Westfield Mall of the Netherlands by MVSA Architects
The façade design of the Mall of the Netherlands features an unusually expressive and sculptural use of an everyday material: concrete.
The choice of concrete goes in hand with the decision to seal elements in reverse. In this way, the façade minimizes weather pollution. Moreover, a hydrophobic coating has been applied to prevent vandalism, resulting in the creation of a future-proof concrete façade.
The white scarf pulls the building together, here and there opening with a flourish to allow visitors to enter. This is elegantly done by the creation of glass and green façades that contrast with the concrete. The silk scarf ties all these elements together in a fluid, dynamic and stylish way.
Eastern Creek Quarter Stage 1 by i2C Architects
Easter Creek Quarter (ECQ) Neighbourhood Shopping Centre is the first stage of a 15-hectare retail development. It is a 6-star Green Star building, situated in the most culturally diverse suburb in Sydney, adjacent to Western Sydney Parklands. ECQ’s planning principle of “celebrating culture and nature” resonated on the masterplan and building form.
All the architectural elements were conceptualised to be significant to the local culture and surrounding nature. Thus, a biophilic architectural skin was created, composed of uniquely designed precast concrete panels called “Dynowave” matched with a random arrangement of seamed metal panels of varying sheens as inspired by the dynamic flow of water in the “creek”.
