Sunday, October 5, 2008

Ciwalk (Cihampelas Walk)

CIHAMPELAS WALK (CIWALK) copyrights Eki Akhwan

For busy urbanites who barely have time for other things besides their jobs, shopping has become more than just a way of getting their daily needs. It has become more of a recreational activity than just a mere function of buying things. In this way, modern shopping malls have become more than just a place for shops but an oasis of some sort where urban dwellers escape (even if it's only for a while) the harsh day to day realities.

Opinion aside, this is the photo of the front view of Cihampelas Walk or Ciwalk.

Located on Jalan Cihampelas (hence its name), one of Bandung's busiest commercial streets, Ciwalk is claimed to be one of only a few malls in Indonesia set amidst a lush green garden.

According to its website (in Indonesian), Ciwalk occupies a contoured area of 3.5 hectares, of which only one third of it is built. The rest are used for gardens, an open air theater or plaza (the foreground in the above photo), and a parking lot.

9 comments:

Profile Not Available said...

I like the round curves in the front of the building and corresponding circles in the brickwork! This looks like a very busy spot!

Virginia said...

Alas, shopping for me is often a recreation. We call it the "thrill of the hunt"! This area looks so nice!

Laurie Allee said...

Kelly pointed out the most striking part for me, too -- all those curves! I love the choice of colors, too. This is not just a place to shop, it's a place to let your eyes wander.

What a beautiful capture, Eki. And I like your commentary, too. I often worry about the over-consumption that is promoted by our shopping lifestyle. But I definitely like the way that shopping has also become a way to socialize. Also, I'm a pushover for a good sale... :-)

Unknown said...

I don't like shopping malls at all (they are a plague here, bigger and bigger!!). People spend too much time inside buildings instead of enjoying all the nice open air places... As to that building I find it very interesting because, although it looks modern, it reminds me of a pagoda.
Thank you so much for following my blog, Eki.

Hilda said...

Love the shape of the building too, but it's still a mall. ;D

I'm hazarding a guess that the tall young lady in black slacks and white shirt is an employee of one of the restaurants and inviting people to eat there?

Lisa Wilson said...

What an interesting and beautiful building! I grew up spending lots of time at malls, but now I avoid them. I'm glad the closest mall is 3 hours away from us here.

Profile Not Available said...

The little pumpkins are actually gourds, just a few inches wide! I don't think you can eat them, but I don't know? They are indeed white, and they are really neat looking. Thank you for your kind comments! I really enjoyed catching up on your blog yesterday, and have been out this morning trying to catch my own street scenes...not having much luck, it is gray and overcast, and there are few people around!

Rambling Woods said...

I like the look of the building. And shopping is a hobby that many people enjoy...

Jane Hards Photography said...

There are more shops there probably than on the whole of my island. Yhe red brick circular walway is definitely eyecatching.