RE-INVENTING THE CONCEPT OF FLEXIBLE SPACES FOR SHOPPING MALLS IN KUGBO, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The process of reinventing spaces within the mall would deliver a product, be it an office space or social space that would provide tenants with spaces which are valuable, needed and useful. This shows an appreciation of prevailing trends and the need for shopping mall spaces to be transformed to alternative uses that can breathe life into it. As a result of changes in human behaviour and technological advancement, the need for flexible space creation is on the increase. This change is most evident in commercial facilities where rigid and solid wall construction is the norm and poses a limitation for expansion as a result of the growth of commercial establishments. The aim of this paper is to make spaces within the mall flexible so that the spaces can be transformed to serve various purposes as the need arise. The methodology used in this research is the descriptive research method. This study involved literature review and case study of selected shopping malls in Abuja, Nigeria. Content analysis was utilized in analysing and reporting data collected from the literature review and case studies. The result from this show that some of the shopping malls visited are not flexible enough to be used for other purposes. It therefore concludes that the study will promote flexibility of mall spaces for multiple uses thereby making it easily marketable. It therefore recommends that Architects and designers should improve on their design to encourage flexibility of spaces for multiple use.