By Yurdaer Kahraman
In 2025, The placemaking industry must navigate growing consumer expectations for sustainability, personalization, and seamless digital integration while balancing rising operational costs and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes. The challenge lies in creating spaces that merge innovation with community relevance, driving both commercial success and meaningful engagement.
Artificial Intelligence and smart technologies are shaping the future of placemaking. At Fiba CP, we’ve introduced Livia, an AI-driven character designed to serve as a companion for our visitors across Fiba CP’s malls. For example, at M1 Adana, Livia will integrate with the mall’s smart screens to guide visitors, enhance their experience, and create a personalized journey throughout the shopping center. This highlights the growing trend of data-driven, interactive environments that enrich visitor engagement.
Additionally, the rise of experiential retail — which blends shopping with entertainment, wellness, and community- driven initiatives — continues to gain traction, offering consumers a more immersive and memorable experience. Mixed-use developments that combine retail, leisure, residential, and office spaces are also emerging as key opportunities, creating dynamic, multi-functional destinations that cater to diverse needs.
The industry is witnessing a lasting transformation in the form of AI and digitalization. Smart technologies continue to set new standards for visitor interaction by combining real-time assistance with personalized engagement. Smart infrastructures, such as those deployed at M1 Adana, are redefining how malls operate — offering insights that optimize operations and ensure an enhanced customer experience. Sustainability will remain a cornerstone of placemaking as consumers increasingly demand environmentally conscious developments. Experiential and hybrid spaces will further transform the industry, creating destinations that go beyond transactions to foster connections and cultural significance.
Thus, my recommendations for the placemaking industry are:
Adopt AI and Smart Technologies
Incorporate innovative tools such as AI-driven characters and smart digital platforms to transform customer journeys and enhance visitor engagement. These technologies provide real-time insights, streamline operations, and deliver personalized experiences that align with modern consumer expectations.
Prioritize Sustainability
Focus on renewable energy projects, eco-friendly materials, and waste reduction initiatives to not only meet consumer demands but also adhere to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Sustainability is no longer an option; but a necessity to remain competitive and responsible in today’s market.
Enhance Customer Experiences
Create memorable and engaging environments by leveraging interactive technologies, experiential retail strategies, and personalized services. These elements foster customer loyalty and position retail spaces as more than just shopping destinations—they become hubs for connection and discovery.
Foster Collaboration
Work in tandem with sustainability experts, community leaders, and industry innovators to design impactful and forward-thinking spaces. Partnerships like these enable the development of projects that balance commercial success with cultural and environmental relevance.
Embrace Flexibility
Design adaptable spaces that can evolve alongside changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. Flexible layouts and hybrid usage models ensure that developments remain relevant and successful over the long term.
At Fiba CP, our vision of integrating AI and smart technologies drives meaningful engagement and innovation. By combining this approach with projects like M1 Adana’s digital screens, experiential retail strategies, and our commitment to sustainability, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry — where innovation, community, and customer-centricity take center stage.
Yurdaer Kahraman
Yurdaer Kahraman is CEO and Board Member at FIBA CP, and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.
