Graduation Semester and Year
Fall 2024
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Landscape Architecture
Department
Landscape Architecture
First Advisor
Dr. Taner R. Ozdil
Second Advisor
Dr. Austin Allen
Third Advisor
Letora Anderson
Abstract
The transition of shopping malls from retail-only establishments to multi facility or mix-use projects is indicative of the current trend toward more comprehensive, neighborhood-focused, and pedestrian friendly settings. Shopping malls can improve well-being by incorporating natural aspects (Anderson et al., 2016), although the widespread reliance on surface parking lots poses considerable environmental and economic issues (Evans et al., 2009). These issues encompass urban sprawl, congestion, diminished land values, and impaired walkability (Kille, 2020). Moreover, surface parking lots adversely affect the environment by augmenting stormwater runoff, contributing to water pollution, and intensifying the urban heat island effect (Greentumble, 2022).
This design thesis seeks to advance the design of traditional shopping malls by analyzing their adverse environmental effects of and their parking facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region in Texas. The thesis research specifically aims to reduce stormwater runoff and heat island effect while improving the pedestrian experience. The study employs the findings of the research to reconfigure and envision Irving Mall, Texas, integrating efficient green infrastructure techniques to reduce ecological impact and foster a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere through mix-use design configuration.
The study utilizes a mixed-method approach (Deming & Swaffield, 2011) to examine the environmental and pedestrian issues related to shopping malls and their parking lots. This research uses data from literature review, case studies (Marcus and Francis, 1997), secondary data analysis, and expert interviews (Berelson, 1952) to establish a thorough comprehension of the challenges and potential solutions for traditional shopping malls. The findings from each data set were synthesized to assess challenges of such sites, while also revealing innovative methods to improve their visioning and design.
The analysis and findings of the research suggest that decreasing impervious surfaces and integrating landscape features in shopping mall parking lots can effectively reduce stormwater runoff and the urban heat island effect. These efforts along with additions of green nodes and different points of interest with varying activities will foster a more conducive environment, enticing pedestrians to the area. The new design vision for Irving Mall is explored to further demonstrate the functions of such advanced design ideas in regional settings.
In conclusion, this research emphasizes the pressing necessity to reconfigure traditional shopping malls as resilient, sustainable, and pedestrian-friendly environments. The thesis specifically articulates that mitigating the adverse effects of urban heat islands and stormwater runoff can foster the development of more sustainable and equitable urban environments. This research demonstrates these objectives by presenting novel concepts and design proposals for Irving Mall, Texas, to influence design understanding and principles of shopping malls in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region.
Keywords
Shopping malls, Pedestrian experience, Urban design, Stormwater run-off, Urban heat island effect
Disciplines
Architecture | Landscape Architecture
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Raghunatha Jaganmohan, Surabhi, "ADVANCING THE DESIGN OF SHOPPING MALLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS AND PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE: A VISION FOR IRVING MALL, TEXAS" (2024). Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses. 309.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/landscapearch_theses/309