The Spirit of a Biophilic Shopping Mall

Biophilic Design in Post-war Shopping Mall while enhancing the value and the spirit of place

AR3AH105 Graduation Studio adapting 20th Century Heritage

MSc Architecture, Delft University of Technology
Roos Bolleboom
4809076

04-11-2023
Federica Marulo and Wido Quist

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 PROBLEM 3

3 FRAME OF REFERENCE 3

4 METHODOLOGY 4

5 BIOPHILIC DESIGN ENHANCING THE VALUE OF HERITAGE 5

6 VALUE OF POST-WAR SHOPPING MALL 5

7 SPIRIT OF PLACE IN A POST-WAR SHOPPING MALL 5

8 BIOPHILIC DESIGN 5

9 SPIRIT OF PLACE WINKELCENTRUM LEYWEG 6

10 DISCUSSION 16

11 CONCLUSION 16

12 LITERATURE 17

13 APPENDIX 18

2
1 INTRODUCTION 2 PROBLEM ley’s (2011) book ‘Biophilic Cities’ as a key resource. Beatley is
widely recognized for his expertise in biophilic design and urban
In the latter half of the twentieth century, shopping malls emerged The issue of vacant shopping malls, combined with the growing planning, with a substantial publication record and contributions
in the Netherlands due to urbanization and suburbanization. Initial- interest in applying biophilic design, provides an opportunity to to international conferences(Wikipedia, 2023). This book offers a
ly, they served as community hubs with stores, leisure, and dining, add value to these spaces with more nature. Nevertheless, this comprehensive exploration of biophilic design in urban contexts,
fostering social interactions (Kooijman, 1999). However, as consu- transformation should carefully consider the mall’s value and spirit highlighting the importance of incorporating natural elements into
merism and profit-seeking took over, malls lost their social appeal, of place, as disregarding these aspects might reduce the mall’s urban planning. In this paper, his work provides an overview of
particularly in medium-sized cities and residential areas (Zand- overall worth. In addition, biophilic design should exceed superfici- potential biophilic transformations.
bergen, 2018), and were replaced with online shopping. Action is al aesthetics and strive to foster genuine interaction, connections,
needed to prevent these areas from turning into deprived areas and meaningful contexts (Kaplan, 2001). Conducting this complex Place and Placelessness, Relph (1976)
due to the growing vacancy in the malls. (NOS, 2022). biophilic transformation while respecting the mall’s values and spi- The term ‘spirit of place’rooted in the Latin “genius loci,” originally
rit of place requires further research. The question addressed in this described the divine presence of a specific location. It now en-
Simultaneously, urbanization turned the built environment into paper is therefore: How can biophilic design enhance the value compasses a broader experience, embracing a place’s unique
concrete landscapes, leaving no room for greenery. This incre- and spirit of place in a post-war shopping mall? physical, historical, cultural, and symbolic qualities, signifying a
asing urbanization and lack of green spaces led to various issues: sense of belonging and emotional attachment. Various resear-
reduced climate adaptability, increased flooding, heat stress, bio- This question can be broken down into smaller sub-questions: chers, including Norberg-Schulz, Pallasmaa, Casey, Tuan, and
diversity loss, and negative impacts on mental and physical health Relph, have explored this concept (Wikipedia, 2023a). In this
(Natuur & Milieu, 2022). 1. How can biophilic design contribute to heritage value? paper, I adopt Edward Relph’s(1976) framework from ‘Place and
2. What are the values of a post-war shopping mall and why is it Placelessness’, in which the user-centric perspective on the con-
These health concerns are rooted in human biophilia, our innate important to preserve them? cept of spirit of place is emphasized.
affinity for nature, which makes elements like plants and water 3. Why is it important to maintain the spirit of place in post-war
captivating, allowing mental restoration. Biophilic design lever- shopping malls? Identity of place, Shamsuddin(1997)
ages this connection by incorporating natural materials and 4. What methods can be employed to transform the existing built Shamsuddin’s research, aligned with Relph’s user-centric perspec-
elements into the built environment. At the same time, this incor- environment into a biophilic design to enhance its value? tive, serves as the framework for the research on the spirit of place
poration of natural elements contributes positively to the climate 5. What is the spirit of place in the post-war shopping mall ‘Win- in this paper. Unlike other studies that primarily focus on historical
(Kaplan, 2001; Kellert, 2018). kelcentrum Leyweg’? or GIS data to analyze the spirit of place, Shamsuddin’s approach
considers the current user’s viewpoint.
Solving the problem of the lost appeal of post-war heritage ‘the In this paper, the main emphasis is placed on researching biophilic
post-war shopping malls’ by implementing biophilic design could transformations in the built environment, with a particular focus
be an interesting step because it solves two problems in one, lack on direct natural experiences, as they have the most substantial
of green space and the lost interest in the shopping mall. Rese- influence on climate, biodiversity, and user well-being.
arch also proves this solution because Studies by Rosenbaum et
al. (2016 & 2018) indicate that biophilic design in shopping malls Regarding the part on the spirit of place, the primary focus is on
enhances satisfaction, loyalty, and recommendations, as well as researching the spirit of place in Winkelcentrum Leyweg. This mall
the perception of being away, extent, fascination, and compati- was chosen because it serves as a typical example of a post-war
bility in retail areas (Rosenbaum et al., 2018). shopping mall located in a residential area, which is struggling
with vacancy issues.
Biophilic design has been proven effective in shopping malls.
However, there’s a lack of research on how to properly transform
malls to achieve the positive outcomes of biophilic design. If the
3 FRAME OF REFERENCE
value and the emotional connection that people have often
Machine&Theater, Kooijman(1999)
called ‘spirit of place’, with the post-war shopping mall are not
In the research on the value of a shopping mall, Kooijman’s(1999)
taken into consideration these transformations can have negative
dissertation ‘Machine&Theater’ provides insights into the architec-
effects.
tural characteristics, origin, and historical development of various
shopping mall designs. This information is used in the paper to un-
As Relph(1976) describes it ‘spirit of place’ emphasizes the impor-
derstand the values associated with post-war shopping malls.
tance of creating meaningful connections between people and
their built environments. If changes are made that remove the
Re-architecture, Pereira Roders(2007)
distinctive elements that people connect with or value in a place,
In the dissertation Re-architecture of Pereira Roders (2007), a value
that place loses its importance and becomes meaningless, also
framework is presented with various types of values, such as social,
called ‘placeless’ (Relph, 1976). Finding the right balance bet-
economic, political, historic, aesthetic, scientific, age, and eco-
ween preserving and transforming is crucial.
logical values. In this paper, this framework is applied to analyze
and categorize the values discovered during the research pro-
To do this effectively, more research is needed to guide the com-
cess.
plex process of implementing biophilic design while preserving
and enhancing the value and spirit of a place in a post-war shop-
Biophilic Cities, Beatley(2011)
ping mall.
For my research on biophilic design, I’ve chosen Dr. Timothy Beat-

