Abstract
Architectural design patterns play a significant role in shaping how users are distributed within indoor spaces and in determining where congestion tends to occur. Although empirical evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to crowding in commercial environments can elevate stress levels, reduce perceived comfort, and undermine overall well-being, there remains a noticeable gap in the literature, as not enough studies have been conducted to define the effect of architectural design patterns on congestion in shopping malls. This study aims to investigate the influence of mall design patterns on the distribution of shoppers and identify where congestion is most likely to concentrate. A mixed-methods approach, including quantitative and qualitative methods, is used to analyze six widely recognized mall design patterns (Cartesian, Dumbbell, Hub-and-Spoke, Tree, Serpentine, and Central Court). Our findings show, through comparative analytics, that different design patterns indeed impact crowding. These insights can assist architects and relevant authorities in creating more practical and healthier indoor environments in shopping malls.