Thesis (BS Architecture) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2010

The research was conducted primarily to determine the shopping patterns of consumers in relation to the existing spatial factors that govern retail gravitation, and integrate these findings with the approved architectural standards to come up with a creative design for shopping malls. In line with this, the proponent of this research wanted to know about the consumer's shopping patterns so that these patterns may be used in strategizing and planning various shopping mall layouts, so that business opportunities may increase among the spaces within shopping malls. This study utilized a quantitative approach, which is commonly known as Space Syntax Analysis, in determining the spatial factors involved in retail gravitation. The Space Syntax Analysis, in determining the spatial factors involved in retail gravitation. The Space Syntax Analysis in this study was conducted by creating Space Syntax Maps on the existing floor layouts from three major shopping malls in Davao City, namely: Gaisano Mall, Victoria Plaza and SM City. After the maps were derived graphically, the computations were done based on the said maps. The values obtained from the maps were plotted in the graph alongside with the consumer movement data in each of the said malls, and the relationship between these two variables was noted. Based on the data obtained from this study, the correlation of consumer movement and the degree of integratedness of a space is high. To elaborate further, the results presented in this book suggested that the more integrated(accessible) a certain space is, the more likely it is to promote faster movement, otherwise, the area should promote more static movement among the users. Thereby, the location of impulse shops within the mall should be located in areas wherein the integratedness value is low, whereas, products/services classified under convenience category should be placed in the more business opportunities. The proponent of this study recommends to use the set of guidelines presented in the latter parts of this book to serve as a guide in panning the layout of the retail spaces within shopping malls.