Examining the Quasi-Public Spaces in Commercial Complexes

Noman Sahito,Jinsoo Hwang,Insin Kim,Haoying Han,Thuy Thi Nguyen,Arif Jameel

doi:10.3390/su12051830

Abstract

Commercial complexes are steadily expanding in size and function and plying roles as quasi-public spaces. This study investigated quasi-public spaces in contemporary commercial complexes by posting two questions: the physical features of quasi-public spaces in commercial complexes and how these characteristics promote sociability in commercial complexes? To answers these questions, a questionnaire survey was administered, and various observations were made in Intime City, Wanda Plaza and Western City Square, three prominent commercial complexes in Hangzhou City (Zhejiang Province, China), to enrich the analysis. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the collected data. The results show that commercial complexes are also used as quasi-public spaces: they provide a more secure and well-maintained environment, playful conversations take place freely and democratically, promote socialization, and also increase consumption. In the existing literature, there is a dearth of theoretical and empirical studies on the emergence of quasi-public spaces.

Highlights

In urban life, changing consumption and leisure patterns have emerged as an essential feature [1,2]
Have their urban fabric identity, which is stated with public places like the streets, squares, and parks that have changed into enclosed public buildings such as shopping centers and commercial complexes [3]
We found that many researchers have worked on various factors of commercial complexes in China, like consumer behavior, marketing strategies, online shopping, and the architecture of malls [39,41,42]

Summary

Introduction

In urban life, changing consumption and leisure patterns have emerged as an essential feature [1,2]. Rapid economic growth has created modern civic centers, shopping centers, and commercial complexes. It is believed that compact built environments might help achieve desired sustainable goals This recommends that in the future, developments should take place near to existing urban structures [12]; this will minimize the transportation burden, reduce fossil fuel gas emissions, save the environment and promote social sustainability. Such kinds of infrastructure support to achieve continuity and connectivity in cities. The social sustainability, as an independent dimension of sustainable development, and has important as the economic and environmental dimensions [13]

Methods

Results

Conclusion