OCTOBER, 2024

RABI' AL-THANI, 1446.

BANGKOOK, THAILAND.

DADFA
COMMUNITY
MALL CASE STUDY AND ANALYSIS.

Presented by:
Arch. Rola Fikri Abdalatif. Arch. Leena Abed Alnasser Abu Rass.
Arch. Noor Fadel Hamada. Arch. Lama Nabil Hijazi.
Arch. Raghd Yousef Nashwan.

Presented to:
Arch. Hifaa Alshorafa.

DESIGN STUDIO 2, Report 1. Page 00

Contents
Introduction 02

Project data 03

Concept 04

Site analysis 05

Functional program 06

Ground floor analysis 07

First & roof plan analysis 08

Circulation plan analysis 09

FACADES 10

SECTIONS 11

INTERIORS 12

Advantages and drawbacks 13

Reference 14
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

INTRODUCTION Shopping malls are key economic and social hubs in modern
society, promoting commercial activity and offering diverse
services to consumers. This report focuses on the Dadfa
Community Mall, an innovative architectural project that
integrates commerce, culture, and community. The mall,
designed as a family-friendly destination with children's play
areas, aims to boost tourism in Thailand and support the local
economy.

The report will analyze the mall's architectural design, including

plans, facades, and site layouts, while also evaluating its
sustainability features, such as the use of eco-friendly
materials and energy-saving technologies. The social and
cultural impact of the mall, as well as its economic feasibility,
will also be examined, with input from project architects.

The Dadfa Community Mall was chosen as a case study due to

its cultural relevance to the local context. The project serves as
a model that can inspire future urban development in our city.
The goal of the report is to gain insights into sustainable urban
planning, understand project challenges, and propose solutions
Courtyard zone. for similar developments.

Page 02
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

Project Data
• Geographical Location: The mall is situated between Soi Lasalle 31 and Soi Lasalle 33, in the Lasalle area, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Surrounding Environment: The area is primarily residential and is home to several schools and markets, making it an ideal community
destination.
• Area: The mall is built on a total area of approximately 6,000 square meters.
• Green Spaces: 65% of the total area consists of green spaces and gardens, enhancing the natural and recreational atmosphere.
• Relaxation Activities: The green spaces include rock gardens and dedicated relaxation corners, providing a comfortable and tranquil
environment for visitors.
• Commercial Area: The remaining 35% is occupied by shops and restaurants, carefully selected to offer healthy food options and a
unique shopping experience.
• Overall Design: The design aims to foster community connections by blending commercial activities with entertainment and
relaxation in an open and simplified environment.
•Users Percentage: The approximate number of daily visitors is between 2,400 and 3,600 people on normal days. On weekends and
days when special events are held, the number can rise to around 5,000 visitors or more due to the activities that the complex regularly
organizes.

Main Facade Side Facade Coffe Shop Restaurant

Page 03
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

Architectural concept
Concept
sketches:
CULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY:
The architectural concept of "Dadfa Mall" is based on blending
modern design with local cultural elements. The design aims to
create a comfortable and attractive environment for visitors, with a
focus on natural lighting and open spaces. The mall features green
Idea development: areas and indoor gardens, connecting the culture of the
surrounding region with its modern design, adding a touch of
nature to the shopping experience. Additionally, modern and
Phase 1: sustainable materials are used in the construction to achieve a
balance between aesthetics and functionality. The overall design
strives to provide a complete shopping experience that combines
Phase 2: comfort and beauty, making the mall a unique destination.

General structure of the building.

Cut the courtyard area, provides

Phase 3: ventilation.

Phase 4:

ceiling separation for lighting and

ventilation.
Adding trees and water areas. Page 04
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

Site Analysis
Site analysis of DADFA site in Thailand
(coordinates: 13.663620, 100.617972)

1. Geographical location: 4. Traffic Analysis:

in a densely populated area of Bangkok. Busy location on Sukhumvit 105 Alley Road.
The importance of designing appropriate
2. Sun circulation:
situations and integrating public
Sunrise from the east and sunset from the
west. transport.
An elevated sun angle calls for the
exploitation of natural lighting 5. Climatic Conditions:
Long rainy season and high humidity,
3. Wind Motion Analysis: requires resistant design.
Monsoon:
Summer: South West.
Winter: Northeast. 6. Urban Ocean:
It is appropriately designed to benefit from Surrounded by residential and commercial
ventilation. buildings, which affects the design.

7. Architectural codes in the region:

Heritage preservation: Thailand's building codes encompasses the preservation of culture
identity.
Green building codes: Thailand encourages the adoption of sustainability principles, which
includes standards for designing green buildings, such as improving energy efficiency.

