Enhancing Shopping Experience: River West Gateway & Transition Zone

River West Gateway & Transition Zone: Aesthetically Enhancing the Shopping Experience

The River West Gateway & Transition Zone project, designed by VIKELAS ARCHITECTS, focuses on the development of the connection zone between the existing shopping center "RIVER WEST" and the new expansion area "RIVER WEST OPEN". This transformative project aims to upgrade the existing traffic corridor, leading to the outdoor area of the shopping center's expansion, both functionally and aesthetically.

The intervention area, located on the ground floor and first floor, seeks to redesign the corridors that previously led to the supply zone of the shopping center and the sanitary areas on both floors. The primary objective of this new study is to guide the flow of the public to and from the new extension. To achieve this, a contemporary architectural vocabulary is employed, while still maintaining a connection with the identity and geometry of the River West's atrium.

The Transition Zone within the project is distinct from all other areas of the existing shopping mall, while still harmoniously integrating with the existing architectural approach. Various spatial intervention modules have been implemented to achieve this goal.

The first area of intervention is the floors. The existing ceramic tile floor with a random geometric pattern will be replaced with a cast mosaic in the intervention zone. This new mosaic floor not only differentiates itself but also creates continuity with the existing floor, extending the joints and utilizing stainless steel profiles as delineations. On the second level of the intervention zone, where the public passage space is more restricted, the floor is slightly differentiated by incorporating light incisions that meander from the floor to the vertical wall and up to the ceiling, resembling a kaleidoscope effect.

In an effort to bring the quality of outdoor lighting into the shopping center, a luminous elastic ceiling construction has been introduced. This ceiling runs along the main axis of the transition zone, interrupted only by oblique zones for the installation of sprinklers in relation to the floor's joints. The inner contour and the upper part surrounding the elastic roof are covered in black, emphasizing the curved outline of the luminous construction. Additionally, at the entrance of the elevators, a continuous curved light strip hangs, resembling a one-line drawing, inviting visitors to explore the new Riverwest Open.

The third area of intervention focuses on the vertical surfaces. At the ground floor level, the shops located on either side of the corridor leading to the extension are softened, transforming their windows into curves. This not only facilitates the flow of visitors but also widens the transition zone. Vertically placed lightboxes along the corridor illuminate the space and display advertising and information messages. At the first-floor level, a spiral of successive light frames is formed, creating a sense of a gate that adds interest to the narrow and blind corridor. As visitors reach the end of the corridor, the space expands, allowing for unobstructed and natural movement towards the new balcony of the extension wing.

The River West Gateway & Transition Zone project, created by VIKELAS ARCHITECTS in collaboration with DNE Architects, presents a remarkable architectural transformation. By incorporating contemporary design elements and respecting the existing architectural language, the project successfully enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the shopping center. With the careful integration of lighting design by Matina Magklara, the transition zone becomes a captivating and inviting space for visitors.

Read also about the Bosarge Family Education Center: Harmonious Nature-inspired Architecture project