternately in a beguiling rhythm.
Largely a backdrop to the terraced open space by the street, it suddenly grabs
attention with a big, bold cut-out in the wall, high up in one corner.

But it is again the small things that make the space truly engaging. Like the
tramcar in the open that has been converted into a gift shop. Or the fact that
people look good in the large open space. Whether they are sitting alone, as
couples or as groups, they look as if they were meant to be there; their
presence seems to enhance the design. The way the space receives their
presence, with grace and generosity, is finally what secures the success of the
mall in becoming as public a space as possible
Shopping in City Centre Salt Lake Mall in Kolkata. All stores, brands, restaurants, cafes, movies,
entertainment, activities for kids, offers, discounts, promotions, deals, sales at City Centre Salt
Lake. City Centre Salt Lake is the mall that worked itself into people’s hearts. When a vacant
wasteland got transformed into an Indian lifestyle landmark, it was an icon of change for a
City that became happening all at once.
Identified by its inclusiveness, its uniqueness and its diversity, City Centre Salt Lake from
the very beginning has been a place that extends a warm welcome to everybody. It
captures the true spirit of Kolkata and its passion for ‘adda’. From the central ‘Kund’ to
numerous other hangout options that allow you to find your own space amidst the crowd –
you know that this is where you would always want to be.
A comprehensive retail mix. The integration of market and community. The signature
architecture of the legendary Charles Correa. Not just another mall.
"The City Centre in Kolkata is a very special place...a microcosm of the whole metropolis, catering to multiple land-
uses and diverse income profiles...a kaleidoscope of contrast, colour and energy. We have in the City Centre a wide
range of different-sized residences, entertainment centres, offices and shops - varying from the smallest 'dukaans' to
the most glamorous air-conditioned boutiques and large department stores.
These multifarious activities, all arranged in a fine-grained mix, are generated by a complex
system of spaces...from broad colonaded public arcades to narrow bazar 'galis' to large
terraced plazas...culminating in the kund in the centre of the complex. Coffee shops and
restaurants, strategically placed at pivotal locations, provide opportunities to rest under
wide-spreading trees and observe the world around you...a marvellous tradition, which has
always been essential to life in the great city of Kolkata".
Charles Correa, celebrated Architect-visionary, Designer of City Centre Salt Lake
City Centre addresses the needs of those who know what they want. And of those who
don't. As such, City Centre Salt Lake is Kolkata’s first integrated and unconventional
hangout and shopping option that has successfully erased the mid-market and up-market
divide. It offers an endearing environment where people can do their own thing - shop at
leisure or just browse past the window display, choose between a quick bite or a full-course
spread, catch the latest blockbuster or the high-brow award winner - just like that.
With approximately 4.5 lakh sq.ft. of commercial and entertainment spaces on five acres of
land, City Centre Salt Lake attracts crowds from all over Kolkata, not just the catchment
area. College students, executives, homemakers who have specialised in the art of shopping
- all prefer ‘CCSL’ to any other unwinding destination. Comprising the Mall, the Plaza Blocks,
the Cineplex, the Tower, the Residency and the now legendary 'Kund', City Centre Salt Lake
is where a place-loyal community evolves most spontaneously.
Just what makes it so?
Fusing the bazaar and mall
The Indian bazaar format is informal and has intensely personalised seller-customer
interaction. It is also more pluralistic. The western mall format is characterised by
mammoth retailers selling primarily branded products to segmented customers. City Centre
represents a harmonious presence of both.
Judicious activity mix and more variety
City Centre has commercial activities, shopping, food and entertainment. It has the highest
number of food outlets among any mall in Kolkata, with an unbeatable variety – Thai to
North-West Indian to Chinese to Italian, plus one large food court. It has a four-screen
multiplex and a large 10,000 sq. ft electronic games and entertainment section. For the
shoppers, we have Shoppers Stop as an anchor and nearly 200 other outlets.
Inclusive character
A promise of something for all kinds of visitors – the affluent, the price-conscious, the senior
guest, the on-the run, the idling kind, the in-crowd…list goes on.
Relaxed ambience
Spacious ‘adda’ space where the Kolkatan or his guest can truly relax over cuppa and
conversation. A welcome hybrid difference between a natural and conditioned environment.
A street-feel without the street.
That ‘boundless’ feeling
The absence of a boundary wall makes City Centre an integral part of the city rather than a
gated complex. A place that doesn’t scream for attention and yet can’t be ignored.
Open format
People don't want to get wet in the rain while shopping, they also prefer a shade to avoid
the sun beating down directly on them and want a walking area free of vehicular movement.
City Centre Salt Lake responded rightly to these typical 'Indian bazaar'; challenges. It has
large pedestrian walkways covered by a polycarbonate roof; the buildings alongside are so
arranged that they provide diffused sunlight and the roof at 25 ft above the ground
enhances the sense of openness.
Mall Attractions
The Kund
The exclusive attraction of City Centre. It is a vast multi-stepped plaza designed with a
central waterbody and a fountain that may be lighted up at sundown. The place is used by
visitors to sit, to idle or just to soak in the atmosphere. In doing so the modern
contemporary look has been blended with a nostalgia truly Kolkatan. The Kund is one
reason why people spend a longer time at the City Centre...often they get up to buy
something whereby casual interest is translated into purchase on impulse. A special place
with its own space-loyal community. An ideal space for holding events and promotions.
