QATAR
Mall of Qatar
The 500,000-sq-m building features 500 shops, including more than 100 food and beverage restaurants, a 19-screen theater complex, 7,000 underground and surface parking spaces, and a five-star, 200-bedroom hotel operated by Curio, a collection by Hilton.
At the heart of Mall of Qatar is the “Oasis,” a 5,000-sq-m landscaped entertainment arena featuring interactive fountains and waterfalls. It is also home to the world’s first resident troupe, which offers mall-wide entertainment 52 weeks of the year. “Oasis” is covered by a 30m-high, 6,000-sq-m glass dome supported by four large, green pillars and also showcases “MoQ Live,” a free entertainment program on a 360º revolving stage. “Oasis” is surrounded by a food court that seats 2,600.
The 2,700-seat Megaplex cinema includes IMAX’s revolutionary laser projection with a 12-channel immersive sound system on the region’s largest screen: 28 meters wide by 15 meters high. The cinema features the latest 4D projection technology screen, VIP screens, an 8-lane bowling alley, and in-theater gourmet food services.
Mall of Qatar expects 20 million customers annually. Over 220 stores opened on its first day, 60% of the GLA, with the remainder in the fit-out phase. The complex is already 99% leased.
CHECHNYA
Grozny Mall
The shopping and entertainment center Grozny Mall will be located opposite the MFC Akhmat Tower at the intersection of Akhmat-Haji Kadyrov Prospect and Hussein Isaev Prospect.
It is the first project in the Chechen Republic that combines an innovative architectural concept and multi-functional infrastructure.
The scheme will provide shopping and entertainment spaces of different types, including various shops and entertainment and maintenance facilities, parking, and administrative areas on 132,027 sq m of space—more than area of 25 soccer fields. Because the building will be seen not only from the river bank and its surrounding territory, but also from the height of the 435-meter Akhmat Tower, its roof is designed as its fifth façade.
This architectural concept will make the building a visible adornment to the park for visitors. The crystal-like building will be almost clear. Only two materials are to be used in its finish: silver-colored metal and glass.
Both splays and faceted surfaces dominate the architectural lines. This creates a prismatic effect, reflecting colors on its surface that change when night follows day. The octagonal roof is designed with faceted silver metal surfaces and resembles a crystalline grid. The same solution is used for all four facades. The northwest façade will feature a grand panoramic entrance lobby allowing views of the interiors from the street.
The second entrance will face the mosque, “The Heart of Chechnya,” and will feature a large and elegant construction in the shape of a tree with a crown protecting a public area with beautiful fountains, a seating zone, and pleasant landscaping.
The shopping center’s layout is highly efficient and represents and takes into account typical visitor circulation patterns and offers maximum length for shop windows and wide views. Small cafes and a public zone for events will be located on an embankment that adjoins the mall. The project’s architect is Chapman Taylor. The design consultant for maximizing letting is Colliers International.
USA
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Macerich recently announced a phased project to further enhance the Scottsdale Fashion Square in Arizona.
Plans include a renovation of the luxury wing followed by the addition of residences, class A office space, and a new hotel to maximize the property’s position at the heart of upscale Scottsdale.
The first phase of this multi-dimensional project will update and redefine the luxury wing anchored by Neiman Marcus. Scottsdale Fashion Square will further develop its luxury presentation with a new entrance and arrival point, two-story storefronts, and exterior-facing retail buildings and restaurants that will elevate and enhance the offerings for luxury retailers. Construction will begin in 2017 with the opening planned for fall 2018.
“Macerich is capitalizing on strong growth in Scottsdale and greater Phoenix to enhance our market-dominant retail property. Scottsdale Fashion Square is already the region’s undisputed luxury leader, and we see significant opportunity to better serve this attractive and buoyant metropolitan area for the long term,” said Art Coppola, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
When it first opened in 1961, Scottsdale Fashion Square was an open-air center that featured Goldwater’s Department Store and a handful of specialty shops. Today, with four anchor department stores and more than 200 shops and restaurants, the scheme is one of the premier shopping destinations in the country, with total annual sales exceeding $650 million (€606 million).
The property serves as the anchor to the downtown Scottsdale commercial district and is an important economic engine for the City of Scottsdale: From 2012 to 2015, the property contributed nearly $50 million in sales tax revenue to the city.
United Arab Emirates
First Avenue Mall
Complementing the open environs of Dubai Motor City with a refreshing walk-through design, First Avenue Mall will serve as the social center and retail hub for the entire community.
Adjacent to the development’s main pedestrian and vehicular thoroughfares, the shopping-center offers a variety of outdoor and indoor experiences with an innovative mix of retail and dining concepts.
Its architecture—a series of stepped and gently curving plazas—blends in seamlessly with existing buildings and the surrounding landscape. The appeal is distinctly contemporary, but subtle arabesque influences are softly interwoven to create a culturally engaging public ambience.
Featuring top brands and renowned marquees, First Avenue Mall will be a destination for adults and children alike. In addition to the 39 retail outlets, there are 15 restaurants and cafés and a 150-key hotel—all distributed across the mall’s two floors, with the basement level offering ample parking. The opening is planned for this year.