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4 METHODOLOGY
The paper includes two main themes: biophilic design and spirit of
place, initially explored individually and later connected.

The paper begins with a literature review to form links between

biophilic design, heritage, value of post-war shopping malls, and
spirit of place, promoting clarity.

First, it examines how biophilic design contributes to heritage im-

provement.

Then, research is conducted on post-war shopping malls to deve-

lop a more profound understanding of the relating values in con-
text of the post-war shopping mall.

Following this, biophilic design is introduced, emphasizing its urban

significance. Beatley’s work on ‘Biophilic Cities (2011) is introdu-
ced, supported by transformative examples showing their impact
on the built environment and place improvement.

Building on this theoretical foundation, the paper delves into the

spirit of place within Winkelcentrum Leyweg case study using
Shamsuddin’s (1997) framework. In this framework a diverse ap-
proach was adopted, involving ten Winkelcentrum Leyweg users
who participated in interviews, sketching exercises, and photo
recognition tests. These different methods provided distinct insights
into the spirit of place:
• Interviews: Revealing distinctive elements recalled from me-
mory, highlighting what captures people’s attention. These
interviews were structured in a matrix to showcase the most
frequently mentioned elements.
• Photo recognition test: Utilizing images from various areas in
and around the shopping mall, as certain aspects are better
expressed visually than in words or drawings. The things the
participant says about the place are coded, and then the
most frequently occurring words represent what is distinctive in
the photo.
• Sketching techniques: Allowing participants to draw from me-
mory and identify distinctive elements within the town center,
reveals their mental perceptions of its structure and bounda-
ries. The sketches are coded using the Lynch method, clas-
sifying elements into:

1. Nodes: Central points with cultural or social significance.

2. Edges: Boundaries or transitional areas that frame and influen-
ce the use of space.
3. Paths: Routes and circulation patterns that impact the overall
experience.
4. Landmarks: Prominent and easily recognizable reference
points.
5. Districts: Cohesive areas with a distinct character or identity
within a city or neighborhood.

In the discussion, the main question is answered to provide insight

into whether biophilic design can enhance the heritage value
and spirit of place in a post-war shopping mall.
Figure 1. Diagram Methodology (Bolleboom, 2023)
See Figure 1 for the methodology in a diagram.
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5 BIOPHILIC DESIGN ENHANCING THE VALUE served as central hubs for community life and recreational activi- grating agriculture into cities, creating biophilic and healthy buil-
ties, with some becoming iconic landmarks in their respective regi- dings, and utilizing facades and roofs for biophilic design can be
OF HERITAGE ons. They mirror shifts in consumer culture and how people chose effective strategies (Beatley, 2011). These transformations outlined
to spend their leisure time. Preserving this value allows us to com- by Beatley (2011) provide an overview of the potential of biophilic
Biophilic design, which involves integrating natural elements into prehend the cultural and social significance of shopping malls. design. These transformations are further supported with examples
architectural settings, has gained interest as a multipurpose stra- Another value is the social/urban value. The evolution of shopping of biophilic transformations that show the alteration and effects in
tegy for enhancing the value of heritage buildings. This part of malls closely tracks changes in urban development and mobility. the built environment.
the paper delves into the role of biophilic design within the field of They played a vital role in shaping the social landscape and rede-
heritage preservation. fining the relationship between shopping and the urban environ- The Urban Riverfront Greenway, Italy
ment. Preserving this value contributes to a deeper understanding This research in Italy focuses on sustainable urban mobility, ai-
The key aspect of biophilic design is its ability to foster a deep of urban transformation. ming to reduce air pollution, enhance mobility, connect urban
connection with nature by incorporating features like natural light, areas with nature, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen
greenery, and outdoor scenery into heritage structures. This ap- The last prominent value in these post-war shopping malls is the community bonds. Key interventions include expanding bike and
proach not only increases the well-being of visitors and occupants aesthetic value. The design features and architectural styles of greenway networks, moderating traffic, enhancing bike-friendly
but also creates spaces that are inviting and emotionally enga- these post-war shopping malls showcase the architectural ideas infrastructure, and overcoming physical barriers. By implementing
ging. Consequently, heritage sites become more than just repo- and movements of the post-war period (Kooijman, 1999). these measures, this research showcases the transformation of
sitories of history, they evolve into spaces where visitors can have urban spaces into more biophilic designs, emphasizing the im-
an emotional connection, enhancing the social and historic value In summary, preserving the value of post-war shopping malls is portance of coordinated planning and execution. These actions
(Terrapin Bright Green, 2023). crucial because they are essential to our historical, societal, cultu- contribute to more sustainable, healthy, and livable urban en-
ral, and urban development. By preserving them, the values are vironments, ultimately improving residents’ quality of life (Mastro-
Biophilic design can add economic value because it can contri- documented and protected for future generations, gaining valua- lonardo, 2023).
bute to increasing the viability of historical buildings and attracting ble insights into the evolution of society and the retail industry.
visitors (Terrapin Bright Green, 2023).

