Carousel Shopping Center, Istanbul, Bakırköy / © Ali Emrah Bakkaloğlu
The best way to supply your shopping, entertainment, and social interaction needs is to visit shopping malls.These structures, which can be quite large, have many design criteria that make the shopping experience unforgettable. To ensure a quality shopping experience, there are important elements in shopping mall design that should not be overlooked. The most important issue is the ceilings, the thing that you may not guess at all, but that allows us to have a comfortable indoor environment every time we go to the shopping mall. The ceiling design allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of the mall. It also enables stores to promote themselves. Aesthetically impressive ceiling designs create friendly, spacious, and comfortable spaces for visitors.
In this blog post, we will explore ceiling options for shopping malls, examine eye-catching ceiling designs, and discuss the best ceiling system choices.
Galleria Ataköy, Turkey's First Shopping Center, Istanbul, Bakırköy / The image is taken from www.karar.com
First Mall Designs
The first shopping malls appeared in the middle of the 20th century, laying the foundation for the modern shopping center's concept. This concept introduces an innovative model to the shopping experience of our time. It has a remarkable approach to fulfilling consumer needs by collecting stores under a single roof. These concepts transform the shopping experience and offer a unique way of meeting the needs of consumers. Shopping malls have enabled people to carry out various activities in one place, including shopping, dining, and entertainment. The growing number of stores under one roof has attracted the attention of consumers. Moreover, these buildings, which draw attention with their arge and spacious interiors, have revolutionized the field of architecture. These inspiring examples, which serve as the foundation for modern-day shopping malls, remain among the most frequently visited places today.
Pelican Mall, Istanbul, Türkiye / Tabanlıoğlu Architecture
Things to Consider in Shopping Mall Design
There are many significant factors to consider when designing a shopping mall. The first important step is to have a smooth and well-organized plan for roads that facilitates the transportation of visitors within this building. Therefore, consumers and visitors will be able to easily access the stores. Additionally, air conditioning systems that improve the air quality in the shopping mall should be considered in conjunction with ceiling systems. Well-integrated ventilation and air conditioning systems will enhance visitor comfort.
Usability and accessibility should not be forgotten inside a shopping mall. Wide corridors and elevators that allow all visitors to move around are significant for user experience. Additionally, appropriate color palettes, material selections, and decorative details should be carefully considered to create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. By taking into account all of these criteria, a shopping mall can be designed successfully and offer an unforgettable experience to visitors.
Kiryon Kiryat Bialik,Kiryat Bialik, Israel / Avner Sher Architects
Design of Ceiling Systems in Shopping Malls
The ceiling is a crucial design element in shopping malls. Interior system ceilings determine the perception of the space's interior volume and create an inviting atmosphere. Architects and interior designers should incorporate ceiling systems into their shopping mall designs. To achieve this, the work must first begin with material selection. The ceiling of a shopping mall must meet the needs of material, durability, and acoustic comfort in its field. In shopping malls where acoustic panels are not used, sound may hit other surface materials and create a louder interior structure, negatively impacting indoor comfort.
Pelican Mall AVM, Metal suspended ceiling system usage example, Istanbul, Turkey / Tabanlıoğlu Architecture
Ceiling systems made of durable materials such as metal or wood are resistant to wear and tear caused by pedestrian traffic in busy areas of shopping malls. This means that noise and other ambient sounds can be absorbed in shopping malls that are open to the public and use acoustic panels, providing visitor comfort.
Another important element that should not be forgotten is the lighting design in shopping centers. Lighting works in conjunction with ceiling systems to provide interior integrity and comfort. In shopping malls where natural light sources are not sufficient, lighting should be used effectively, as it is one of the most important tools for helping visitors feel comfortable. Additionally, lighting works in tandem with the right ceiling systems to increase the visual appeal of the interior and enhance visitor comfort by emphasizing certain areas. Bright LED lights can also draw visitors' attention and make stores the center of attention.
Carousel Shopping Center, Istanbul, Bakırköy / © Ali Emrah Bakkaloğlu
Carousel Shopping Center, located in Bakırköy, Istanbul, is an example that catches attention with its choice of interior ceiling systems. SEPIA Wooden Suspended Ceiling and Wall Systems were used in the interior of Carousel Shopping Center, which is one of our reference projects, creating a warm atmosphere. The wood textures effectively reflect light and sound, and the ceiling design maximizes visitor comfort. LUMUNER LED Lighting Systems were integrated with the suspended ceiling systems, creating design integrity in the interior space and maximizing the shopping experience of visitors. With all these details, Carousel Shopping Center offers an impressive interior design to its visitors.
There is no single right way to approach interior design and ceiling system selection in shopping malls. It is possible to create interior spaces that meet the functional needs (such as durability and acoustic comfort) and aesthetic preferences (such as lighting and decorative elements) of shopping malls, which should be considered as a whole.
By discovering ASPEN's innovative, aesthetic, and durable systems, you can bring valuable solutions to your project.
