Ventilation Criteria in Shopping Malls (Malls/Shopping Centers)
In today’s urban life, shopping malls are positioned not only as commercial spaces but also as social and cultural living areas. High visitor traffic, intensive indoor use, various types of businesses such as stores, restaurants, cinemas, and play areas, as well as the need for year-round uninterrupted operation, make it essential to give special importance to ventilation systems in the mechanical design of shopping malls.
Ventilation in malls not only ensures indoor comfort but also improves air quality, protecting user health. It balances indoor humidity, controls odors, and optimizes energy consumption.
Importance of Indoor Air Quality in Malls
In an environment visited by tens of thousands of people daily, factors directly affecting indoor air quality include:
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CO₂ accumulation → Mental fatigue and headaches
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VOCs (volatile organic compounds) → Dizziness, allergy risks
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Insufficient oxygen → Discomfort in breathing
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Accumulation of bad odors → Negative impact on customer satisfaction
Therefore, indoor air quality must be maintained above minimum levels according to standards such as TS EN 16798 and ASHRAE 62.1, and air renewal systems should be effectively planned.
Ventilation Requirements by Area
Shopping malls contain many sections with different functions. Each area requires appropriate air exchange rates, temperature, and humidity control:
| Area | Air Change Rate (ACH) | Fresh Air Requirement (m³/person·hour) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common areas (corridors) | 4–6 | 20–25 | High visitor traffic |
| Stores | 4–8 | 25–35 | VOC accumulation from products |
| Food courts | 10–15 | 40–50 | High CO₂ and odor loads |
| Cinema halls | 6–8 | 30–35 | Long duration occupancy, CO₂ load |
| Parking lots | 6–10 | Controlled by CO sensor | Toxic gas control from exhaust gases |
| Technical rooms | 2–6 | Mandatory | Waste heat and humidity removal |
These differences require regional ventilation zoning and automation-controlled systems.
Airflow and Occupant Density Calculation
One of the most critical parameters in mall ventilation systems is calculating the amount of fresh air based on the correct number of people, considering:
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Maximum density (persons/m²)
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Hourly visitor circulation
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Usage type (static/dynamic area)
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Internal heat sources (lighting, devices, people)
For example:
In a 1000 m² food court with a density of 1.5 persons/m² → 1500 people.
According to ASHRAE, 40 m³/h fresh air per person → 1500 × 40 = 60,000 m³/h airflow required.
Fresh Air and Exhaust Balance
Fresh air and exhaust air must be balanced in malls; otherwise:
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Pressure imbalance occurs (door drafts, hot-cold sensations)
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Dirty air can infiltrate indoors
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Fan energy consumption increases
Therefore:
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Exhaust systems should be strong especially in food areas
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Energy recovery from exhaust air via heat recovery units (HRV/ERV) should be implemented
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CO sensor-controlled variable speed fans should be used in parking areas.
Filtration Systems
Filtration is critical to improve indoor air quality and extend equipment life. The recommended multilayer filter structure includes:
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G4 pre-filters for coarse particles
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F7 medium filters for dust, pollen, smoke
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Activated carbon filters for odors and VOCs (food courts, cosmetic and cleaning stores)
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HEPA filters optional for sensitive areas like cinemas and children’s play areas
Filter systems should be monitored with differential pressure sensors and maintained regularly.
Comfort Conditions: Temperature, Humidity, and Acoustics
Considering that mall users spend long periods inside, comfort conditions need to be optimized from an engineering perspective:
| Parameter | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature (summer) | 23–25 °C |
| Temperature (winter) | 20–22 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 40–60% |
| Noise Level (NC) | NC 35-40 |
Ambient temperature should be controlled by zones independently, based on occupant density and equipment load. Humidity should be balanced to prevent mold and virus spread.
Energy Efficiency and Smart Control Systems
Malls are among the highest energy-consuming buildings, so ventilation systems should include:
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Variable air volume (VAV) fan systems
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Sensor-supported control (CO₂, temperature, humidity, occupancy sensors)
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Time-programmed automation
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Heat recovery systems
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Solar energy-supported systems for energy savings
Annual energy savings from such systems can range between 25–35%.
Fire Safety and Smoke Control
Ventilation systems in malls must respond to fire incidents effectively:
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Fire dampers integrated with fire detection systems
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Smoke extraction systems operating under positive/negative pressure
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Stairwells and escape routes pressurized positively
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Automation activating special ventilation scenarios during fire
Regulations and Standards
Mall ventilation systems must comply with national and international standards, including:
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TS EN 16798-1/3: Ventilation in buildings
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ASHRAE 62.1: Indoor air quality in commercial buildings
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Building Energy Performance Regulation (BEPY)
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Fire Protection Regulation
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LEED/BREEAM certification criteria (energy and sustainability)
Compliance is important not only for health and safety but also for reducing operational costs and environmental responsibility.
Healthy Shopping Begins with Healthy Air
Malls are unique buildings where user comfort and health are directly linked to engineering solutions. An effective ventilation system not only renews the air but also increases customer satisfaction, supports business continuity, and guarantees sustainability.
“The more comfortably a customer breathes in the mall, the healthier the investment.”
In this context, correct design, energy-efficient operation, and user-friendly solutions of ventilation systems will be essential criteria for smart buildings that meet future architectural and commercial needs.
İlker KURAN
Alperen Engineering Ltd. Co.