Biophilic design can add an ecological value, since it plays a cru- 7 SPIRIT OF PLACE IN A POST-WAR
cial role in promoting sustainable revitalization. It supports the use SHOPPING MALL
of sustainable materials and technologies, aligning itself with the
principles of the circular economy. By extending the life cycle of
heritage buildings and minimizing resource consumption, it offers Preserving the spirit of post-war shopping malls is essential, consi-
an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to heritage revitali- dering Relph’s(1976) concept of ‘spirit of place’.
zation and adds ecological value (Terrapin Bright Green, 2023).
Biophilic design also substantially enhances the visitor experience It is crucial to have a spirit of place because, without it, a location
by making heritage sites more appealing and engaging. It encou- can feel placeless. It loses its distinct identity and becomes gene- Figure 2. Plan Riverfront Greenway (Mastrolonardo, 2023)

rages visitors to be part of the historic and social value of the site. ric and uninteresting. A place needs to have unique or distinctive
elements to which users can attach emotional value. When users Green infrastructure, Skt. Kjelds Plads and Bryggervangen
At the same time, it reduces the gap between heritage conser-
no longer attach value to a specific place, the social value based In Copenhagen, the Skt. Kjelds Plads and Bryggervangen pro-
vation and contemporary environmental concerns (Pinto, et al.,
on users’ emotional attachment diminishes. ject offers a transformative urban approach. It targeted the
2023).
traffic circle at Skt. Kjelds Plads and Bryggervangen road to cre-
Preserving the spirit of place is essential for preserving the historic ate climate-resilient green spaces. Key transformations included
In conclusion, biophilic design can be applied in various ways in
value of these malls dating from the suburbanization era, as they depavementation to allow rainwater absorption, introducing 586
heritage conservation to strengthen it. It can promote the well-
mirror the values and aspirations of their time. Protecting this uni- native trees to combat CO2 and pollutants, and forming a “green
being of heritage, encourage sustainable regeneration, and pre-
que spirit that has evolved over the years is essential to historical corridor” along Bryggervangen. These changes significantly en-
sent cost-effective conservation strategies.
development (Relph, 1976). hanced biodiversity, reduced flood risk, and improved residents’
quality of life. The project highlights how green infrastructure can
6 VALUE OF POST-WAR SHOPPING MALL In conclusion, upholding the spirit of place in post-war shopping address climate challenges while promoting community well-
malls is crucial to maintaining their historical and social value and being in urban areas (Negrello, 2023).
As described by Kooijman (1999), post-war shopping malls have a preventing them from becoming placeless places with no emotio-
rich history that reflects different values. These malls represent sig- nal connection.
nificant stages in the development of shopping malls and unders-
core the changing dynamics between shopping, urban spaces, 8 BIOPHILIC DESIGN
and mobility.

A value that emerges from this is the historic value. Post-war shop- The book of Beatley (2011) explores biophilic transformations at
ping malls, such as the Southdale Shopping Mall in Minneapolis, different scales: regional, city, and building. Regional transformati-
document the different phases of shopping mall development, ons include green regions, compact cities, accessible parks, trees,
from the 1920s to the emergence of mega-malls in the 1980s. They and urban forests within 100-300 meters, daylighting natural rivers,
offer valuable insights into the development of shopping malls and low-impact development techniques. At the city level, under-
and the transformations in the retail industry throughout the years. utilized urban spaces can be turned into biodiverse green areas
The shopping malls also have a social/cultural value. These malls and biophilic streets and infrastructure. At the building level, inte-
Figure 3. Green infrastructure, Skt. Kjelds Plads and Bryggervangen (Negrello, 2023)

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Water Square, Tåsinge Plads Roof 2. semi-public space with green elements. residents. Spanning across 48,000 square meters, it houses around
Copenhagen’s Tåsinge Plads project demonstrates climate-resi- Roof 3. an energy-efficient green roof for staff. 110 shops. This shopping mall has a rich historical evolution, initially
lient urban design. It renewed the square with new land morpho- designed in the late 20th century to serve the local community-
logy, replacing flat asphalt with grassy slopes that collect and These transformations enhance sustainability, reduce energy usa- ’s shopping and service needs. While it remains the core of the
channel rainwater into moisture-tolerant vegetation. Elevated ge, address urban heat, and promote well-being(Meletic et al., Morgenstond neighborhood, it currently faces issues related to
pathways ensured usability during heavy rainfall. These adaptati- 2023). vacancies.
ons significantly reduced the load on the urban drainage system,
enhancing the square’s resilience to flooding. Tåsinge Plads de- Interviewees
monstrated the potential for urban areas to serve both as functi- To understand the spirit of place in Winkelcentrum Leyweg, ten
onal public spaces and efficient rainwater management systems, users of the shopping center were interviewed. They were asked
aligning with Copenhagen’s commitment to climate adaptation about their age, gender, and how often they visit and for how
(Negrello, 2023). many years they visit the shopping mall. This provides insight into
the representativeness of the interviewed audience. The Tables
1, 2, 3 and 4 show that a diverse audience was interviewed, with
most of them visiting the shopping mall multiple times per week.

