Nature’s Canopy, Community’s Grove
The Grand Outlet East Jakarta Karawang is designed with inspiration from the forest canopy, aiming to replicate its protective and nurturing qualities. This expansive canopy provides shelter and climate regulation while fostering a vibrant, community-oriented environment. Reflecting the communal spirit of traditional Indonesian huts, which served as gathering spaces, the mall integrates commercial areas with open parks, facilitating community engagement, recreational activities, and public gatherings. This approach transforms the mall into a dynamic "street park" where retail and communal life intersect seamlessly: Nature’s Canopy, Community’s Grove.
Situated in Karawang, Indonesia, an industrial area with limited social and cultural amenities, the mall's design leverages recent infrastructure improvements, in particular the high-speed train, for access. The large, multifunctional canopy addresses deficiencies in public spaces by creating vibrant, community-focused areas that encourage interaction and recreation. This integration by the private sector of innovative design into the industrial environment plays a crucial role in urban regeneration and enhancing community well-being.
Unlike traditional malls, which confine activities within enclosed spaces, the mall’s canopy extends into an open environment, creating an inviting street-like space. The canopy design incorporates the "Komorebi" effect, where sunlight filters through foliage, producing dynamic natural shadows and engaging lighting effects throughout the day and night. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures a pleasant experience for visitors.
The mall incorporates both passive and active ventilation systems to maintain comfort. Active features include strategically placed fans and natural wind simulation, while passive design focuses on reducing solar heat gain. The canopy is constructed using a combination of Low-E glass, silk-printed Low-E glass, and aluminum composite panels, achieving a solar transmittance of 0.2. This selection of materials ensures effective temperature control and energy efficiency.
Central to the mall is the Greenhub, a flexible space designed for events, markets, and social gatherings, featuring moveable furniture. Surrounding the Greenhub are distinct zones that offer varied spatial experiences: Forest Square with its reflective roof, Bamboo Garden with shadow-casting bamboo-like structures, Water Circle featuring water reflections on floors and ceilings, and Flower Park with vibrant plant life. The promenade linking these areas uses interlocking pavement to create dynamic light and shadow patterns, enriching the overall visitor experience. Supporting amenities, including a food hall, toilets, a musholla (prayer room), and clear signage, are integrated into the design to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive public space.
The Grand Outlet East Jakarta Karawang exemplifies a holistic approach that combines traditional communal values with modern urban needs, transforming the mall into a community-centric, sustainable development. The mall not only accommodates large gatherings for events like Christmas, Hari Raya, and concerts but also integrates everyday activities such as dance classes, cycling, and child-friendly events. This thoughtful design enhances community interaction and significantly contributes to urban regeneration and improved quality of life in Indonesian cities.