This Beautiful Rooftop Park Sits on Top of a Dying Mall
Katherine Pendrill — September 17, 2015 — Eco
References: thehillsatvallco & fastcoexist
California developers are working on a plan to turn a dying mall into a beautiful garden-topped venue. In recent years, malls have become a less popular shopping destination for consumers. This new project aims to reimagine the traditional shopping mall structure by turning it into a welcoming outdoor space.
The Vallco Shopping Mall is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, yet it is largely empty inside. To revitalize the area, developers plan to add the largest green roof in the world to the existing structure. The area surrounding the mall will also receive a face-lift. If approved, the area will be outfitted with space for a farmers market, running trails and even an orchard. The goal is to turn the dying mall into a community hub, rather than simply convert the area into a newer shopping center.
The project demonstrates that suburban lifestyles are slowly shifting and existing infrastructure will need to be adapted accordingly.
The Vallco Shopping Mall is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, yet it is largely empty inside. To revitalize the area, developers plan to add the largest green roof in the world to the existing structure. The area surrounding the mall will also receive a face-lift. If approved, the area will be outfitted with space for a farmers market, running trails and even an orchard. The goal is to turn the dying mall into a community hub, rather than simply convert the area into a newer shopping center.
The project demonstrates that suburban lifestyles are slowly shifting and existing infrastructure will need to be adapted accordingly.
Trend Themes
1. Garden-topped Structures - There is room for innovation in creating rooftop gardens for buildings with underutilized space.
2. Community-based Malls - Transforming traditional shopping malls into community spaces and event venues can revitalize dying areas.
3. Urban Farming - Incorporating farms and farmers markets can create new opportunities for local agriculture and sustainable living in urban areas.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - Developers can adapt innovative concepts like garden-topped structures to make use of underutilized properties in desirable urban areas.
2. Retail - The concept of community-based malls can create a novel shopping experience that emphasizes local goods and services that align with consumer trends.
3. Agriculture - By integrating traditional farming concepts with urban environments, farmers markets and urban farming projects can open up new markets in crowded cities.
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