Figure 6. Green Roof, Belgrade (Meletic et al., 2023) Table 1. gender interviewees (Bolleboom, 2023)

Ford Foundation Building

The Ford Building, with substantial heritage significance in its urban
context, had suffered from neglect and decay, undermining its
historical value. However, an extensive transformation sought to
reverse this decline. The interior space was revitalized, preserving
Figure 4. Water Square, Tåsinge Plads (Negrello, 2023)
original features while integrating biophilic design. Biophilic de-
sign was added to green interior spaces like atriums, connecting
Purifying Water Park, Hans Tavsen Park occupants with nature. Sustainable upgrades brought energy-effi-
Copenhagen’s Hans Tavsen Park exemplifies climate-resilient cient lighting, solar systems, and water-saving measures. This trans-
urban design. It features an extensive green-blue infrastructure formation not only retained heritage value but also established Table 2. Age interviewees (Bolleboom, 2023)
designed to intercept and drain excess rainwater, storing and the Ford Building as a model of sustainability and biophilic design,
purifying it before directing it to the city’s waterways. This trans- harmonizing the past and present (Leakas, 2008).
formation enhances the city’s climate resilience by addressing
increased rainfall while creating a vibrant community space that
improves residents’ quality of life (Negrello, 2023).

Table 3. How long you come here? (Bolleboom, 2023)

Table 4. how often do you visits? (Bolleboom, 2023)

Figure 7. Ford Foundation Building (Leakas, 2008)

Figure 5. Purifying Water Park, Hans Tavsen Park (Negrello, 2023)

9 SPIRIT OF PLACE WINKELCENTRUM
Green Roof, Belgrade LEYWEG
A Belgrade retrofit project is transforming the “City Housing” buil-
ding with three distinct green roof areas: Winkelcentrum Leyweg, located in The Hague, in the residential
area called Morgenstond, serves a diverse community of 20,251
Roof 1. green roof with educational potential.

6
Map Winkelcentrum Leyweg
In order to understand the specific places involved in the research
of Winkelcentrum Leyweg, terms were given to spaces in the map
of Winkelcentrum Leyweg. This is used in order to refer to it during
the research (see Figure 8).

Figure 8. Map with terms Winkelcentrum Leyweg (Bolleboom, 2023)

7
 Preferred Spaces: “Big passage,” “square north,” and “Melis Stokepark” are favored areas, with intangible qualities like “co-
Analyse Interview
ziness” and “atmosphere” shaping the spirit of place (Table 13).
From the interviews, key findings regarding the spirit of place in the
shopping mall emerge:

Most Liked Features: Visitors highly value the convenient location

and good facilities, contributing to a positive spirit of place (Table
10).

Table 10. Reason to like the shopping mall (Bolleboom, 2023)

Layout and Familiarity: The mall’s clear layout and distinctive fe-
atures create a comfortable atmosphere, enhancing the spirit of
place (Table 11).

Table 13. Most unique spaces (Bolleboom, 2023)

Table 11. Do get lost in the shopping mall (Bolleboom, 2023)
Least Preferred Spaces:”Square north,” “square south,” and “residential blocks” receive criticism due to a bad atmosphere,
untidiness, and poor maintenance, affecting the spirit of place (Table 14).
Leisure Spots: The mall offers diverse leisure options without a spe-
cific favorite spot contributing to the overall spirit of place. Table
12).

Table 12. Where do you go for leisure activities (Bolleboom, 2023)

Preservation of Special Places: Most prioritize the overall experien-

ce, no specific places need to be preserved (Table 13)

Table 13. places that shouldn’t be demolished (Bolleboom, 2023)

Table 14. Unpleasant places (Bolleboom, 2023)

8
Sketching
Participants created memory-based drawings highlighting place
elements. Categories inspired by Lynch’s concepts grouped sket- Zuiderpark
ches, identifying common patterns to understand distinct areas.
North square
Passage
Benches

Shop north
Shop south
Shop north
Hairdresser
Square North square south

Shop middle
Pub Shops middle

Hema

South square Shops south

Figure 9. Lynch map over drawing participant 1 (Bolleboom, 2023) Figure 11. Lynch map over drawing participant 3 (Bolleboom, 2023)

Hema
shop north

South square
shop middle

Passage
Passage
Benches

shop south

Figure 10. Lynch map over drawing participant 2 (Bolleboom, 2023) Figure 12. Lynch map over drawing participant 4 (Bolleboom, 2023)
9
 square north
Home
Benches tram stop

home
Square south Passage
church

Hema

Shops south

Shops north
Shops middle

Shops south
Shops north
Passage

Shops middle
Square South

Square south

Benches

Passage

square north

Figure 13. Lynch map over drawing participant 5 (Bolleboom, 2023) Figure 15. Lynch map over drawing participant 7 (Bolleboom, 2023) Bus stop
Figure 17. Lynch map over drawing participant 9 (Bolleboom, 2023)

North square

Car
Shop south
Passage Hema Jewelry
Shop Middle

Shop Middle

Shops middle
Shop North

Shops north
Shops south
Hema
South square
Benches

Figure 14. Lynch map over drawing participant 6 (Bolleboom, 2023) Figure 16. Lynch map over drawing participant 8 (Bolleboom, 2023) Figure 18. Lynch map over drawing participant 10 (Bolleboom, 2023)
10
Concluding Lynch map
Ten sketches were analyzed (Figure 9-18). Areas drawn by five or
more people, following Lynch’s drawing technique are summeri-
zed in the map(Figure 19).

