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Emporia
By: Denice Sil
A recently finished commercial shopping center,
Emporia, now stands in Malmo, Sweden. This project was finished on October 2012
and is only a part of an extensive project which hopes to combine residential,
work, and shopping environments together (e-architect). The modern, sleek look
is the basis of the design seen by the complex curvature in the middle. The
color palette of the exterior is mostly neutral colors, dominantly brown, and
the interiors is unique to each level. The tinted glass façade that it is
covered by gives it a shiny and sophisticated look. The name of the shopping
center is plastered with large, fancy letters across the front giving it a
strong presence, like a brand. This is the look that is presented to the
shoppers that enter. However, they play with the glass look in the parking
structure using a colorful array of panels. This gives the building a more
relaxed feel. Glass was a good material chosen for the shopping center because
it is a common material for large mall areas and also for allowing a lot of
natural light in which counts as a sustainable product.
(Image 1, front view)
The building has a strong presence and although the
negative space in the middle gives an appearance of openness, it is a wide
building. The overall structure of the building is supported with a concrete
core. Concrete is a very stable, strong material for a large building like this
one. Concrete is also a good material to use with large parking structures that
this building provides because it need to withstand the weight of 2500 cars it
can hold (e-architect). It is also durable and low maintenance.
Credit: Tom-Rikard Sodestrom
(Image 2, Parking Structure)
(Image 3, Parking Structure)
Before entering, the detail of the design is
immediately noticeable with the cast glass door handles provided. The inside of
Emporia is covered by terrazzo and parquet flooring. The neutral palette of the
outside continues with these floors since the terrazzo is in the shades slowly
changing from white to graphite, while the wood continues to provide the brown
color (e-architect). Terrazzo floor is a good choice for commercial use, not
only because of the classy look that it brings but also because it is durable,
low maintenance, hygienic, and contains no VOCs (T&M). This is important
when a material is going to be under heavy use and not necessarily having
proper care. In order to go up and down to the different levels of the shopping
center, there are several stairways and escalators spread throughout the building.
The stairs though are in the theme of the levels that it leads up to. There is beautiful
ironwork that can be seen and the tinted glass sides continue the sleek design.
However, the detail was taken so far on the stairs, that it includes leather wrapped
handrails (e-architect). The problem with leather is that it is susceptible to
discoloration with constant exposure to light and might change the aesthetic of
the look. It is also going to be damaged by the constant use it will go through
and will have to be wiped down constantly for hygienic purposes.
Credit: Tom-Rikard Sodestrom
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/sweden/emporia-shopping-center-w270613-t15.jpg(Image 4, Stairway)
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/sweden/emporia-shopping-center-w270613-t15.jpg(Image 4, Stairway)
Credit: Tom-Rikard Sodestrom
(Image 5,Terrazo floor, plastic ceilings, LED lights)
Resources & Images
e-architect. Emporia, Sweden.
Emporia mixed-use development, Sweden design, Swedish architecture. Oct. 4,
2013. Online article.
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/sweden/emporia.html
Terrazzo & Marble Supply Company (T&M). Terroxy Resin Systems.
Online Article.
http://www.tmsupply.com/terroxy-resin.html
Posts
10 comments:
The use of negative space and the swooping curve of the building itself makes this quite an impressive structure, but I find it really garish and unappealing. The interior spiral staircase flanked by greenery, however, makes me swoon! That's stunning. Thanks for sharing.
The Emporia has a very unique exterior structure that is matched by an equally interesting interior design. Glass is a great durable material choice for the exterior. Hopefully the surrounding area and what kind of glare it might impose were considered. I like how the designer had a little fun with the colored glass variations used in the parking structure. The spiral staircase is very beautiful. I agree leather might not be the best choice for a hand rail as it is not as durable, especially to the oils of the hands of so many people. The Emporia looks like it is going to be a beautiful place to shop. The stores that make this center home will have a challenge to follow after such interesting designs.
The architecture is amazing, the interior design is nice and friendly. Usage of sustainable materials is not surprising as Swedish people are very concerned about the environment.
Wow! These pictures caught my eyes! This building contains lot of designs and the ideas in it! Stairs themselves are a kind of art with the consideration of the green/ nature. Feel like being in an animation or something. Love that stairs!!!
Waoooo, it is a very beautiful building! I love their design and color scheme!
The building is amazing! I like how the architects use the curve for their building. The spiral stair is very green. The green wall is also nice!
These images are beyond stunning! It's genius!
The architecture is an AMAZING optical illusion. Tinted glass incorporated into a spiral stairway is beautiful!
Totally got my attention with their name on the gold board! Not to mention the colorful lights, very attracting. Love their spiral staircase.
WOW that staircase! Stunning! Elegant and sophisticated and it just makes me want to go running down the stairs to see what's at the end. Beautiful structure! I can't wait to see the completed project neither!
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