Mall, oh mall

Tell me exactly how many times you went to the mall and you shall be rewarded handsomely.

(hehe).

Of course none of us can remember the exat number of times we set our foot upon the mall. And during those times which we stroll around the mall, buying stuff, and stopping by for some food, do we notice anything? We may not explicitly notice it, but unconsciously, it may have an effect on us.

Malls are built to cater to the needs of the people. Be it material or emotional in terms of bonding and socializing with others. But that is not the sole purpose of malls. In Filipino context, the building of malls all over the commercial centers of Philippines signify that Philippines aim to belong to the first world countries, and that would be made possible through the identification of Philippines as the shopping Mecca. Another purpose is to make things more efficient. Imagine, you could do your business in the mall and at the same time do you leisurely activitites too. For example, while waiting for your brother or sister at the dentist, you could shop around or watch a movie.

We may have not noticed it yet but each kind of mall somehow manipulates us to do something. For example, Sm malls are designed to cater to different kinds of people. Ayala malls on the other hand, try to make people go stop and buy.

Architecture is really essential in creating and establishing a desired theme or mood for a certain place. Putting a roman pillar along the corridor tells a lot. Putting none creates a different message. It is all up to the planning and lay out of the place and of course also up to the people on how they perceive it based on their religion, culture, and experience.