RETAIL DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT AWARDS The success of Irene Village Mall led to the entry of this project into the Retail Design & Development Awards . The Architect & Builder believes that the architects ’ submission , while perhaps repetitive in places of what has been stated above , is worthy of publication , so parts of it have been included below .
Why have you entered for a design award ? We believe that the words “ lifestyle ” and “ village ” are more and more used as catchwords in a marketing campaign . Very few developments actually practice what they preach . We believe we delivered on our promise and created a mall that adheres to all the retail principles but dared to be radically different .
Describe the design concept of the building : People love the ambience of traditional town squares and little shopping streets , but it is impractical with the advent of the car and suburban living . Likewise , people like the convenience of the accessible mall , but it is not really a pleasant experience . We resolved to combine all the positive elements of both in a centre .
What makes this building different from other retail buildings ? It has a friendly , almost convenience-like penetrability . It is mostly open to the elements and provides for more than just shopping and the entertainment is not forced – it merely serves as a background so people can entertain themselves .
Irene Village Mall 197