Most visits to malls have a purpose and impact the user in creating memorable experiences. Space
planning directly impacts behaviour and correlates to the overall retail takeaway by the consumer. The
p
rimary design challenge was working with a previous structural footprint that required innovative
solutions within a limited budget. Tactical layout planning, commercial ambience and positive cues in
design or signage offered by the mall to its users encou
rage more footfall and, subsequently, better
business. The South City Mall, originally designed by Bentel Associates in 2011, aims to create a
sophisticated and progressive commercial environment that promises a memorable retail experience for
the people.
Located in the populous Southern suburban city of Kolkata, the South City Mall is a landmark in a
massive mixed
-
use development project that includes residential towers, an art gallery and a school.
Initially, it was developed over phases in the city of j
oy, amongst the hustle
-
bustle of industries. It’s size
and location has led it to become a massive cultural hub for clientele across East India in addition to
Kolkata. After seven years of functioning, its interior design was in need of refurbishment to ma
ke it
relevant to the increased profile of people and the changing trend. Given the highly transformative
nature of malls and retail experiences in India, the mall had been commissioned for a massive
renovation that spanned two years, between 2017
-
2019.
A
space of massive potential, it has a gross leasable area of 1,000,000 sq ft and the provision for parking
over 2,500 vehicles today. The aspirations of mall patrons and formats have evolved based on the
current definition of what makes a successful mixed
-
use space. South City benefits from the higher
availability of Floor Space Index (FSI), owing to the metro corridor abutting it. A brand
-
new multi
-
cuisine
food court and fine dining options are curated from the additional floor gained; the existing food
-
co
urt
area was omitted to offer additional shopping options.
The facade of the mall is defined by four towers known as the ''Towers of Light''.
Woven horizontally
across the facade are striking elements of steel, aluminium and glass.
Not only does it c
reate a dramatic
architectural statement, but also honours the design language of the industrial neighbourhood. To
further anchor its space in the iconic city, a racetrack walkway circles the central space of the mall while
providing a grand sense of arriv
al. Interesting sight lines provide visual appeal of the South City mall
when viewed from outside, further enhanced by its newly increased elevation. The original atrium roof
was replaced by a new central atrium constructed above the additional floor. The
five
-
storey glass face
Commented [1]:
will check if we can push the date to
a bit later
Commented [2]:
fixed the sentence formation.
of the atrium functions as the main feature of the entrance and enables an abundance of natural light to
fill the space during the day.
The newly formulated food court resembles a series of courtyards and streets, paying homage to
K
olkata's food history. Spatially, it is divided into three zones that depict Anglo Indian/Colonial, Islamic
and modern alfresco influences. A twist to traditional Bengali design is amalgamating it with the street
food culture of Monte Casino. It is achieve
d by devising a set with false facades, terraces and balconies
in a double story setting, rounding off the "street food" experience. The food court seats 1200 PAX, with
a capacity for 200 outdoors and 1000 indoors.
The food court is a blend of history and
nostalgia, while being formulated to leave customers with
pleasant memories. It is accompanied on the top floor by an INOX multiplex; the available spaces and
interiors of the mall are relatively minimal, bright and airier, for users to feel the maximum i
mpact of the
themed environments. The Mall was entirely closed during its extensive refurbishment; eventually,
housing over 134 stores with name brands such as Zara, Pantaloons, Marks & Spencer's, Spencer's Retail
and Shoppers Stop. Its success is validate
d as it was inaugurated in 2019 to overwhelming appreciation
from customers.
An experimental take on diversifying a neighbourhood mall to serve mixed
-
use purposes has
been a huge intervention in redefining
the crux of mall design. The metro’s access seamlessly blends
into the mall design, as does the addition of the food court on the new floor. Hence, an elongated
central atrium in a double mall proves to be the
most efficient design solution
in t
he said context. The
previous structural footprint was utilized optimally to manifest a wholesome retail experience in the
South City mall by upgrading the public areas to a more luxurious and versatile ambience.
PROJECT NAME | South City Mall |
LOCATION | Kolkata, India |
SECTORS | Retail |
SERVICES | Architecture, Interior |
SIZE | 96,000 m² |
CLIENT | South City Projects |