Project Description
Mall Plaza’s Antofagasta Aires is a miraculous renovation project that turned a subterranean parking deck full of massive columns into an upscale shopping destination.
The client’s goal was threefold: how to adapt the exclusive upscale Aires brand to fit into such an unusual location, how to bring the outside indoors and to develop a design language that speaks to high-end shoppers.
Light lined canopy wood soffits float above the boutique kiosks and cafes, defining a more intimate experience for both the retailer and the shopper. The center of the wood canopies over the spaces and lined with antiqued mirror. Glass bubble light fixtures hang from the mirrored surfaces and create duplicate fixtures within the reflections.
The ultimate challenge was to transform the dark, single-level, column filled parking level into an open and comfortable fashion district at human scale. The design solution creates a sensory experience for the shopper through the use of different design elements and materials. The combination of free standing boutique stores surrounded by pools of water and smart construction details successfully creates an innovative shopping destination that stands apart from the rest of the mall.
The water elements are used as a visual, experiential and auditory design feature to connect the shopper in the space to the natural exterior environment. The shallow pools surround the public seating areas, engaging the shopper and giving a sense of protection. Warm wood patterns, relaxing seating groups and a color palette of cool colors and soft tones brands the area as a high-end shopping destination in line with the Aires brand.
In terms of attracting operators and rental income, the project’s design has led it to exceed its projected numbers. The vacancy rate of 11% was expected, whereas in reality it ended with a 0%. Revenue is 16% higher than anticipated.