It looks like a venture into the unknown, a winding walking path leading around seasonal creeks, trees and terraced patios.  The buildings are painted with murals or art and the world seems a peaceful, attractive place to shop.

Apparently developers are now starting to include women in the development phases of shopping centers, creating new and different footprints that are rethinking the mall.

Instead of formal 40-foot-tall fountains, large pieces of abstract outdoor art and drab pedestrian walkways between parking garages and stores, they wanted “calming” water areas, interactive art that children could climb on, walkways that were visually appealing and an abundance of outdoor restaurant seating.

The women also wanted a village look and feel, with buildings of various sizes, colors and textures that followed the rolling topography of the area, rather than sitting flat.

In the end, Trademark executives realized that instead of looking at buildings and facades, the women wanted to be “revitalized and inspired, with something that would also invoke a sense of discovery and whimsy,” Mr. Montesi said. “They said, ‘Transport us to somewhere else.’ ”

Is that so surprising to a designer? Especially if you’re stuck at home with children. I guess so. And we’ll continue to see more of these kinds of projects in the future.

Photo is of the Watters Creek Shopping Center in Allen, Texas/New York Times.