According to AIM Architecture, shopping malls don't always have to conform to the "bright, white, and shiny" archetype. This is why the cutting-edge studio transformed the atrium in Xintiandi mall in Shanghai into a plant-filled plaza.
Previously, this space in the mall was dull and underused. The reimagined area now contains the spirit of a garden with wooden surfaces and plants hanging down from the balconies. Natural light floods the area from skylights overhead, giving the plants lots of sunshine to grow.
The goal of this project is to bring natural elements into otherwise sterile environments, which blurs the boundaries of both indoor and outdoor worlds. This creates a harmonious and peaceful shopping refuge for all guests.
Plant-Filled Shopping Malls
AIM Architecture Transforms a Shopping Mall Atrium with Foliage
Trend Themes
1. Green Shopping Mall - The trend toward greening indoor spaces creates exciting opportunities for architects and designers to transform sterile environments into gardens and create greater harmony with the natural world.
2. Natural Light Concepts - Designers who use natural light to enhance plant growth and ambiance in interior spaces will find a growing demand for their services as consumers demand more natural environments in which to shop and relax.
3. Hybrid Indoor-outdoor Spaces - Creating spaces that effortlessly integrate the natural world with contemporary indoor environments will be key as consumers seek out retail environments that prioritize both human and ecological health.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Design professionals in architecture and interior design will be key players in the trend toward incorporating natural vegetation into indoor spaces.
2. Landscaping and Horticulture - Growing demand for natural vegetation in commercial interior spaces will create new opportunities for landscapers and horticulturalists.
3. Shopping Malls and Retail Centers - Shopping malls and retail centers will need to adapt to the trend toward more natural, eco-friendly environments to remain competitive and attract customers who prioritize sustainability and human health.