Wedoany.com Report-Mar 12, Dutch architect MVRDV has unveiled the design for the LuLa Light Mall, a largely open air shopping centre in Chengdu, China, designed to resemble a “loose stack of boxes”.
A 99m-tall, 19-storey tower on the western end of the plot will be joined by a four-storey plinth that occupies the rest of the site.On the eastern end of the site, a series of large boxes are stacked and rotated in various directions to take advantage of the views of the nearby lake.
The design breaks with traditional mall design, where commercial spaces enclose an atrium. Instead, retail spaces are broken into smaller rectangular stacks to allow light, air and views in the gaps, which MVRDV calls a “light mall” concept.
LuLa Light Mall faces the lake and greenery to the southeast of the site, with dense skyscrapers to the north west.
The plinth’s stacked volumes create multiple outdoor terraces and are connected by walkways and stairs, which lead down to the water’s edge.
The colourful façade of the boxes are inspired by the pavilions in Chengdu’s parks.
In contrast, the tower has a monochrome colour palette, with floors shifting in size and placement. The tower’s west façade forms a single vertical wall, while the other three sides feature terraces and overhangs. Solar panels on the roof will provide energy.
Jacob van Rijs, MVRDV found partner, said: “In our design we move away from the typical closed, air-conditioned shopping typology towards an airy indoor-outdoor experience.
“By opening up space in between units, we extend the park. By shifting boxes, we create outdoor terraces and alleys. Visual connections and inviting staircases will make it more appealing to use the stairs than the lifts and escalators. It will feel like walking through a village with great views towards the lakes and nature.”
LuLa Light Mall will form part of Chengdu’s Luxelakes Eco-City district, which is currently under construction.