Page 05
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

OFFICES
FUNCTIONAL
STAIR

PROGRAM
RAMP LIFT

ST
SHOPS SHOPS AIR SHOPS

BUBBLE DIAGRAM RAMP

ENTRY
ST
COURTYARD AIR COURTYARD PARKING

RAMP

ST ENTRY WC
STAIR SHOPS AIR SHOPS

ZONING DIAGRAM

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM:
The DADFA Community Mall features a structural system combining steel frameworks with small
concrete columns arranged on a 3×3-meter grid. This design allows for flexible open spaces that enhance
connections with the surrounding green areas, and the steel roof can support future expansions if
needed.
The facade uses perforated steel panels as sunshades, which help improve ventilation and reduce noise
and pollution from the nearby street. The design heavily relies on raw materials like concrete and steel,
Direct relationship. which naturally age with exposure to the elements, creating a harmonious aesthetic that blends the
Indirect relationship. building with its environment.
Irrelevant 05
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

Site area: 5715 square meter.

GROUND FLOOR ANALYSIS construction area: 1600 square metre.
The shops are not closed from the
four sides, but are connected with the
Offices in the west side are isolated from the vacuum surrounding them through
either open or fronted glass facades.
shops with their own entrance and route.

Accessible design through ramps.

The entrances extend along this facade as well Entrances in the

northern side
as confirming them through iron facade on thr
overlooking the
first floor. parking lounge.

The main toilets on the right east entrance despite

being within the axis that it could have been
It's characterized by the visual stretch
flowing from the southern entrance to tested a better location in the mall centre.
the northern one passing through the
green area and the pool which is the
essence of the design. Eastern entrance
centered on the facade
where it is identified by
the disparity in the
visibility of the blocks. Page 07
 DESIGN STUDIO 2
FIRST & ROOF PLAN ANALYSIS
Using these spaces above the offices
as a roof support only is a waste of
space.

Keeping the stairs railing away from

The main access to the
the railing of the open area and
floor is via this stair, with
leaving a distance of no more than
its large width and lack of
half a meter between them is useless.
a sufficient central
handrail, during times of
The ratio of shops is very small The design in this triangular shape with
congestion there will be a
compared to the ratio of seating and different angles to form a visual and spatial
degree of danger.
open areas, which makes it more like connection with the surrounding green
a park than a mall. spaces, as the the roof area was used as a
farm.

The number of toilets

is small for the size of
the mall and the
number of users.

The roof is a steel covering supported by

small concrete columns to enhance natural
ventilation and create a sense of connection
with nature.

The design allows for any future Leaving some areas uncovered gives a
modifications to the roof and the additional beautiful view in winter, but it is harmful
covering if necessary. when it is in the staircase area, where the
risk increases during times of congestion.
08
 DESIGN STUDIO 2
AXONEMETRIC VIEWS
The parking design focused
CIRCULATION PLAN ANALYSIS on providing a comfortable
environment full of trees and
Back route for staff only, natural landscapes, which GROUND FLOOR
not visitors. Another entrance from creates a healthy
Primary environment to reduce
the parking area.
access from pollution from cars.
the street.

Tiny fuel
station at
the
entrance.

The main entrance The high ground floor

to the first floor
height resulted in an
and the distinctive
increase in the
facade of the mall.
numbers of stairs.
Another entrance on the eastern
facade in the way to the parking. Exit from the
parking to the side
street.

Important notes:
1. Horizontal movement routes are smooth flexible, wide and easy to access from all
directions of the mall. (POSITIVE)
2. Vertical movement routes are distributed evenly with not large distances to
FIRST FLOOR
facilitate movement for visitors. (POSITIVE)
The basic elements of
3. The number of stairs in the one staircase is not flexible and causes fatigue for
vertical movement are the
those going upstairs. (NEGATIVE)
stairs of different sizes
4. The eastern entrance in the route to the parking may cause traffic congestion.
* This views shows the methods of vertical movement
(NEGATIVE) 09
and spatial relationships between the spaces.
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

*Elevations of the building, to be modified from the la salle fanlight school, which is the first educational institution in this area.
FACADES
It also acts as a screen to protect rain
and sun over the west-east direction.

The frontage of the mall adopts a ratio

of proportion space from CHANGIGRH
a distinguish pattern is being used to ( tower of shadow, Le Corbusier).
create such modular, then this pattern
resembles a typical 'khid' pattern which is
similar to a Thai local mat.
The main material used in this
facade is steel, the tarnish and
deterioration of it will allow the
material to be seasonal changed.

*No texture coating or

chemical treatment
on the material
surface is required.

