This building both amazes and terrifies me. I mean, it’s a beautiful building, and the structure is extremely creative, but it’s also a 10-story mall, which is absolutely ridiculous, that’s the last thing anyone needs. That said, maybe it’s a new kind of mall? Here’s how a designer from UN Studio, the architects behind this project, describe the building:
“The department store is no longer solely a commercial space, it now offers the architect the opportunity to build upon and expand the social and cultural experience of the visitor. If today we are seeing the museum as a supermarket, then we are also now seeing the department store as a museum.”
So really the intention is to shift the idea of what a mall can be to perhaps be something else entirely? It’s a really interesting concept for sure, but I wonder if people will view it as such, and if they do, how does someone managing a place like this make that happen? It’s almost like they’d have to put a bunch of psychologists in a room with a bunch of environmental designers to make the magic happen. If you’d like to see more photos of the building, you should click here.
Found through KNSTRCT
Bobby
Living a few hours away from the 5th largest mall in the world (West Edmonton Mall) I will say it’s utterly ridiculous to have such massive, massive malls.
But I wonder: If it’s designed properly, could you not foster a sort of plaza effect? I mean, the downtown of smaller cities could be considered a giant outdoor mall in themselves and yet feels very organic and personal.
Perhaps they could create that feeling, but inside?
I think you hit the nail on the head when you mention plazas, which in my mind evokes the idea of small businesses. When I see structures like this, I think Hot Dog on a Stick and H&M.