© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

Dream Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in all of Southeast Asia, responds to a government-issued policy that designates the city of Kaohsiung as Taiwan’s center for manufacturing and sea transport. To accommodate the influx of people, business and trade, city officials and major developers commissioned a series of large-scale development projects throughout the city. The prominent 2.5 million-SF Dream Mall is the first phase of a proposed 7.4 million-SF mixed-use community and provides Kaohsiung with a new retail, entertainment and social hub, catering to a new generation of city dwellers.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

Inspired by the region’s rich nautical heritage, Dream Mall evokes the excitement and bustle of a major trading port. Its design is rooted in a ‘celebration of earth and nature’ concept, evident in both material and environmental graphics. Shoppers experience four main themed districts including a fanciful underwater environment, a floral oasis, life-on-earth, and a journey through the stars. Varying sets of colors, tones and graphic details define each themed district and create a distinct sense of place and continuous sense of discovery. The design enables shoppers to embark on their own personalized journey and visit the parts of the mall they desire. Along with the two department stores, tenants include Nitori Home Fashion, Marks & Spencer, Eslite Books, TOYS’R’US, as well as a hypermarket, brand-name retailers, high fashion boutiques and specialty stores.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

The project is oriented around an urban village concept that calls to mind life by the sea. The village features an open-air pedestrian plaza that is framed by two buildings and an above-grade parking structure. This signature concourse maximizes retail exposure by showcasing store fronts and tenant identities; accommodating public performances, festivals and recreational gatherings; and creating a vibrant outdoor shopping environment. The ‘main’ building is anchored on each end by department stores and is clad in stone/masonry to reflect a sense of permanence and strength. Connected to the main building by a bridge, the ‘feature’ building boasts a curved glass façade that suggests fluidity and movement and references the shape and texture of a fish.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.

© Mick Ryan . Pubblicata il 23 Settembre 2008.