Dimensions and patterns

are altered to fit the project
by using a perforated steel This is to allow the building to breathe and stay
At night, it also displays a silhouette plates. sustainable with the soft scape naturally.
through the lamp which also
reminisces the old way of life.
Trees are distributed widely
for sustainability and
ventilation.

This diverts a wind direction

Enables ventilation as well
as prevents noise and dust
pollution off the main * The natural factor allows raw materials to change as time goes by. for
street. example, the steel allows rustic finished to display its raw rust naturally. 10
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

Functional design:
SECTIONS
-For the distribution and exploitation of spaces in
the mall, -they are designed effectively. Electric elevator for the disabled
The spaces are linked to each other to achieve and elderly visitors.
the desired flow.

the distribution of trees and

combine the green area
The inclination in the bridge is not with the mall so that he
one mile that harms the human Distributed columns, considers planting the tree
so that it penetrates the
person, it's a little mile to distributed in a way that
drain the rainwater. stairs in a beautiful way
impedes movement in
the mall corridors
The design provides flexibility in
terms of space usage, allowing for a
variety of activities and events to
be accommodated.
In the design, green
space has been taken
into account.
Environment and
natural lighting:
Show us how to exploit
natural lighting and
ventilation in design. * Information about
vertical movement
Safety:
Integration between the interior elements has been
Handrails at floors
and exterior spaces, where trees overlooking the ground
clarified in the
interwine with the interior floor, stairs and ramps circulation plan
environment, creating an A ramp for people analysis (PAGE 8).
atmosphere of harmony and with disabilities
comfort for visitors.

11
 DESIGN STUDIO 2

INTERIORS
Master plan design intent is to encompass a space which
can be multifunction by simplifying architectural and
structural work integrating landscape mechanical and
electrical work in the direction.

The main area has been developed to be a health friendly

market.

A green vegetation area is designed to be the roof

vegetable farm .

They also designed wild planets to be the middle

centerpiece acting as a sanctuary in natural.

Central space is the main event activity. All retail space is

connected and can be modified for new tenants or
newcomers.

Leasing space can be functional in a horizontal or vertical

direction by using 7 staircases to connect the upper
floors and the lower floors.

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 DESIGN STUDIO 2

ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS

Advantages:
1. Sustainability and Green Space: Over 65% of the site is dedicated to green areas, acting as a “community lung” for the
surrounding residential and educational zones. The inclusion of rooftop vegetable farms and permeable green spaces
helps support environmental sustainability .
2. Multifunctionality: The design focuses on simplifying architectural and structural work, allowing flexibility in retail
spaces. These can be adapted both horizontally and vertically, making it easy to modify for new tenants or future
expansions .
3. Natural Ventilation and Lighting: The use of perforated steel plates in the façade allows for natural ventilation while
protecting against noise and dust from the streets. This design helps maintain a connection between the building and the
surrounding green spaces .
4. Aesthetic Integration with Local Culture: The design incorporates patterns inspired by local Thai motifs, creating a
strong cultural connection. At night, the building’s silhouette reflects the traditional lifestyle of the area .

Drawbacks:
1. Weathering of Materials: While the design intentionally uses materials like raw concrete and untreated steel to change
with the seasons, this could lead to faster material degradation. Without chemical treatments or coatings, the materials
may require more maintenance over time to prevent excessive rusting or wear .
2. Potential Noise and Dust Issues: Although the perforated steel façade helps with ventilation, its ability to fully block
noise and dust from busy streets might not be sufficient in particularly noisy or polluted urban environments .

Overall, the DADFA Community Mall blends sustainability with cultural sensitivity, but the design’s reliance on
natural material weathering and exposure to elements may introduce long-term maintenance challenges.

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 DESIGN STUDIO 2

References
1. ArchDaily
Link: https://www.archdaily.com/997831/dadfa-community-mall

2. Archello
Link: https://archello.com/story/112987

3. M Space
Link: https://archello.com/story/112987

4. Design Boom
Link: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/

5. The Architectural Review.

Link: https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/dadfa-market-in-bangkok-thailand-by-m-space

6. Archi Diaries.
Link: https://www.archidiaries.com/projects/dadfa-community-mall-m-space/

7. Google Maps.
Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dadfa+Community+Mall,+Bangkok,+Thailand

8. Esub.
Link: https://esub.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-perforated-
metals/#:~:text=Using%20perforated%20metal%20sheets%20provides,therefore%20will%20use%20less%20energy

9. Tbkmetal.
Link: https://www.tbkmetal.com/advantages-of-perforated-metal-sheets-in-architecture/

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DESIGN STUDIO 2

Thank You!
Thank you for exploring minimalist architecture with us. Keep
simplicity at the heart of design!

www.DADFAMALL.com Page 15