Shopping Centres, Marketplaces, Plazas and Malls – typically, these types of retail centres require a high level of detail and finish and this is why we enjoy designing in this industry sector. The landscape is an important component of the entertainment and outdoor eating/foodcourt portion of any retail centre and normally requires a high level of detailed design closely coordinated with Architecture and Interior Design consultants.
Construction budgets can be significant and providing entertainment in outdoor spaces lined with shops, cafe’s, restaurants and retail outlets creates a strong atmosphere and character for shoppers to enjoy.
The landscape often includes:
- intricate pavements and tiling;
- feature walls and retaining walls;
- internal planting areas and interiors-capes;
- planter boxes;
- public art;
- vertical climbers and green walls;
- shade trees and structures;
- significant water features;
- striking plant selections;- play spaces.
Stand-alone Retail Outlets and Successful Solutions
Stand-alone Retail outlets often require a level of landscape that meets the local authority requirements while also accommodating restricted budgets. Successful outdoor areas in retail spaces combine functionality with aesthetics, drawing shoppers to explore and linger. Passive design principles enhance these spaces, ensuring both comfort and sustainability.
Landscape design elements and principles should include:
- Strategical positioned shade structures
- Natural landscaping inclusive of native species
- Water features to contribute to a welcoming ambiance while reducing heat
- Thoughtful seating arrangements for all ages
- Permeable paving to enhance aesthetic appeal while considering environmental responsibility.
By integrating passive design, shopping centres create vibrant, eco-friendly spaces that encourage community interaction and enjoyment.
Citicene has experience in delivering a large range of these types of projects while meeting these two important requirements. Citicene has a broad range of experience in delivering the landscape component of retail projects. We have been involved in numerous shopping centres, retail outlets, malls, marketplaces and stand alone retail and commercial projects throughout Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. We have experience in delivering both ‘hard’ landscapes and ‘soft’ landscapes paying a high degree of attention to detail.
Some of the exciting retail projects we have been involved in include:
- Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre (Brisbane, Queensland)
- Mount Gambier Marketplace (South Australia)
- Burpengary Plaza (Brisbane, Queensland)
- Night Quarter – Night Market (Gold Coast, Queensland)
- Numerous McDonald’s Outlets (Townsville, Gatton, Toowoomba, Uranagan, Gold Coast, Boyne Island, Brisbane, Queensland)
- Numerous Bunnings Outlets (Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory)
- Eastville (Toowoomba).
Other Retail Landscape Design Principles
Additional landscape design principles based around user experience and the environment include:
- Maintenance Costs
- CPTED (Crime prevention through environmental design) Principles
- Pedestrian routes and access linkages – often neglected
- Vehicle and pedestrian conflicts
- Safety
- Local Authority negotiation and approvals
- Value for money
- Water Sensitive Urban Design.
Canopy Cover and Carparks
Shade and the reduction in the reflection of heat is more important than ever. An important consideration is the amount of canopy cover throughout these types of developments. Often there are large carparks associated with retail shopping centres with minimal shade trees.
The ratio of shade trees vs carpark spaces needs to be increased in these types of developments to combat the heat island effect that is increasing in urban areas.
By employing thoughtful and cost-effective design strategies, along with close consultant coordination, shopping centers and retail outlets can seize significant opportunities to elevate their businesses, strengthen their brands, and boost sales—all while prioritizing environmental considerations. Often overlooked until the final stages, landscapes present tremendous opportunities to enhance overall developments.
