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ith numerous shopping complexes cropping up across the world, what is it that distinguishes one from the rest? While in some cases it is the built form itself that is a landmark statement, features like lighting and material used make others the talk of the town. Landscapes and shopping complexes might seem like an unlikely combination, but it is precisely this combination that has added charm to the Whitewater Shopping Complex in Ireland. The structure of the Whitewater Shopping Complex, along with its landscape, has contributed to reviving the region of Newbridge in Ireland. Sited in the town centre, the urban language of this region consisted of an array of derelict industrial buildings. This 80,000sqft complex, comprising commercial units,
apartments, parking and an extensive retail area, has not just revitalised the region but also added a vibrant tone to its urban fabric. The design has successfully created a sophisticated shopping environment behind a faรงade of residential and commercial units, and has integrated it with the existing urban network of streets. The architecture of the double-level mall continues seamlessly from the outside, creating a retailing environment that is dramatic yet legible, visually stimulating and characterised by the ample natural light within. The entrance to the complex is through a doubleheight space, with a pedestrian street and an outdoor plaza. With a contemporary architectural language, the landscape also needed to blend in, while providing the plaza with an identifiable