Patrick Gao

Pacific Mall

Interior Design

2023

Due to various factors such as inappropriate design, the impact of the epidemic, and other issues, traditional shopping malls are facing a decline, with people increasingly turning to online shopping due to the lack of unique experiences offered by physical stores. My thesis focuses on adaptive reuse and specifically examines Pacific Mall, a commercial retail building in Markham that primarily sells Asian goods. However, the building has a significant problem of being too commercial with a lack of highlights and attractions, leading to an inability to provide customers with a memorable shopping experience. During the worst period of business, 30 percent of the shops in Pacific Mall had permanently closed and were rented out, while another 10 percent remained temporarily closed.

“The aim of this project is to breathe new life into Pacific Mall by revitalizing its existing businesses and addressing its outdated business model and lack of competitiveness in the digital era through a redesign and reimagining of the space. This will involve transforming the interior into a commercial botanical garden complex, shifting towards experiential retail, and incorporating a large glass block with various entertainment functions as a centrepiece. Additionally, a redesigned exterior with multiple entrances will attract more tourists, increase foot traffic, and encourage visitors to linger. Overall, a combination of visual upgrades and strategic architectural renovations will make Pacific Mall a more vibrant, appealing, and competitive consumer destination.”