The district covered Leyweg, from the passage to the northern

square. Notably, the small passage was often left out, while the
shopping mall consistently stood out.

Facades of Middle Shop, Shops North, and Shops South acted

as edges. Pathways form naturally between Leyweg North and
South Shops. These paths link the North Square and South Squa-
re, central gathering points with social and cultural significance.
The South Square, featured the Hema as a landmark, serving as a
reference point.

Hema

Nodes
Edges
Paths
Landmarks
District
Figure 19. Concluding Lynch map Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)
11
Photo Recognition
In the photo recognition test, participants viewed photos of Winkelcentrum Leyweg and its
surroundings(see Figure 20), providing insights through visual cues. Words mentioned by at least
half of the participants were considered representative:

Figure 20. Photo’s Winkelcentrum Leyweg with corresponding area in the map(Bolleboom, 2023)
12
 Canopees

V&D
Church
Town hall

Emptiness
Benches with trees

Figure 21. Photo 1 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023) Figure 23. Photo 3 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)

Both Leyweg North Shop and Leyweg South Shop have distinctive features like benches with trees The South Square is seen as “empty,” with memories of the ‘V&D’ store and the ‘church’ (Figure 23).
and the town hall in the background (Figure 21 and 22).

Passage

Town hall

Benches with trees

Clear

Figure 22. Photo 2 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)

Figure 23. Photo 4 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)
The Big Passage is often recognized as being the passage, it has a distinctive facade(Figure 23).
Both Leyweg North Shop and Leyweg South Shop have distinctive features like benches with trees
and the town hall in the background (Images 1 and 2).
13
 replace old houses
with new houses

Melis Stokepark

Figure 24. Photo 5 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023) Figure 26. Photo 7 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)

The South Square provokes varied opinions, reflecting individual interpretations(Figure 24). Old housing units are linked to services, participants express a desire for new housing. Melis Stokepark
is recognized aspect in the site(Figure 26).

arches

beautiful

don’t recognize

Figure 27. Photo 8 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)

Figure 25. Photo 6 Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)

The Big Passage is often associated with ‘beautiful,’ with mention of the ‘arches’ (Figure 25). Identifying new housing units around the mall, especially newly added ones, is challenging, sugge-
sting a potential disconnect (Figure 27).

14
Conclusion: Spirit of place Leyweg
The spirit of place in Winkelcentrum Leyweg, as revealed in the
interviews, is based on its convenient location, good facilities, and
clear layout, which are positively valued. However, there are also
criticisms, such as bad atmosphere, untidiness, and poor mainte-
nance. Canopees

By combining sketches and photos, specific features at different Town hall

locations become evident. The North and South Squares act as
nodes and are associated with landmarks like V&D, Hema, and Benches
the Church. The areas between the squares form clear paths with
benches and trees, with the shops serving as an edge.

The Big and Small Passages appear somewhat detached from

the not covered part of the shopping mall, yet they have their
distinctive features. The Big passage is associated with ‘Beautiful’
and the ‘arches’. The small Passage is distinctive due to the ‘ca-
nopees’.
V&D
The area outside the shopping mall district is not strongly associa-
ted with the shopping mall and does not contribute to the spirit of Emptiness
the place, except for the ‘town hall’ and ‘Melis Stokepark’.

Town hall
Benches

Passage
Clear

Hema
replace old
houses with
new houses Melis Sto-
kepark

don’t re-
cognize

arches
beauti-
Nodes
Edges
ful
Paths
Landmarks
District
Figure 28. Concluding spirit of place Winkelcentrum Leyweg(Bolleboom, 2023)
15
10 DISCUSSION 11 CONCLUSION
This research provides valuable insights into how biophilic design In conclusion, this research highlights the potential of biophilic de-
can enhance post-war shopping malls in terms of value and spirit sign to enhance the value and spirit of place in post-war shopping
of place, with a specific focus on Winkelcentrum Leyweg. malls, with a particular focus on Winkelcentrum Leyweg.

It becomes evident that biophilic design is not merely about Biophilic design offers a pathway to revitalize heritage value by
superficially incorporating natural elements but can also contri- incorporating natural elements, such as light and greenery, into
bute to ecological, social, and historical values when integrated the built environment. This goes beyond preserving history; it en-
adequately. In post-war shopping malls, values such as historical, riches the historical and cultural experience, reinforcing societal
cultural, societal, and architectural significance are prominent. and historical values.
These particular values are inherently linked to the spirit of place,
as the historic value and social value are shaped by the spirit of Preserving the spirit of place in post-war shopping malls is crucial. It
place. Biophilic design can complement these values and introdu- prevents places from becoming ‘placelessness’ and maintains the
ce ecological value. emotional connection users have with these spaces. This, in turn,
upholds their societal and historic value rooted in user attach-
In the case study of Leyweg, research was conducted on the ment.
spirit of place within Winkelcentrum Leyweg, as it represents an
example of the post-war shopping mall. This investigation reveals Biophilic design and the spirit of place can have a negative
that Winkelcentrum Leyweg embodies the spirit of place through impact on each other if not handled with care, but a balanced
different scales. These include elements like benches with a tree or approach is possible. Not all elements hold equal value, and not
buildings like the V&D en the church, and even extend to the site all aspects require transformation during biophilic design imple-
as a whole, including the town hall. This demonstrates that Winkel- mentation. By aligning these two, multiple values can strengthen
centrum Leyweg holds value on multiple scales. within these post-war shopping malls.

