21 Sep 2026
Wavy Roof Shapes the Architectural Identity of Pondok Indah Mall 3
Wavy Roof Shapes the Architectural Identity of Pondok Indah Mall 3
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Mall architecture today is no longer simply about organizing rows of tenants and shopping circulation. For architects, shopping centers also need to function as urban spaces that bring together commercial, social, recreational, work, and everyday mobility activities.
Pondok Indah Mall 3, or PIM 3, in South Jakarta demonstrates this approach through its street gallery concept and organic wavy roof. Designed by Ir. Budi Sumaatmadja, IAI, AA; DDG, ARCPAC & Anggara Architeam, the project was one of the finalists of the Steel Architectural Award 2024. PIM 3 forms part of the wider Pondok Indah ecosystem, which includes PIM 1, PIM 2, Office Tower 5, apartments, and a hotel. Similar architectural approaches can also be found in other Steel Architectural Award 2024 finalist projects, such as:
- Jakarta International Stadium, which connects its roof span with spectator visibility.
- Indonesia Arena, which uses a column-free structure to support different event configurations.
- Quantis Club House, which uses a curved roof to unify sports, commercial, and landscape facilities.
PIM 3 applies a similar principle in mall architecture, but directs it toward the creation of a street gallery and a more active urban environment.
Understanding the Design Concept of Pondok Indah Mall 3
Pondok Indah Mall 3 (PIM 3) was designed not only as a shopping center, but also as a public space that strengthens the relationship between different activities within the Pondok Indah area.
Through the concept of urban acupuncture, the building introduces a street gallery that connects retail areas, offices, residences, hotels, and open spaces, allowing activity throughout the district to flow more naturally.
1. Connecting the District Through a Street Gallery
The street gallery concept becomes the main element connecting various functions inside and around the building. Pedestrian pathways, terraces, openings between floors, and gathering spaces are designed to create comfortable transitions between outdoor and indoor areas. This approach makes PIM 3 feel more open and integrated with its urban surroundings.
2. Creating a More Dynamic Spatial Experience
In addition to serving as retail areas, the corridors at PIM 3 are also designed as social spaces. Visual connections between floors, seating areas, and variations in spatial scale create a more interactive shopping experience. Visitors do not simply move from one store to another, but can also enjoy communal spaces that encourage social activity and extend the duration of their visit.
A similar approach can be seen in modern shopping center design, which considers not only the building envelope but also communal spaces as part of the visitor experience. This concept allows shopping centers to function more flexibly, not merely as places for shopping, but also as spaces for different activities and public interaction.
This can be seen at Pondok Indah Mall 3, which frequently hosts a variety of events. One example is the Ageless Festival 2026, held at City Hall PIM 3 on June 13–14, 2026, and attended by Dr. Boyke Dian Nugraha and Brandon Salim. The presence of activities like this demonstrates PIM 3’s role as both a commercial and communal space capable of accommodating a range of public activities. (Source: Kompas.com)
The Roof Design Character of Pondok Indah Mall 3
The roof is a key element that shapes the identity of Pondok Indah Mall 3. Its organic geometry, construction system, and lighting strategy are designed as an integrated whole to create a distinctive spatial experience while supporting building performance.
1. Organic Geometry That Shapes Identity
The roof spans approximately 51 × 42 meters, with an undulating surface that rises and falls through different curves. This form gives the building a strong visual character while also unifying several parts of the development. Because each frame has a different geometry, coordination between the structure, drainage, skylights, ceiling, and maintenance access becomes an important part of the design process.
2. A Roofing System That Follows the Building Form
The outer surface uses LYSAGHT® LOCKED-SEAM® made from COLORBOND® Steel XRW Off-White, which can follow the curved roof form while maintaining clean panel lines. Beneath it, LYSAGHT® SPANDEK® OPTIMA is used as an inner liner, functioning as a secondary layer while also assisting with water management across the large roof surface. This double-layer system supports roof performance without compromising its expressive form.
3. Precision Construction for Non-Uniform Geometry
The roof’s organic form was realized through a combination of physical models, digital simulations, and mobile roll forming, which allowed panels to be produced directly on site according to the required lengths. Each frame, panel, and connection was assigned its own code so that the fabrication and installation process could remain precise even though the elements had different dimensions.
A similar approach can be found in the discussion of modern metal façade and roofing applications, which demonstrates the importance of coordinating design, fabrication, and installation methods to achieve a building envelope with both strong visual quality and optimal performance.
4. Skylights and Color Enhance Spatial Quality
Skylights are positioned across several parts of the roof to bring natural light into the interior and lower floors. Meanwhile, the Off-White color, with a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 86, helps reduce heat absorption while also emphasizing the curved roof form through the play of light and shadow.
Together, these elements allow the roof to function not only as protection for the building, but also as an element that shapes the atmosphere inside the mall.
Creating Modern Mall Design with the Right Materials
Roofing material selection needs to be adapted to the building form, structural span, environmental conditions, and installation method so that it can support both the visual appearance and performance of the building.
At PIM 3, COLORBOND® Steel XRW, based on AZ150 and finished in Off-White, is combined with the LYSAGHT® LOCKED-SEAM® profile to follow the organic roof geometry while accommodating the use of long panels.
For architects, roofing system selection can be considered based on the profile, color options, coating type, connection details, and maintenance requirements according to the character of the project. Various commercial building references also demonstrate that modern mall design is shaped not only by the building form but also by the integration of materials, structure, lighting, and public spaces.
To ensure that the profile, color, panel length, and installation system align with the project concept and technical requirements, material specifications can be discussed further through technical consultation.
FAQ About PIM 3
The following section summarizes the design aspects most relevant to commercial projects.
What is the main concept of PIM 3?
The main concept is a street gallery that applies urban acupuncture to connect retail, social, residential, office, and hospitality activities within one integrated district network.
Why does the roof of PIM 3 have a wavy form?
The wavy form breaks up the rigidity of the mall mass, creates a strong visual identity, and helps unify public spaces and commercial areas beneath one architectural element.
Why is each roof frame different?
Each section of the surface has different curves and elevations, so the structural elements need to be calculated and fabricated according to their specific positions.
What is the function of the double-layer roofing system?
The primary layer forms the exterior surface, while the inner liner provides the interior finish and also acts as a secondary pathway for water drainage.
Why was mobile roll forming carried out on site?
This method allows long panels to be produced according to project requirements, reduces horizontal joints, and maintains the continuity of the curved surface.
How do skylights support the interior space?
Skylights bring natural light into the interior, create changing atmospheres throughout the day, and strengthen visual connections between floors.
Article Sources
- Steel Architectural Award
- References to Steel Architectural Award 2024 finalists from the COLORBOND® website
- Related article references from the COLORBOND® Steel website
