Impact of Open Void on Visitor Comfort and Safety in The Park Mall Solo’s Semi-Outdoor Courtyard

Abstract

The Park Mall Solo, one of the largest commercial complexes in the Solo Raya region, incorporates a semi-outdoor courtyard intended to deliver natural lighting, ventilation, and vegetation in line with Green Building principles. In practice, however, this courtyard faces two recurring problems: water accumulation from an inadequate drainage system during the rainy season, and slip hazards caused by its ceramic flooring, both of which compromise visitor comfort and safety. This study used a qualitative descriptive method grounded in Green Building evaluation criteria, with data gathered through direct field observation, photographic documentation, interviews with mall staff and visitors, and a review of relevant literature. The analysis focused on natural and artificial lighting, ventilation and thermal comfort, and the courtyard's open void as the source of both its environmental benefits and its drainage-related risks. The findings show that while the void successfully supports daylighting and air circulation, it requires complementary design interventions—including improved drainage, permeable flooring materials, and more effective nighttime lighting—to function safely across all weather conditions. These findings offer practical design recommendations for optimizing semi-outdoor courtyard spaces in commercial buildings, supporting more comfortable, safe, and environmentally sustainable public spaces for mall visitors.