Biophilic design, as observed through its transformations, als requi- In the case of Winkelcentrum Leyweg, incorporating biophilic de-
res adjustments on multiple scales to enhance the environment. At sign offers a promising way to enrich the values including the spirit
the site scale, this involves reintroducing a river and creating bike of place. However, this transformation requires careful considera-
paths alongside it, thereby altering the site. Additionally, it entails tion of Winkelcentrum Leyweg’s unique identity, striking a balance
modifying the space plan to incorporate green intersections or between biophilic design principles and the mall’s distinct charac-
redesigning buildings to accommodate plants within the structure. ter.
This illustrates that biophilic design exerts its influence on multiple
scales, emphasizing the need for changes at different levels to In summary, biophilic design revitalizes post-war shopping malls,
implement it effectively. enhancing their value and spirit of place. It preserves history, en-
hances well-being, promotes sustainability, and presents cost-ef-
Biophilic design calls for adjustments on various scales, and the fective conservation strategies while respecting the essence of
“spirit of place” in post-war shopping malls manifests on multiple these unique post-war shopping malls.
levels. Consequently, conflicts may arise, but they also offer the
potential for harmony and balance. Not all elements have equal
value in the post-war shopping mall, and not all aspects change
when undergoing biophilic transformations. What this means is
that transformations can occur without compromising the spirit of
place. As the literature indicates, when implemented considerate-
ly, biophilic design can enhance specific values. Therefore, when
biophilic transformations are considered in conjunction with the
spirit of place, it appears to strengthen various values.

In conclusion, the incorporation of biophilic design into Leyweg’s

built environment presents a promising approach to enriching the
spirit of place and improving its values. However, this must be ap-
proached with sensitivity to Leyweg’s unique identity. Striking the
right balance between biophilic design principles and Leyweg’s
distinct character is the challenge.

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12 LITERATURE Reuse Indicators for Ecclesiastic Built Heritage Regene-
ration. link.springer.com. https://link.springer.com/chap-
ter/10.1007/978-3-031-29515-7_76
Beatly, T. (2011). Biophilic Cities. US: ISLAND PRESS. https://doi.org./
10.5822/978-1-61091-621-9 Relph, E. (1976). Place and Placelessness. London: Pion

Coombes, M.A., (2021). Integrating nature-based solutions and Rosenbaum, M. S., Otalora, M. L., & Ramirez, G. C. (2016). The
the conservation of urban built heritage: Challenges, opportuni- restorative potential of shopping malls. Journal of Retailing and
ties, and prospects, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. Science- Consumer Services, 31(1), 157-165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jret-
direct.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ conser.2016.02.011
S161886672100217X?casa_token=NuH3ptbonYgAAAAA:Mvn-uo-
0EA-OseeHp9msm0u3WEi-Hu0UKUL0MJVeKYzPpgZd0Uxp4TbV4kP- Rosenbaum, M. S., Ramirez, G. C., & Camino, J. R. (2014). A dose
kn9vX1KwJsjTXuM7U of nature and shopping: The restorative potential of biophilic lifes-
tyle center designs. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services,
Kaplan, S. (2001). Meditation, Restoration, and the Management 40(1), 66-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.08.018
of Mental Fatigue. Environment and Behavior, 33(4), 480–506. htt-
ps://doi.org/10.1177/00139160121973106 Terrapin Bright Green. (2023). The Economics of Biophilia: Why de-
signing with nature in mind makes financial sense. terrapinbright-
Kellert, S.R. (2018). Nature by Design : The Practice of Biophilic green.com. https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/econo-
Design. Yale University Press. ProQuest Ebook Central, https:// mics-of-biophilia/
ebookcentral-proquest-com.tudelft.idm.oclc.org/lib/delft/detail.
action?docID=5340626.
Wikipedia. (2023). Timothy Beatly. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.
Kooijman, D.C. (1999, November 4). Machine en Theater. 010 Pu- org/wiki/Timothy_Beatley
blisher, Rotterdam. http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:667ea131-2cc7-
4664-b566-ef9b675a610c Wikipedia. (2023a). Edward Relph. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.
Leakas, D. (2008). “Biophilia in Designing”. OhioLINK Electronic org/wiki/Edward_Relph
Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/vie-
w?acc_num=ucin1218652944 Zandbergen, G., (2018, September 27). Hoe nu verder met de
middelgrote stad?. Locatus.nl. https://locatus.com/blog/hoe-nu-
Mastrolonardo, L. (2023). The Urban Riverfront Greenway: A Linear verder-met-de-middelgrote-stad/
Attractor for Sustainable Urban Development. link.springer.com.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-29515-7_76

Miletic, M., Zekovic, B.M., Ignjatovic, N.C., Ignjatovic, D. (2023).

