A study of Dead Spaces on the User Experience in malls in Kampala.

Abstract

While the mention of shopping malls traditionally evoked images of a vibrant and lively atmosphere, this perception is undergoing a transformation. The once exciting and dynamic image associated with shopping malls has begun to shift. These commercial spaces are experiencing a departure from the conventional narrative of constant activity to one that is associated with decline and ruin. Today, the retail environment in Uganda is constantly increasing with new merchandise emerging on the market, evolving consumer preferences and patterns. This growth has seen an increase in the number of shopping malls both of large and small scale. However, these malls are starting to cycle into a stage of decline having dead spaces emerge in these establishments highly reducing the human traffic flowing through these spaces. This has left the spaces devoid of human interaction and experiences. To study this phenomenon, this research aims to examine the occurrence of dead spaces and their impact on user experience within shopping malls. Looking into how design of space directly and indirectly influences the retail environment thereby curating a diversity of experiences and the forms and frequency in which these dead spaces occur. The examination involved the process of studying literature on retail environments, dead spaces and the various concepts developed in the conceptual framework. The researcher compares this information with field findings that are collected using a qualitative approach that is, interviewing individuals, direct observation while journaling and sketching and use of photography to capture imagery of the area of study. The study established that malls cycle to the stage of decline but these dead spaces provide an opportunity to reimagine and reshape the spatial identity of a locality, embracing the diverse social dynamics of its users, fostering a sense of inclusivity