Spatial layout design of underground mall networks with application to a site in Central Hong Kong

Abstract

In this thesis, a general framework for the spatial layout design of underground shopping mall networks (UMNs) was developed for the purpose of providing better design guidance in future underground mall projects. This was achieved through a comparative analysis of successful UMN case studies in Japan and Canada, which showed significant differences in the nature and characteristics of UMNs between the two countries. Further exploration into the building codes used for UMN design in Japan and its application to the case studies resulted in the development of effective design guidelines, which were tested through the creation of conceptual mall layouts. The framework was next applied to a real-world UMN design for a site in central Hong Kong. A suitable site for UMN development was selected out of three potential sites, and a layout design based on realistic site constraints and dimensions was created through the proposed framework. This site-specific design demonstrated the framework's effectiveness in creating optimal spatial layouts for UMNs.