Shopping Centre Spatial Complexity, Management Efficiency and Tenant Mix Variety

Abstract

Spatial complexity is not only one of the crucial sources of wayfinding problem within a shopping facility but also a significant determinant for space usage efficiency.The distribution of total floor area for a shopping mall is basically finding the optimum solution for tenant location/allocation and pedestrian flow plans. Normally, with higher spatial complexity, it is easier for shoppers to get lost and generate higher shopping costs; however, space usage flexibility could also be increased. Therefore, a good measurement for spatial complexity for shopping areas is needed. This paper compares several measurements for spatial complexity. The intention is to tackle the spatial complexity issue through four dimensions: forms and configurations, horizontal complexity, vertical movements and multiple-purposive users in mixed use environment. And the data is collected from the US, UK, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Shanghai with more than 100 floorplans to explore the influential factors for spatial complexity within shopping centres. Using GIS, space syntax and other non-spatial techniques, this research suggests some interesting management issues and enhances the understanding of spatial complexity within a shopping environment.