The Kolkata Store
Where else would you find horse-drawn Kolkata tram-car dating back to 1880, The Kolkata
Store is a celebration of Kolkata’s heritage and love. It evokes in the hearts of Kolkatans a
great sense of nostalgia and reminds one of the history of 'The City of Joy.' Great care has
been taken in the restoration process, to retain the romanticism of a bygone era. Each of
the products in the store has been carefully selected to reflect the vast cultural and artistic
heritage of Bengal. It also presents a collection of Kolkata memorabilia.
The Hangout
One of City Centre's most pleasant, casual dining venues. The favourite food court is the
one stop destination for all cuisines. The range of menus and choice of food attracts a wide
selection of diners, who can all enjoy a relaxed and unhurried sit-down meal.
Anchor Store
‘Shopper’s Stop’ is the anchor store at City Centre Salt Lake. One of the most prominent
retail brands in India. Shoppers Stop is in several Indian locations today but the store in
City Centre Salt Lake figures in the top list in terms of revenue and profit per square foot.
Cineplex
Inox, India’s largest multiplex chain has a four screen multiplex at City Centre Salt Lake
with seating capacity for more than 1000. The City Centre Inox is one of the best
performing multiplexes of the chain.
Mall within Mall
A huge crowd puller. The objective behind creating a fusion between organised and
unorganised retail was to unleash marketplace energy. At City Centre, there is not just scale
but diversity; It is not a mall where people get things off the shelf, it is a place where store
owners promise to search and get things for consumers. In the 'Mall within Mall' you need
not have a flat shopping experience; you seek, bargain and extract the best value.
Tea Junction
A down-to-earth adda place and a highly informal ‘time pass’ idea at the City Centre, where
tea is a welcome cup of steaming chai, and the snacks are no–nonsense samosas, vadas
and small munchies. You can sit on tea chests and watch the world go by, as you rest your
tired feet after shopping.
Special Kiosks
These are the crucial nerve points of City Centre. From the henna stall that started with
wedding crowds in mind to the ‘jhalmuriwala’ and the Chinese food takeaway counter, from
corn stalls and ice-cream outlets, the special kiosks at City Centre rub shoulders with their
better known cousins. They have a regular loyal clientele...no surprises here.
Mall Services
At City Centre Salt Lake we are always willing to go that extra mile to take care of our
visitors. It is the most preferred leisure destination for all ages for a number of reasons.
When people largely come here to shop and relax, we make sure that there is no extra
burden on the mind.
Help Desk
For absolutely anything you want to know on City Centre Salt Lake. It is a single point
information stop from where you can be guided in your journey of discovery. You can also
register complaints / requests about all day-to-day operations of the mall.
Announcing System
Announcements about different outlets are made from time-to-time in order to keep visitors
informed about what is going on where.
First Aid
The emergency help desk doubles up as a first aid unit and stocks the necessary items and
useful medicines.
Facilities for the Physically Challenged
At City Centre we provide wheelchair facilities for differently-abled guests and our aged
visitors. You may contact the help desk or the Mall Office to know more about it.
Lost & Found
City Centre being an open mall without any definite boundaries, people sometimes tend to
lose track of where they are. The help desk, mall office and control room help people in
such cases and also keep track of belongings that visitors may have lost during a visit.
Infant Care
We have special infant care arrangements where mothers can feed babies and look after
their needs before resuming tour.
Security Services
A round the clock security along with a closed circuit camera is in place at the City Centre.
Touchscreen Kiosks
There are strategically positioned touchscreen kiosks at City Centre. You can get directions
or register an opinion through this facility.
Car Parking
Besides the car parking facility provided within the complex, there is additional parking
space available on the periphery. Parking is handled by a professional group appointed and
controlled by City Centre Management.
ATM
We have ATM services available at City Centre and its periphery.
Banquets
The Royal Bengal Room
Banquet with a difference !
An excellent venue for exhibitions, product launches, private parties, marriages, musical
performances and other events. With separate lobby and entrance. It is the perfect setting
for the enduring moments of your life.
Features:
Total Area : 6500 sq.ft.
Dining Hall : 2000 sq.ft.
Pre function area : 1500 sq.ft.
Kitchen area : 1500 sq.ft.
Springs -The Party Terrace
It is an open banqueting space above Hangout at City Centre, Salt Lake.
This is the perfect venue for your parties. The open-air terrace has a stunning view of the
City. Springs is the ultimate hotspot in Kolkata to host the perfect party that carries on into
the wee hours of the morning.
We welcome you to indulge your guests with a unique partying experience.
Features
Total area : 4000 sq.ft
Capacity : 250 pax
The Residency
In tune with the Ambuja Realty mission that homes are more than just four walls, The
Residency has been designed by architect–visionary Charles Correa to provide a lifestyle
destination to homeowners. It is an exclusive residential block of designer homes
comprising two, three and four bed-roomed apartments along with a few duplex and triplex
units.
Spacious, functional and stylish, the design of The Residency allows one to enjoy an
unhindered view of the landscaped open area from each apartment. An interesting feature
of the property is the bridges that connect the building to the landscaped green area at the
first floor level, thereby circumventing vehicular movement from the apartment block to the
garden and the children’s play area.
More than 70% of the total acres within The Residency is left open. The manicured garden
provides space for private get-togethers hosted by residents.
At The Residency, we have extended the sense of leisure to an exclusive residents club with
the provisions of a lounge, multi-utility room, a swimming pool and a toddler’s pool.
People who stay at The Residency almost always get a compliment from their visiting guests
– ‘”Tum to jannat mein reh rahi ho!” It sure feels like paradise.
Mall Timings : The Mall is open from 10.30am to 8.30.pm. Restaurants and Cineplex have
extended timings.