MSL MALL

Rethinking Future Shopping For Everyone
An Old Neighbourhood Mall In Transformation
A Modern Shopping Village For Our Community

Inspired by the villages of Asia, the renovation of the MSL Mall in one of the oldest Western District of Hong Kong poses considerable challenges.

Renew Redeem Rejuvenate: A New Approach

Many old & smaller neighbourhood malls, the first generation of its kind in the urban fabric of a bygone era, are going through big changes, some swankier than others, but the important question to ask is:

“Who Is The Mall Built For?”

Surely not just for the younger generation or the biggest consumers as these malls exist within communities with huge social diversity. Everyone should feel welcome and share a communal spirit.

A Socio-Spatial Experience that Transforms & Transcends

One of the main issues here is to allow existing residents living in the apartments above to enter their private lobbies with ease. Aesthetically, these entrances could become anomalies along the internal arcade. The use of woodgrain aluminium slats throughout provides consistency, creating a seamless connection between shopfronts and private entrances. To add, these slats hide all access panels & doorways.

To reduce daytime glare, a linear light trough hanging from the ceiling is introduced giving ample light throughout. One of the Mall’s uniqueness is its openness without glass fronts on both ends. Without air-conditioning, it creates a lower carbon footprint compared to most. Many of these malls from the 50s-70s, the typical ‘Neighbourhood Malls’, were a first of their kind but certainly a relic now. Even the communal toilets were designed next to an open yard without a roof.

From Old City To Modern Village, An Urban Transformation In Motion

The Disc Signage of the Modular Shopfronts has become an iconic leitmotif, helping visitors to find all brands easily. By adopting a limited palette of colors & materials, the ambience is simple, functional whilst providing a sense of warmth & friendliness. Grounded in a style based on contemporary Asian Design, the approach not only shows respect towards the people living above; but also creates a sense of modernity appealing to the younger expats who frequent this mall regularly.

This unique mall is built for the local & global communities from all social groups: young & old, privileged & déclassé. It is vital to create a facility that caters to more than just a few high-powered spenders. The non-consumers traversing through it will be a part of the communal experience as well. Everyone should feel a sense of belonging, sharing the community spirit. The idea is to be inclusive whilst injecting the mall with a new energy. Here, sustainability permeates to all levels: Environmental, Socio-Economical & Psychological. The Mall is now cleaner, brighter, making the premise a perfect nurturing ground for new brands as well as rejuvenating old businesses alike.