Shopping Universe: Exploring Relationship Between Consumption and Work in Shopping Malls | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

The site for the intervention is Hawthorne Plaza, an abandoned mall in southwest Los Angeles County. The site has been inactive for almost 15 years, despite numerous failed attempts at redevelopment since the late 1990s. The site is an ideal location for transformation because of its extended vacant status and the dearth of public green spaces in the neighbourhood. The project intends to breathe new life into the area by fusing entertainment options with new developments, expanding retail, employment, and leisure opportunities while promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Final Outcome

The proposed design for the shopping center at Hawthorne Plaza integrates three essential elements: the production space, the commercial space, and a communal area known as “the third place.” A community-based recycling system connects these spaces seamlessly, creating a dynamic and mutually beneficial environment that breathes new life into the idea of a mall.

This innovative design encourages local community participation in the upcycling process. The center will actively collect unwanted waste from the community, which is then converted into raw materials. On-site designers use these materials to create customised products that are then sold in the same place, encouraging a closed-loop production and consumption system.

The facility houses four specialized reprocessing units for glass, plastic, textiles, and paper, each designed to transform waste into reusable raw materials. These materials are managed by a sophisticated automated system, including a vertical conveyor that facilitates the transfer of sorted waste to designated storage areas.

Each reprocessing station is equipped with all the necessary machinery to maximize both the functionality of the space and the efficiency of the process. After being redirected to the proper rooftop facilities, waste materials are transformed into usable raw materials and then stored on-site so that designers can access them.

The layout of the mall encapsulates a vibrant mix of retail stores, dining options, and galleries, showcasing the entire lifecycle of products. The design strategically separates but visually integrates the flow of materials and visitors, enhancing the educational and immersive experience. This transparency not only allows visitors to witness the art of craftsmanship and repurposing up close but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices.

Additionally, the mall’s architecture incorporates recycled materials into its undulating façade, reflecting the properties of the textiles, papers, or plastics reprocessed within. These materials are creatively adapted into diverse building elements with varied shapes, colors, and patterns, symbolizing the innovative spirit of our space.

Beyond a mere shopping destination, the mall is reenvisioned as a dynamic venue that redefines consumer interaction with production. This hybrid space, part commercial and part creative hub, facilitates a new model of consumer engagement, blending economic transactions with educational moments.

Complementing the sustainable design, the rooftop features landscaped greenery that serves both as a primary observational pathway for visitors and a scenic connector between different parts of the mall. The proposal envisions a sustainable, open-air shopping center that harmoniously integrates with its environment, promoting a sustainable lifestyle through innovative design and operation.

This shopping mall promotes environmentally responsible building practices by introducing transparency to product lifecycles and establishing a circular production chain. Consumers are actively repurposing used objects, giving them a second life and redefining the role of buying and discarding. The unique identity of the products is achieved through regionally sourced materials, resulting in a variety of final products reflecting local characteristics, rather than mass production standards.

The reimagined shopping mall aims to create a system of spatial and labor-product relationships, extending beyond the physical building. It outlines the entire production reality, from material extraction to product assembly and customization. Machines play a crucial role in recycling waste, bridging the gap between the product and manufacturing processes. The mall also encourages consumers to repurpose consumption and redefine their roles in social and ecological environments. By associating itself with sustainability and nature, it could create a distinctive identity.

Conclusion: Ultimately, this project envisions shopping malls as pivotal spaces in promoting a circular economy, where every phase of a product’s lifecycle—from creation to repurposing—is visible and integral to the consumer experience. This model not only challenges the traditional roles of buying and discarding but also redefines the mall’s role in a modern urban landscape, making it a cornerstone of sustainability and social interaction.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]