Shopping malls are complex architectural typologies. They integrate retail, social, and operational spaces. Their success depends on spatial design and how well design decisions align with long-term operational requirements. There is a growing number of research on retail environments. However, we identified a lack of systematic knowledge that bridges design requirements with the operational expertise of those managing and operating shopping malls. To address this gap, the purpose of this study is to identify key shopping mall design requirements from an operational and management perspective through expert interviews. The research uses a qualitative approach. It is based on semi-structured interviews with five senior personnel, who were selected through purposive sampling. The findings are based on a limited sample of industry professionals from a single international real estate services provider and reflect practitioner perspectives. The method is used to sufficiently identify recurring themes and patterns relevant to shopping mall design requirements. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed a number of critical requirements, such as the importance of adaptable spatial configurations, circulation efficiency, sustainability measures, strategies to enhance user experience, tenant mix flexibility, and integration of digital infrastructure. The findings underline the interrelationships between architectural design and performance during operation, and also highlight the need for making early-stage design decisions that are informed by long-term management and operations considerations. The study contributes to the field of commercial architecture by offering a framework that connects professional operational knowledge to architectural practice and academic discussions. Limitations include the relatively small and industry-specific sample size. We suggest broader future studies across diverse geographic and organizational contexts. On the other hand, the research provides practical implications for architects, developers, and operators. It also offers insights that can improve the functionality and sustainability performances of future shopping malls. Socially, the study underlines the role of malls as evolving public spaces. From this perspective, the design choices impact not only economic success but also social interaction and community engagement. The study concludes that shopping mall performance and long-term viability depend on an integrated design approach that aligns spatial organization, tenant mix, circulation efficiency, sustainability measures, and technological integration with operational realities.
Hasan Burak Çavka (Sun,) studied this question.