Commercial structures

FIGURE 54: BUILDING 12 (SOURCEARCHDAILY) Commercial architecture caters to larger areas such as shopping centers, office spaces, retail stores, etc. which occupies a sizeable area. These large-scale structures are often found in urban areas with a high demand for retail and office spaces. Thus, a fluid and dynamic form would attract users towards the shopping areas, creating a hustling bustling space. The cafes and storefronts on the ground floor activate the streets by introducing activities that always ensure constant flow of people. When a function within the structure extends onto the area surrounding the structure, users get engaged in the journey of experiences that the varied user groups create. Eating, relaxing, waiting, etc. adds a human value to the structure. This animation of the ground floor ensures constant eyes on the streets which makes the users feel more secure. As large crowds fill the structure at certain periods of the day, the requirement to cater to the vehicular traffic increases immensely. Multiple pedestrians and cars enter and exit the commercial premise at a given time, which causes traffic and inconvenience to its users. Large areas for drop-off and pick-up points provided near the assembly areas prevent stagnation of horizontal movement. Double storey assembly areas create an illusion of spaciousness and luxury which acts as a key selling factor for the office spaces.

FIGURE 55: PLAY OF TEXTURES AND COLOURS

Following the current trends, architects have been using modern materials to create a perception of development and evolution of the sellers. Although, a mixture of various materials, colours and textures would activate the users’ senses when they are inside the built form. Introduction of vegetation in different parts of the structure improves the occupants’ productivity and frame of mind. They become break out zones where the occupants can step away from the rigorous and routine work environment. The chirping of birds, rustling of trees, the smell of the plants stimulates the brain and activate the senses. By inserting interactive walls at different intervals, people can interact with the built form before reaching their destination. The use of open floor plans for office spaces, has increased the demand for such interactive architecture. When the commercial structures are planned according to the adjoining streets, the have an impact on the surrounding areas as well. With the changing times, the architecture of the commercial buildings should be able to evolve as well. By using flexible spaces and additional areas for introduction and expansion of technology within the service areas, the scope of the building to evolve and cater to the needs of the users will improve. Commercial spaces have easy visual and physical permeability into various spaces. The insertion of transparent walls creates a perception of increased potential of movement which makes the user feel liberated. Spaces with ample light entering them pulls the users towards them.