One of the most memorable movies from the early 90s, personally, is Rudy. Along with an amazing soundtrack that still holds up, and the fact that it was based on a true story, what also remains true 30 years on is that it is human nature to applaud a triumph over adversity. Whether it is in the movies, or in real life, there is something inspiring and reassuring about seeing a character, an individual, or even a company, overcome major obstacles and rise from the figurative ashes, renewed.

One very local come-back story is the Fourways Mall, with the premium shopping destination facing its own fair share of adversity in recent years.

Earlier this year, we were shown how the Fourways Mall team is revitalising the shopping centre, and how it is using technology to bring new life to a well-established centre. 

The first steps towards revitalising the mall entailed improving its signage, implementing brighter lighting and implementing a more intuitive wayfinding system to make navigation easier, all of which were critical.

Additionally, the Mall revamped its drop-and-go zone, making it more spacious and catering to the reality of how popular e-hailing is to many users.

Bringing shoppers back

Naturally, the Mall went on a charm offensive, which led to the renewal of leases for more than 150 existing tenants, attracting new tenants, and letting 20 783 sqm of retail space.

For many shopping centres, that would perhaps be enough. However, what makes this comeback more intriguing is the fact that the Mall didn't stop there. Instead, it used technology to enhance shoppers' experiences in some interesting ways.

Don’t get lost again

More recently Juan Palm, the Fourways Mall Centre Manager, spoke to TechSmart, and explained how the mall is using technology to effect its revival. Beyond bringing back favourite tenants, like Spur, it also addressed a common problem in large shopping centres (Fourways Mall is now 178  202 square metres) – finding your way, and too frequently getting lost – by rolling out a new app.

Palm explained that the app is designed to ''significantly improve the shopping experience at Fourways Mall by offering intuitive, real-time indoor navigation.''

By leveraging technologies such as interactive 3D maps and smart search functionality, the app allows shoppers to quickly locate stores, restrooms, ATMs, parking zones and promotional hotspots. It provides step-by-step directions from the shopper’s current location to their chosen destination. This, Palm reassured, will ensure they can navigate the mall with ease, even during peak hours or events. 

Shoppers will be able to use the system to find their way back to their car or at least to the parking level.

''The system can be configured to include a "Tag my location" feature when users arrive at the mall or park their vehicle. This improves convenience and reduces frustration, especially in large multi-level parking areas,'' he explained.

While the app currently leverages machine learning, it is not yet integrated with AI copilots like Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or similar generative AI tools. This, Palm noted, is part of a future roadmap.

''The goal is to harness advanced AI capabilities – such as natural language understanding, predictive analytics, and real-time decision support to improve user experience, automate tasks, and deliver personalised recommendations. Our app development partners are actively exploring APIs and SDKs from leading AI platforms to enable seamless integration in upcoming development cycles,'' he elaborated.

Naturally powerful

Fourways Mall's revamp has extended from the bottom of the Mall, with better parking measures, to the very top, with sustainability being made a top priority (quite literally). Park enthused that Fourways Mall has implemented one of the most ambitious renewable energy initiatives in the country, with a 50 000 sqm rooftop solar panel installation, currently the largest retail solar project in South Africa.

''Once fully operational, this system will generate enough electricity to supply up to 70% of the mall’s total power needs, significantly reducing our reliance on the national grid and contributing to a greener, more energy-efficient future,'' he elaborates.

He added that the mall is also exploring the implementation of a circular water system that will allow for the harvesting and reuse of rainwater across various operational needs. This initiative will further reduce dependence on municipal water sources and support long-term environmental sustainability.

Then, throughout the centre, the mall has implemented sensor technology. Park explains that this plays an important role in their efforts to optimise energy consumption.

''The sensors on our escalators reduce operation during off-peak periods, which helps conserve electricity and extend the lifespan of the machinery. This same approach is in plans to be extended to other parts of the mall, for instance, motion sensors are installed in bathroom stalls and service corridors to ensure that lighting is only active when needed. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also improves maintenance planning and reduces overall operational costs,'' he elaborated.

A license to fly

One of the major drawcards of the Fourways Mall has been its attractions, which now includes a full size decommissioned Boeing 737 (which may include a milkshake or smoothie bar in it in the future), padel courts, and even a shooting range on the lowest level.

Park noted that technology has been employed in these features as well, with advanced soundproofing technology being used in the shooting range to contain noise levels, while ensuring minimal disturbance to surrounding tenants. At the padel courts, Fourways Mall has also installed energy efficient lighting systems. ''These offer high visibility during evening sessions while using far less energy than traditional lighting, '' he explained.

It is fascinating to see what goes into producing a humble potato chip, as we did earlier this year, and the level of technology that is now routinely deployed in our factories. It is no less so to see technology at work in bringing a whole shopping centre back to life.

With all the measures that Fourways Mall has implemented, it is difficult to see how it can do anything other than weather its adversities, emerge stronger than before and perhaps even soar to greater heights.