Challenges and Potentials of Green Roof Retrofit: A Case Stu-
dy Miletic. link.springer.com. https://link.springer.com/chap-
ter/10.1007/978-3-031-29515-7_76

Natuur & Milieu (2022). Stad van Steen?. Natuur & Milieu. https://
natuurenmilieu.nl/app/uploads/Rapport-Verstening-Openba-
re-Ruimte.pdf

Negrello, M. (2023). Designing with Nature Climate-Resilient Cities:

A Lesson from Copenhagen. link.springer.com. https://link.springer.
com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-29515-7_76

NOS., (2022, March 24). Winkelstraten steeds leger: “Met alleen

verkopen, verkopen, verkopen overleef je niet”. NOS.nl. https://
nos.nl/regio/noord-holland/artikel/248287-winkelstraten-steeds-le-
ger-met-alleen-verkopen-verkopen-verkopen-overleef-je-niet

Pereira Roders, A., (2007). Re-architecture: lifespan rehabilitati-

on of built heritage. research.tue.nl. https://research.tue.nl/en/
publications/re-architecture-lifespan-rehabilitation-of-built-herita-
ge-scapus

Pinto, M.R., Bosone, M., Ciampa, F. (2023). Sustainable

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13 APPENDIX 1 - Reflection breathe new life into this post-modern shopping malls. This aligns reflection on methodology during the research process.
with the Ar track, as it involves addressing technical, social, and
1.What is the studio about, and what did I do in this studio? spatial challenges in the built environment through innovative 5.How do you assess the academic and societal value, scope and
architectural design. implication of your graduation project, including ethical aspects?
The studio I have been a part of is called AR3AH105 Adapting Moreover, Urbanism (Ur) plays a significant role in my project,
20th Century Heritage: The Modern Mall. This studio focuses on the as the mall is embedded in a community. I had to consider the From an academic perspective, my research fills an important
design challenge of the modern mall. The post-war malls, initially social, cultural, economic, and political perspectives to adapt the gap in the field, as there is limited existing research on heritage
vibrant centers of post-war urbanization, evolved from commu- mall effectively to the urban environment. Management in the and biophilic design. This project contributes to the understanding
nity hubs to centers primarily driven by economic functions. With Built Environment (MBE) was also crucial, as I had to strategize the of how biophilic design can provide new meaning and strength to
the rise of online shopping, these malls lost their significance in the necessary steps to improve the shopping mall. Additionally, I consi- heritage in the built environment, making it academically signifi-
heart of communities, becoming abandoned and empty spaces. dered the existing landscape in my design, incorporating it and its cant.
Our studio explored how to address this issue from an architectural historical structure into the mall’s revitalization, which ties into the On a societal level, my project addresses the potential for bio-
perspective. We collectively analyzed various shopping malls and Landscape Architecture (LA) aspect. philic design to enhance the quality of life within urban areas. It
individually researched specific fascinations to tackle the pro- also emphasizes the importance of considering the spirit of place
blem. 3.How did your research influence your design/recommendations when undertaking transformations. This societal relevance lies in
and how did the design/recommendations influence your rese- the potential to improve the lives of communities while preserving
My research direction resulted from a fascination with nature, arch? and celebrating the essence of the place. Ethically, the project
leading me to explore biophilic design—a design approach that underscores the importance of responsible design practices, en-
integrates nature into the built environment.This led me to inves- My research meaningfully influenced my design. Investigating how suring that changes to the built environment are thoughtful and
tigate the inherent value of post-war shopping malls, considering biophilic design can enhance heritage and the spirit of place in considerate of the people who inhabit it.
whether they could be repurposed or transformed into something an existing shopping mall environment provided valuable insights.
more meaningful with biophilic design. The value, mainly from a I learned about the possibilities and benefits of biophilic design 6. How do you assess the value of the transferability of your project
user perspective, prompted me to use the Spirit of Place as a in- within an architectural context. Additionally, my spirit of place re- results?
dicator for assessing value. The question arose: How can biophilic search revealed how understanding the perceptions and feelings
design enhance the value and spirit of place in a post-war shop- of the people who use a space can shape the design process. It Reflecting on my project, I believe the results can be transferable
ping mall? taught me to approach a project not just from an architectural to similar contexts or projects. The principles of biophilic design
I conducted research on the transformation possibilities of biophi- standpoint but from the user’s perspective, yielding different ideas and considering the spirit of place are adaptable concepts that
lic design and examined the spirit of place in a post-war shopping and insights that I might not have otherwise considered. can be applied to various urban redevelopment initiatives. Howe-
mall. I compared these two aspects in a study addressing the Conversely, my design work also impacted my research. The de- ver, the success of this transferability depends on factors like the
main question. I applied these findings in a design for Winkelcen- sign phase uncovered gaps in my knowledge, particularly regar- specific characteristics of the project site, the needs of the com-
trum Leyweg in The Hague. Focusing on climate problems, both ding specific applications of biophilic design in unique situations. munity, and the cultural context. Understanding these factors will
current and projected over 50 years, I used biophilic design to This prompted me to revisit my research to fill in these information be crucial when applying the findings to different settings.
find solutions. The result is an urban farming community that aims gaps and refine my recommendations.
to produce more food within the city, allowing outer areas to 7.What role will biophilic design play in the future of the architectu-
return to nature. The neighborhood is designed with greenhouses, 4.How do you assess the value of your way of working (your ap- ral world?
aquaponics, pig farming, biodiversity, etc., creating a closed food proach, your used methods, used methodology)?
production cycle beneficial to nature, humans, and animals. I find biophilic design to be a highly compelling approach. I totally
My approach began with a personal fascination for nature in ur- agree that nature is deeply rooted in our brains, influencing our
At the core of the urban farming neighborhood is the vacant V&D ban environments, which provided a strong motivational founda- well-being to a significant extent. When we consider design from
building, which holds special significance in terms of the spirit of tion. However, it was challenging to link this passion to the specific a biophilic perspective, many aspects of what we find beautiful,
place. Revitalized with various functions such as rooftop green- graduation topic. Finding a balance between my fascination for comfortable, and pleasing become more understandable. Simul-
houses, indoor greenhouses, aquaponics, pig farming, kitchen, biophilic design and the research topic revitalizing the post-war taneously, it provides a means to reintegrate plants and animals
restaurant, office, education, and housing, the building serves as shopping mall was a learning experience. I found it challenging to into our world, rather than exclusion them to the sidelines or allo-
the central hub for this self-sufficient community. It acts as a ma- establish a connection between two distinct components, name- wing them to face extinction. Biophilic design is a way to restore
chine for the neighborhood while also serving as a showcase for a ly heritage and biophilic design. There is limited existing research balance to the world, especially in the context of climate conside-
broader audience. Users can engage with the building, becoming on how heritage and biophilic design intersect. Therefore, I took it rations. It seems like such a logical solution for improving the world,
a part of its heritage strengthened by the addition of biophilic upon myself to explore methods and developed approaches to but the challenge lies in adapting our existing environments, which
design. As a result, the building and its surrounding neighbourhood investigate and compare them. During this process, I discovered have strayed far from nature due to human influence. However, I
have regained purpose, breathing new life into the once-deser- that creating such a method often encounters challenges. So- firmly believe that if we start embracing biophilic principles now, it
ted Winkelcentrum Leyweg, gaining renewed interest and functio- metimes, the method aligns well with the results, but on occasion, holds great promise for the future.
nality. the results don’t fit within the framework and categorization I had
established. 8.Specifically about my design, do you think urban farming will
2.What is the relation between your graduation project topic, your become a reality?
master track (Ar, Ur, BT, LA, MBE), and your master programme For instance, I utilized “The Layers of Brand” to categorize the My design represents a rather radical approach to reimagining
(MSc AUBS)? Spirit of Place, but some results proved difficult to fit into these the existing urban environment, featuring the coexistence of pigs
categories. Taking a step back, I assessed whether the methods and fish with a significant reduction in cars on the streets. When
My project centers around the repurposing of a post-war shop- I employed were needlessly complex. It became apparent that delving into the specific execution, it’s likely that numerous chal-
ping mall, requiring both functional and architectural solutions to indeed they were, emphasizing the importance of continuous lenges will arise, making such a drastic transformation a complex

