Research on the Key Factors Influencing Sense of Place in Shopping Center Spatial Design

Abstract: With the transformation of consumption patterns and the accelerating pace of urban renewal, shopping centers—once primarily retail-focused—are gradually evolving into multifunctional public spaces. This trend has shifted the role of spatial design from serving purely functional layouts and commercial efficiency to emphasizing emotional identification and social interaction within space. In this context, the creation of a sense of place has attracted increasing attention. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing the construction of sense of place in spatial design through a systematic literature review (SLR) and content analysis, providing a theoretical foundation for subsequent empirical research and framework development in shopping center spatial design. A total of 72 relevant publications were retrieved and screened from major academic databases. The data were coded and categorized using NVivo software. The analysis identified six key influencing factors: physical space, cultural and emotional expression, spatial functional diversity, aesthetic and sensory experience, social interaction, and environmental sustainability. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of how sense of place is formed within shopping center environments and offers a conceptual reference for commercial space design practices.