Planning for a new form of commercial development: asian theme malls in the City of Calgary
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2007
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Abstract
The recent influx of Chinese newcomers to major Canadian metropolitan regions has brought about an evolution of ethnic business enclaves. With increasing concentrations of business immigrants in suburban neighbourhoods, Asian theme malls have created a new form of commercial activity and became a prevalent retail phenomenon. Through literature review, a set of distinct operational, structural, and spatial features are identified to characterize the ethnocultural element of Asian theme malls. Using these features as the analytical framework, this Master's Degree Project aims to explore the planning implication and development pattern of Asian theme malls through a case study in Calgary and a precedent study in Markham of Metropolitan Toronto. The findings suggest that a number of issues associated with the distinct characteristics of Asian theme malls have emerged in both regions, although at a smaller magnitude and a more recent occurrence in Calgary. Since Markham and other municipalities around the Metropolitan Toronto can be considered as more experienced in planning for ethnocultural diversity, this study focuses on their current planning practice and development strategy that have emerged in response to the changing trend of Asian theme malls. Through a combination of social programs and technical regulations, the planning authority of Metropolitan Toronto considers the ethnocultural aspect of the developments and serves as an exemplary practice for the City of Calgary.
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Bibliography: p. 114-119
Some pages are in colour.
Some pages are in colour.
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Citation
Lo, S. (2007). Planning for a new form of commercial development: asian theme malls in the City of Calgary (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/1496