‘The Metropolitan’, the first large format enclosed mall in North India, was an opportunity to create a landmark designed as a large local attractor catering to the demands of the rapidly emerging townships in Gurugram. It was essential to incorporate an Indian essence whilst responding to the technological, functional and commercial demands. The design program which included a multiplex and a food court in addition to retail was seen as ideal to create an urban activity center analogous to the role of a bazaar in a traditional city. A large forecourt is designed to be a space for events, to recreate traditional street culture and to be an urban meeting space. The forecourt leads on through a frameless glazed wall into the inside of the mall, allowing for a seamless transition between the forecourt and the atrium - both visually and functionally. The atrium space provides the potential for a re-establishment of street culture; creating a random mosaic of episodes romantically evocative of the ‘bazaar’. The vaulted atrium roof clad in translucent panels floods the space with a cool white light while providing protection from the sun. The Metropolitan mall takes an international building type and reinterprets it by referencing the traditional bazaars of Indian cities. By recreating the vibrant feel of the traditional ‘bazaar’ the mall has the potential for re-establishing a sense of urban life.