ARCHITECTURE
FROM MOTION
Shopping Arena 2 — Salzburg (A)
The Salzburg Shopping Arena is one of the largest shopping centers in the Salzburg region and the first in the city to be expanded and modernized.
It consists of two structures and is situated at the southern border of the city of Salzburg on either side of the Alpenstraße, which is one of the main approaches to the city center from the south. A passage beneath Alpenstraße connects the two structures. The western part was replaced entirely with a new building, while the eastern part and the subterranean connecting passage were completely renovated.
Both the location on a very busy road and the game of experiencing architecture from movement inform the two structures’ designs, which, however, play this game in entirely different ways:
Through its dynamic and exciting shape, the new building in the west makes an impression. Its apparent proportions are different from every angle of observation, and thus also alters the urban space in this area. The renovated building on the opposite side of the road achieves a similar effect through a multi-layered, subtle and nebulous surface that de-materializes the structure and changes its appearance depending on the perspective.
Both components are covered with the visual theme of stripes or bands. Beyond forming a visual bracket that encompasses the entire complex, these bands can also be viewed as a symbol for packaging or wrapping that transform the entire complex into a gigantic present. In this way, the bands link the architecture to the buildings’ function – shopping!
Surface and dynamic – The revitalized Salzburg Shopping Arena: The building to be revitalized started out as a simple structure with an unpleasant looking façade.
Strips: On these slats – borrowing from the style of the new building – grey surfaces were arranged and positioned in such a way that they appear as continuous bands or stripes, even when viewed from different perspectives.
Perspectives and movement: The use of slats and stripes creates an impressive, fluid surface, which changes drastically as one travels alongside the building.
Interior and organization: Inside the building, the sales areas were newly organized and designed. One important element of this renewal was relocating the main entrance, whereby a spacious glass façade was added on the ground floor that opens onto the redesigned courtyard..
Slats and skin:
The existing building was coated with slats up to 4 meters deep and as tall as the building. These slats create a second skin, which, due to their depth, made the entire structure appear blurry and less clear.
