New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 33/03C | Page 130

“The aim was to make the retail podium as
permeable as possible, to drive people from the
surrounding streets, through the site and into the
centre. It’s like an urban connector or urban living
room that allows people to move freely around it.”
But what is different about this project compared
to most other large retail projects by Spark is that
this one is open air – in keeping with Shekou’s
relaxed, seaside atmosphere, says Lim.
“Our client was supportive in creating a retail
environment unlike any closed box shopping mall.
They wanted to capture the atmosphere of Shekou
and create an open air shopping centre.”
Like many Spark projects, this one also comes
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with a distinctive architectural flourish – here, a
lantern-like structure with large open balconies.
This houses restaurants and coffee shops that open
up onto the two squares in the middle of the project
as well as containing the vertical circulation.
“The lantern offers a sense of surprise,” says
Lim. “Wherever you are in the development –
whether you’re coming from the Metro or the bus
station – it’s the guiding visual element.”
For Pimbley, the wayfinding element is like a Town
Clock, which fits in with his overview of the project.
“It’s not just doing its infrastructure job, it’s a
people connector as well. The central space looks
more like a civic centre than a shopping centre.”
Previous pages and below:
The lantern-like structure in
the middle of the development
houses restaurants and coffee
shops that open to large balconies
overlooking plaza space.
Facing page:The mall is
unusual in that much of the retail
space is open air, in keeping with
district’s relaxed seaside setting.
The development has also
managed to attract retail brands
not currently available at other
Shenzhen malls.