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strive. The world may not change to this extreme, but if we never locations. Therefore, I believe the ‘spirit of place’ method is
contemplate or attempt such ideas, we may overlook the untap- valuable in the transformation of shopping malls, especially
ped potential that urban environments hold. Too often, we tend when evaluating the heritage value of 1960s malls.
to think in a linear and short-term manner when it comes to impro- With the Spirit of Place research serving as a crucial valua-
vements. However, beautiful and unique living environments that
tion for the 1960s shopping mall, it is essential to bring back
integrate with nature can be created when we think more creati-
and improve the social value that in a way that it also im-
vely and with a longer-term perspective.
proves the specific shopping mall and its surrounding area. In
9.What was an important learning experience? the case of the Leyweg, where climate issues are prevalent,
I have tackled the design challenge to address both social
For me, it was a valuable learning experience that, while desig- and climate problems. My design includes climate machines
ning and creating a concept, you develop a kind of idealized with educational and social appeal, simultaneously gree-
vision of how humans, plants, and animals can coexist seamlessly. ning the environment. It works well for this area as it not only
You envision pigs roaming in your garden, food being produced solves climate problems but also creates a strong identity
on your balcony, and facades being utilized for food producti- and sense of social connection through the formation of an
on. However, as I delved into the specifics of refining the design, I urban farming community.
realized that there exists a certain degree of coexistence among
While not every shopping mall needs to be an urban farm
humans, animals, and nature, but not every combination is ideal.
because each shopping mall and its surrounding area has a
I discovered that plants used for food production require a signifi-
cantly different climate than the one suitable for human habitati- different “spirit of place” and different needs and problems,
on. Thus, there needs to be a thermal separation between people it is essential to employ a method during the transformation
and plants for food production. Similarly, while animals like pigs of a shopping mall that specifically considers its past, future,
can form a connection with humans, it remains crucial for these and current situation, as well as the context of the mall. This
animals to live separately from humans for hygiene reasons. approach aims to arrive at an appropriate solution that not
It was, therefore, enlightening to test how to bring together hu- only provides the shopping mall with renewed social value
mans, nature, and animals while still appropriately separating but also ensures its future resilience, thereby strengthening its
them from each other. Through this, I’ve learned that it’s benefici- heritage value.
al to think big during the development of a concept. However, it is
crucial to engage in extensive testing and reflection to determine
its feasibility and desirability. Subsequently, refining the concept
based on these insights becomes essential.

10.What is the future of the Modern Mall?

Currently, the future of the modern mall is uncertain. The big-

gest problem of the shopping mall is that the current shop-
ping malls often lack diversity and are focused on economic
goals. What I believe is crucial is the restoration of the social
value for which they were built The approach to achieving
this is by making them more attractive through a transforma-
tion that preserves the heritage value of the 1960s mall while
simultaneously adding elements that make the place social-
ly appealing and future-proof.
I am convinced that the ‘spirit of place’ method, used to as-
sess and assign value to existing shopping malls, is a powerful
approach that should be applied universally before their
transformation. Currently, there are no clear methods provi-
ding an assessment of the value of 1960s architecture, ma-
king it challenging to evaluate the 1960s shopping mall be-
fore it undergoes transformation. Considering that shopping
malls are constructed from a social perspective, it is relevant
to employ a valuation method from the user’s standpoint,
and this is exemplified by the Spirit of Place method, as des-
cribed by Edward Relph. Users distinctly appreciate specific
aspects that create an attachment and make the place so-
cially appealing, setting the shopping mall apart from other

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13 APPENDIX 1 - Interview

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9 APPENDIX 2 - Skecthing

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9 APPENDIX 3-Photo recognition

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