Ron Arad Architects designed a new shopping mall within the 40,000m2 ‘Mediacite’ situated in Liege,350m long mall,the roof unites these elements with a complex network of steel roof ribs that undulate through the mall.The structure is entirely free-spanning along its length and width, with 200mm wide steel ribs that vary in depth from 1.2m to 300mm.Construction began in April 2007 and the building was inaugurated in October 2009.
Mediacite
Liege / Belgium / 2006-2009
Design of Mall Roof & Facades, Interior of Mall and External Piazzas.
Client: Wilhelm & Co.
Gross Area: 9750 m2
Executive Architect: Jaspers Eyers
Structural Engineer: Buro Happold
source:ronarad
The structure is entirely free-spanning along its length and width, with 200mm wide steel ribs that vary in depth from 1.2m to 300mm, weaving through each other in a deformed grid-like network. To minimise loadings the complex 3 dimensional form is clad in transparent lightweight ETFE pillows – pneumatic Teflon cushions which allow light to penetrate the roof while moulding themselves to the irregular structure. As the roof gradually transforms into facade the ETFE cladding merges into curved aluminium rain-screen panels and glass.
The project was completed to a highly accelerated programme, with a duration of only 34 months from inception to completion. The total built area for the Mall is 9750m2. With a construction budget of €18.75m the project was delivered for €1920/m2. Construction began in April 2007 and the building was inaugurated in October 2009.
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