DISCUSSION PODS

PRECEDENTS.

This building has been designed as a leisure and retail centre in Lusail, Qatar. It features five interconnected pebble-shaped ‘retail islands’ with three floors featuring cinemas, restaurants, spa facilities and a basement filled with a car park. It covers the span of approximately 60,000 metres2 and is 15km north of Doha City Centre.

The design of the building has been inspired by natural forms of when water and land meet. There are five interconnected islands that link the mall to a body of water through the middle. Water is seen as a guide to show visitors through the area, while waterfalls connect with the different levels. Embedded around the mall will be the surrounding landscape incorporating exhibition spaces, skate parks and childrens play areas.

The shape of these retail islands was particularly interesting, as if they are pebble shaped however contain a more unique approach with the raised roof platform and swirling architecture around it. This building will be useful when designing the pod shapes with a more innovative design and white colour scheme . This softness is a key piece of criteria to include in the pods to create a calming atmosphere for the visitors inside. In addition to this, a good use of lighting on the exterior such as LED’s to create a glow on the exterior of the pods will create a safe and untouchable effect. No data has been found to give evidence of any designs or plans for the pebble mall.

Figure 1 is not related to the mall however it is a Science and Technology Museum that reflects the lighting and the vibe that the pebble shaped pod will give.

DISCUSSION PODS

Project name: Pebble Shaped Mall Location: Lusail, Qatar Architect: HOK London Date: 2011

Figure 38: Science and Technology Museum (Source: Global Construction Review, 2021).

Figure 39: Image of Pebble Shaped Mall exterior. (Source: Bruce, 2011).

Figure 40: Image of Pebble Shaped Mall interior. (Source: Bruce, 2011). Figure 41: Image of Pebble Shaped Mall exterior. (Source: Bruce, 2011).