MINTO

On the site where the theatre previously stood, the new commercial and service centre defines the “new centre” of the city. Its large volume consists of stacked floor levels which meander independently of each other and are wrapped by an undulating façade whose three dimensional form reflects the differentiations in the urban space that surrounds. In gentle curves, bands of vertical blades draw pedestrians to the entrances, create terraces and roofed outdoor spaces and thus address the function of the façade as the interface between building and urban space. The steep topography of the surrounding terrain is integrated into the internal organisation of the shopping centre by allowing three of the four storeys to be accessible from ground level. Inside, the scenographic design creates an individual identity inspired by the cityscape. By means of accentuated ‘highlight façades’ spanning over two levels, individual shops are made legible as separate volumes facing the mall. A variety of voids between levels, squares, seating areas and themed design elements condense to form an urban spatial nexus.