What are signs of lacking Common Sense?
Common sense seems simple, yet it’s often missing in the workplace. For me, common sense is the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes — to think practically, act responsibly, and consider how your decisions impact others. Here are a few signs of ‘lacking common sense‘ in the office: Common sense isn’t just about […]
Capturing the Soul of A City (8):
Where Will 3,000 km Take Us? The Path to a Truly Walkable City? As I continue exploring the concept of walkable cities, I find myself asking: how can we go beyond building pedestrian paths to create spaces that truly enrich urban life? Dubai’s ambitious plan to construct 3,000 kilometers of pedestrian walkways (link to the […]
MASTER_PLANNING: Capturing the Soul of a City (7)
Walking Through Design Possibilities: A Reflection on the Dubai Mall Metro Walkway: Walking from the Dubai Mall Metro Station to the mall is a 900-meter journey—roughly a 15-minute walk. While the walkway fulfills its functional purpose, I often find myself considering how this experience could have been made more engaging and dynamic. Currently, the path […]
Shopping Mall Design (6)
Benefit of Curved Circulation Paths In designing shopping malls, I’m always drawn to curved_circulation paths and smooth edges over sharp corners, knowing that curved ones come at a higher cost. Even something as simple as the rounded edge of a balustrade can make a difference – sharper edges bring a sense of unease that doesn’t […]
Design Critique (4): Dubai’s Airport Dilemma
Centralized Marvel or Scattered Efficiency? Balancing Ambition and Practicality: Reflections on Dubai’s New Airport Design After reading recent articles about the transformation of Dubai’s new airport into either eight separate terminals or an ultra-large hub capable of housing 260 million passengers annually, I couldn’t help but feel uncertain. Both approaches are bold, but they raise […]
Shopping Mall Design (5)
Thoughtful Lighting Design. How Does Thoughtful Lighting Design Shape Our Malls? Lighting in modern mall design is more than just a practical requirement; it’s a powerful tool for creating atmosphere, supporting activities, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. In Riyadh, I’ve noticed that many malls favor darker, low-lit spaces, which can create a subdued atmosphere […]
Shopping Mall Design (4)
“Those Who Want to Be Loved by Everyone, Cannot Be Loved by Anyone” I recently came across an interesting point from the book named “The_Hyundai_Seoul_Insight” that I think we, as architects, can all appreciate. It suggests that the true success of a mixed-use shopping space often lies in resisting the urge to appeal to everyone. […]
Shopping Mall Design (3)
How a Parisian Department Store Became the Blueprint for Modern Mall Design Ever wondered why malls today feel like places to gather and explore, not just to shop? The roots of that design philosophy go back to Paris in the 1800s. In my last post, I introduced “Bon Marché”, the Parisian department store founded by […]
Design Critique (3)
A Lesson to Unlearn from King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) What Makes a Good Road Network and Efficient Pedestrian Passages? To me, successful urban development is about achieving integration, where architecture, roadways, transit systems, and pedestrian pathways come together to create environments that are functional, accessible, and inclusive. As the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) […]
Design Critique (2): How Should Modern Architecture Engage with Historical Sites?
As architects, we often critique designs, but how often do we share those evaluations openly? Today, I want to engage with you on a project near a significant cultural landmark in South Korea: the historical Jinjuseong fortress in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. This fortress, dating back to the late Goryeo period, is a cornerstone of Korea’s architectural […]
Shopping Mall Design (2)
Did you know that the concept of the shopping mall actually started back in 19th-century Paris? It’s fascinating to see how modern retail experiences can trace their roots to the mid-1800s, when Paris was transforming itself into a model of urban innovation. Amid the city’s wide boulevards, new parks, and modern infrastructure, a revolutionary retail […]
Capturing the Soul of A City (6)
Designing Walkable Cities: Following my previous article, I’d like to introduce Masari_Walk, a concept that reimagines the shopping mall into a multifunctional urban corridor. This vision blends transit, culture, and community, transforming traditional retail spaces into vibrant public hubs that promote sustainability and inclusivity. Masari_Walk is designed to connect ferry terminals and metro stations, encouraging […]
Shopping Mall Design (1): How can we create a space that draws people in?
I’ve often asked myself, How do we design spaces that genuinely invite people in? This is a question with layers, blending insight, intuition, and a keen sense of adaptability. In the past, department stores went to great lengths to attract visitors, using eye-catching displays and lively events. But today’s consumers have shifted—they prioritize convenience, often […]
Capturing the Soul of A City (5)
Envisioning Dubai’s Future: A Walkable Urban Corridor and Ferry Terminal System: Building on my previous thoughts, I wanted to share why I believe a walkable urban corridor, anchored by a ferry terminal system, could be transformative for Dubai’s future. Observing the current transit landscape, it’s clear that public transportation – especially the Metro – is […]
Context Driven Design (2)
Site Analysis for Innovation Center in Kaunas, Lithuania: How much thought do you put into site analysis during your design process? For many, it can feel like just another technical task to tick off the list, but for me, it’s one of the key elements that shapes a successful project. Every site has its own […]
Capturing the Soul of A City (4)
Can Walkable Cities Transform Dubai’s Future? Dubai is a city synonymous with ambition, innovation, and breaking records. From the glittering heights of the Burj Khalifa to the sprawling magnificence of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai has redefined urban development in extraordinary ways: These feats reflect not just engineering marvels but the city’s relentless drive to dream big […]
Capturing the Soul of A City (3)
What Makes a City Truly Walkable? Have you ever considered what transforms a city into a haven for pedestrians? Designing walkable cities goes beyond simply building sidewalks—it’s about reimagining how we create and use public spaces to invite people in. Yet, this vision often raises a challenging question: how do we encourage building owners to […]
Capturing the Soul of a City (2)
What Would It Take to Make Your City a Pedestrian Paradise? Have you ever wondered what makes a city truly walkable? In ancient Rome, the streets were a pedestrian’s dream—designed for foot traffic, they seamlessly connected people and places, fostering vibrant, human-centered urban life. But today, those same streets tell a different story. Cars dominate, […]