The memory of any space, that is built or unbuilt, depends on its experience. Particularly in the commercial context, there are a multitude of users and varied expectations. A mall is an ideal example of a scale, where space planning directly affects the u ser behavior and impacts the retail conversion at the stores. One such blossoming experiential landmark is the Brigade Orion Uptown Mall in Bengaluru. The multi - faceted project is a neighbourhood mall for the catchment spread along Old Madras Road and sits in the context of a prominent industrial suburb that houses several multinational manufacturers and residential developments.

The mixed - use typology of this 5,03,880 sq.ft. project accommodates a 125 key Holiday Inn Express, a mid - segment hotel chain fro m the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). The design intent aims to unite the retail and business hotel ambience in order to curate a commercial setting for the frequent business traveller. With 2.8 lakh sq.ft. of retail space, it caters to over 1,00,000 households within the enclave and the catchment areas of Hoskote, Horamavu, Chikkagubbi, Ramamurthy Nagar, Kuvempu, ITPL, Whitefield and KR Puram. The tactical planning, along with a beautiful commercial ambience opens up the spaces in order to increase th e footfall that would bring in more commerce and a lively urban environment.

The spatial planning strategically positions the mall internally as well as externally towards the street with a covered atrium in the centre. The regional context enables the ce ntral atrium to be open - air with retail and hospitality environments. However, with changing times, the approach has been revised to make it an enclosed and climate - controlled retail environment. In doing so, the structure today is immune to external chang es and can provide its users with a desirable internal environment that can be customised based on preference. This enables better control on maintaining consistency while providing its users with variable settings, establishing an international design typ ology and condensing it with local expertise.

The connection to the outside through the external orientation forms a connection between the office and the residential neighbourhood. Along with that, the facade proves to be a landmark for the local contex t. The statement elevational design is contemporary visual layered with strokes of vibrant colours that slowly bleed into the interiors, cohesively binding the two. The vivid hues shaping this energetic and trendy space endorse the mall's bustling nature.

The interior retail spaces display an exquisite scale with visual connectivity across the vertical height that expresses grandeur and magnificence. The skylit top emits natural light, while the artificial lights build an ambience of delight. Lined with a spinal corridor, all retail shops house a glass display that visually connects the spaces horizontally as well. Amidst this, a tall brown on the fourth floor, raised on clad columns, highlights the food court that sits adjacent to the cinemas. Just like the elevational facade, colours seep into the food court with an eye - catching theme and host a vast variety of food options for the hotel guests, the shoppers and the neighbourhood community.

The Brigade Orion establishes a point of connection betwe en the place and the people. Its adaptable approach to the context while manifesting an international standard of mixed - use typology makes it a celebrated structure for all the stakeholders involved - the consumers, the retailers, the investors, the designe rs, the neighbourhood and the city.