Classification of social spaces of shopping malls according to their size and planning layout type

Recently the gap between practice of architecture and its theoretical background has become increasingly obvious. The regulatory framework is partly imperfect and outdated. There are frequent cases of inconsistencies in various regulations and even the absence of design rules for new types of buildings. Shopping malls were no exception. Unfortunately, the regulatory framework, namely the National building code, which describes the basic rules for trade enterprises, does not properly reflect the norms and typology of modern department stores and shopping malls. That is why typologizing the architectural environment is one of the important tasks of scientists in this field. Analysis of recent research and publications. This article was based on the works of Besemer S. “Shopping-Center der Zukunft. Planung und Gestaltung”, Maitland B. “Shopping mall. Planning and Designs”, Dönhöfer K. “Shopping mall und neue Einkaufszentren”. Also, the paper uses diagrams, photos and information from the books by Broto C. “Today's Shopping Malls” and “New Shopping Malls”. The purpose of this study is to develop a classification of social spaces of shopping malls according to such criteria as size and type of planning layout. Conclusion. The article analyzes ten European malls of different sizes and planning layout, located in different countries in Europe. Based on the analysis of these malls, the following classification of social spaces by size was created: small, medium, large. Existing classifications of malls by planning layout are analyzed. Having determined that the social space is the basis of planning layout of malls, we decided to apply the existing types of planning layouts. The study of selected malls revealed several malls whose planning layout could not be attributed to any of the existing types. Thus, based on city planning schemes, three new types of planning layout of mall's social spaces were identified: radial-annular, radial (star-shaped) and petal. Like cities, such social spaces feature squares, green gardens, small architectural forms and places for performances. In such social spaces, they create an atmosphere similar to the environment of the city center.