EXPLORING INCLUSIVE DESIGN IN SHOPPING MALLS AS A METHOD OF BRIDGING INTER-ETHNIC AND SOCIETAL DIFFERENCES

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EXPLORING INCLUSIVE DESIGN IN SHOPPING MALLS AS A METHOD OF BRIDGING INTER-ETHNIC AND SOCIETAL DIFFERENCES

ABSTRACT

In Kaduna and many other cities alike with diversities, the functional inclusion of various types of individuals and their differences in the community is often neglected. This largely results in limiting the functionality of public spaces like shopping malls as it inadvertently promotes the exclusion of minorities and further increases the bridge in societal differences. This research work is done to explore the impact of inclusive design on mall design which aids in easing tension within communities with diversities. The research objectives are achieved by assessing the most suitable approach to inclusive design for malls in Kaduna as well as analysing the principles of inclusivity implemented in exiting malls and other public buildings alike.

In this project, the inclusive approach to design and its effective implementation in shopping malls and public buildings alike is studied with a keen eye to ascertain its requirement, effectiveness and its final recourse. And in so doing the explorative analysis indicates a functional implementation of the principles of inclusive design in a mall for Kaduna. The research highlights the implementation of the various principles of inclusive design in multiple buildings, with the adoption of open spaces in malls as a core area which promotes interaction and the use of inclusive design elements such as; Ramps, automated doors, low-sill windows etc. and techniques, some of which include; Landscaped and shaded open spaces, non-slip floor materials, signages and natural lighting etc. as some of the conclusions. The research also notices the absence of an overall complete implementation of the various principles particularly in one building. However, the research concludes that an effective implementation of such principles promotes inclusivity in the function of public buildings.

 

 

 

 

                    

 

CHAPTER ONE

1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter gives an insight to what the study is about and why it is being conducted. It also states the goal of the research and justifies the reason for undertaking it.

     BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The built environment relating to public commercial buildings is susceptible to design exclusion of diverse and minority groups in society, leaving a gap in terms of achieving inclusiveness in public building projects (Dukes & Lamar-Dukes, 2009). The location and design of a place, its facilities, and equipment integrated in the building may fail to take into account minority groups and their requirements.

The conventional mall design continues to prioritise shopping in its essence, resulting in the standardisation of architectural features and designs, ignoring the dynamic range and evolution of end users. While shopping preferences are becoming more diverse, mall design until recently was becoming more standardized, with predictable architectural designs, finishes, layouts, environments, and stores.

In recent times customers seek authenticity and a deeper sense of connection to their community, culture, climate, and daily lives (Sidoti, 2013). Among many shoppers, there is also an emerging preference for outdoor, street front shopping experiences either in new centres or in older shopping districts that are better integrated with other daily activities. Unfortunately, conventional malls seem to neglect the integration of such environments. The obliviousness in integrating adequate open spaces that are conveniently accessible in the design of conventional malls may directly hinder social inclusion in malls (Rahimi & Khazaei, 2018). Open spaces aided people in creating a sense of trust in them which directly leads to the increase in the sense of unity and belonging in people, these spaces are more than merely spaces for active presence. Such negligence of inclusivity in the design of shopping malls can be affiliated to the various pressures charged on the designer during the course of a project. One of the main reasons for that can be linked to most design practitioners being unable to take inclusive design into account during the initial phases of the design process, which leads to wrong decisions that can have a large impact on the overall design success and cost (Afacan, 2012).

Furthermore it is important to note that the location of the proposed shopping centre is in Kaduna. A state with diverse ethnicities and diverse social class, whereas presence of such diverse groups may lead to communal tension. WANEP in 2018 (as cited in Salihu, 2019) also reported that Kaduna State has been a major flashpoint to various dimensions of communal clashes that have led to huge humanitarian crisis, weakened social capital and breakdown of democratic norms and values. This demonstrates a gap of societal interaction in the state and therefore requires a passive means of fostering interaction between the diverse groups present in the state, inclusivity in design of public buildings can be explored as a possible solution.

Moreover, given that a moderate scarcity of resources is the normal condition of human societies, choices are likely to be made among concurrent demands. Thus, rather than reconciliation with the diversity of human needs, the output of adopting the stance of inclusive design looks to be conflict. It will always turn out that somebody’s perspective has not been taken into account or – worse – has been harmed (Bianchin & Heylighen, 2017).

     PROBLEM STATEMENT

The shopping mall generally serves as a space for social interactions and endeavours. A major issue faced in newer malls is the failure to properly satisfy the dynamic and ever-changing demands of mall users, the effective integration of significant number of individuals in terms of diversity and minority within the context of the malls building design is often neglected as well as the representation of the peoples’ identity with mall designs increasingly becoming mediocre. Hence, hindering the potential of creating a community hub which fosters social interaction and brings people closer together.

     AIM

The aim of this study is to explore the impact of inclusive design on mall design  which eases tension within communities with diversities in tribes, social classes and physical conditions.

 

     OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this research are as follows;

  1. To assess a suitable approach that encourages inclusiveness in malls for Kaduna.
  2. To explore principles of inclusivity that have been implemented in existing mall design.
  • To design a mall that effectively integrates people with various differences and social classes serving as a community hub that unifies the people and is diverse yet indigenous in its environment.

     SCOPE

This study covers how an inclusive approach to design of a public commercial space in Kaduna State can create a community hub and ease tension between people of diverse groups in order to improve the overall mall experience.

EXPLORING INCLUSIVE DESIGN IN SHOPPING MALLS AS A METHOD OF BRIDGING INTER-ETHNIC AND SOCIETAL DIFFERENCES

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