Thesis Statement

Shopping Mall is having conflict between its actual function and its role when serving the community

The outline of Shopping Mall which control or create by the owner, designer, urban planner or government is not parallel to the imagination of users

Politics of Space - The Production of Space

Henri Lefebvre’s The Production of Space

Space is political and ideological” (Lefebvre, 1977,p. 341). Space is subject to conflict over ownership,over meanings, values, uses, etc. The theory of Lefebvre’s spatial thinking in creating a more humane and inclusive sociospatial environment that contrasts with the increasing of privatized and commodified public and social space. ‘The Production of Space’ reflect not only a more inclusive planning and design process but also an understanding of the city and the urban as a functionalised space and the social processes of those who ustilise space. His theory suggested space to be inclusion and empowerment of the meanings, values, hopes and imaginations of users and through more than merely the designed intentions of planned space.

The 3 type of Spaces for production of space

To understand space and its impact on the form, structure and lived experience of everyday life, Lefebvre identifies 3 necessary elements for the production.

Spatial practices (perceived space) Space is designed based on physical desire and function

Representations of space (conceived space) -

Spaces of representations (lived space) Space is imagined and control by certain dominant power to meet particular ends

Space is being utilize by imagination of publics

The Relationship Mapping Between Conceived Space and Lived Space

The conflict is happening that Shopping Mall’s conceived space is always being imagine as a tool for profit. Owner will always request fit it the maximum numbers of retails, Designer will create a consumerism focus architecture to psychologically attract people to spend more, and Government is position mall as a important commercial supply for sustain economy cycle.

Meanwhile in visitor’s perceptions, shopping mall is always a leisure space to spend their free time. People are not intent to go shopping mall for purchasing. They are more keen on roaming around which is similar to having a walk in a park.

Definition of Perceived Space, Conceived Space and Lived Space

Perceived Space

Shopping Mall design begin with the intension of creating a community space for suburban where implement a series of commercial space as attraction. In the end the intension of being overcome by the consumerism.

The conceived space of shopping mall is complex as it involve multiple parties which desire for different intension. The owner is always desire to cattle more retail in the building in order to maximize profit while Government is restricting the typology to reserve certain amount for community.

Malaysian utilize shopping mall as a replacement of outdoor park or a third space that shopping mall is always the first choice to spend for their free time. Comparing of lived space between public space and Shopping Mall:

Conceived Space

Lived Space

Normal Public Space [Outdoor Park / Padang / Sport Field ]

Representation of Public Space : Friends / Recreational / Social / Freedom / Kids / Pets / Greenery

Shopping Mall

Representation of Shopping Mall : Shopping / Brands / Shops / Retails / One-Stop Grocery / Fashion / Women / Car Park