Revitalising the shopping experience
Shopping Mall Zuidplein is one of the largest and oldest malls in the Netherlands. But it is not solely a mall; it also serves as a connection point to nearby public buildings like Ahoy and a bustling transportation hub for metro, buses, bicycles, and parking facilities. Silo worked to revitalise the complex, co-designing a new facade and creating an extensive wayfinding system to improve the visitor experience.
Client
VvE Zuidplein, Albert Heijn, Heijmans
Partners
Architect renovation: TconcepT
Architect extension: TomDavid
Shopping mall and district transport hub
Metamorphosis in Rotterdam Zuid
The entire area surrounding Zuidplein and Ahoy in Rotterdam is going through a comprehensive makeover to create a more welcoming environment for residents, tourists, and business owners. Silo has actively worked on several projects, including the state-of-the-art swimming venue, the revitalisation of the Zuidplein Mall and its extension facing the revamped bus station.
Wayfinding system
The analysis of Zuidplein Mall’s visitors revealed three distinct categories: those who visit for everyday necessities, those who consider it a destination of itself, and commuters passing through, be it regularly or sporadically. Therefore, the core focus of the wayfinding system we developed is to locate nearby destinations, exits, and entrances to the vast parking facilities. Strategically placed maps, encompassing both static displays and interactive touchscreens, provide additional information to locate specific stores and amenities.
The interactive maps on touchscreens provide information to Zuidplein visitors regarding the available shops and facilities. These maps aid users in locating particular stores, swiftly finding services like restrooms or first aid, exploring shops within specific categories, and navigating the area without a specific objective.
Coherent design language
We collaborated with TconcepT to connect to their meticulous renovation approach, which prioritises refining the visual aesthetics. The overhaul involved the introduction of well-proportioned storefronts, improved parking garage access, enhanced lighting, and a consistent design language for seating and furnishings. Our wayfinding system, with its rounded corners and elegant dark grey finish, seamlessly blends with the mall’s overall new look.
Unveiling facade
The extension of the mall not only adds retail space but also creates a new route to the bus station, theatre, and aquatic centre. The challenge here was to design a closed facade that improved the experience for bus passengers. In collaboration with TomDavid, the facade design borrows inspiration from the existing mall. Where the facade appears to open, it unveils strikingly stylised logos of the mall’s anchor tenants. Silo’s contribution to this design proved instrumental in securing the necessary municipal permits for the extension.
