A Study on Landscape Characteristics Appearing in Intermediate Space of Commercial Retail Space

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) Untact consumption, which has increased rapidly due to COVID-19, has recently changed the sales trend of a distribution industry. Offline-based commercial spaces are strengthening the elements of relaxation and experience in stores to increase sales by attracting customers to visit. Due to the trend, the importance of the landscape of the intermediate space is also emerging in order to induce a longer length of stay in the commercial space. The purpose of this study is to provide empirical help in setting the direction and plan of the intermediate space of the commercial space in the general merchandise retail by understanding the landscape characteristics appearing in the intermediate space of commercial space and deriving common expression elements between the intermediate space and the landscape as urban architectural elements. (Method) For the study, the relationship between intermediate space and landscape elements in the commercial space in the general merchandise retail was derived. It was verified through cases by dividing the area of the intermediate space in commercial facilities in the general merchandise retail through consideration and schematization of the intermediate space, by reviewing the characteristics of the intermediate space for each divided area and the landscape urbanism theory, and by sorting common elements after reviewing the link. (Results) By reflecting the characteristics of the intermediate space within the commercial space of general merchandise retail with the functions of commercial facilities, visibility, accessibility, continuity, connectivity, openness, and transitionality were derived as a result of analyzing the intermediate space with common elements between it and landscape. The shared attributes were analyzed in detail by connecting concepts between the three areas (access, connection, and core areas) and four elements (interactive relations by context of landscape, spatial continuity, indeterminacy by program, and a natural element aesthetic) of the intermediate space and applying the common elements. As a result of the case study, the common trend of the recently built commercial space of general merchandise retail is that it is planned with an emphasis on openness around the core area by reducing the area of sales space that has served as a main function to secure the quality of the intermediate space in spatial composition. (Conclusions) The intermediate space of the commercial space of general merchandise retail shows a characteristic of landscape composition, and when the common characteristics between the two concepts are harmonized, it will be more entertaining from the user's perspective and the length of stay can be longer. For the establishment of identity and branding of commercial space, the importance of a landscape approach to and various programs for intermediate space is expected to grow.