Ron Arad Associates

Mediacite

MEDIACITE

Ron Arad Architects

Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL

ARCHITECTS
Ron Arad Architects

AREA
9750.0 m2

PHOTOGRAPHS
Marc Detiffe, Yves L´Hermite, Peter Cook, Bernard Boccara, Wilhelm & Co

YEAR
2009

LOCATION
Liege, Belgium

CATEGORY
Shopping Centers

Mediacite
© Peter Cook

Text description provided by architect.

Ron Arad Architects were invited to design the new mall, roof and public spaces of the 40,000 sqm mixed use development known as Médiacité.

Situated in Liege, once the world’s foremost centre for steel production and since in economic decline, the building stands out as a symbol of the city’s revitalisation and strives to spearhead the city’s regeneration.

Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe
Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe

The 350 metre long mall weaves through the fabric of the refurbished old market centre at one end, through the new two storey building, connecting to the new Belgian national television centre at the other.

The design of the roof unites these elements with a complex network of steel roof ribs that undulate through the mall. The lattice of steel sculpts the volume of the mall beneath, varying both in height and structural depth to form a variety of differing experiences.

Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Peter Cook

As the structure exits the volume of the main building (at the two piazzas and at the link between the old market and new building) the steel ribs wrap downwards, merging into the façade and forming the building’s envelope.

The structure is entirely free-spanning along its length and width, with 200mm wide steel ribs that vary in depth from 300mm to 1200mm, weaving through each other in a deformed grid-like network.

Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe

To minimise loadings, the complex three dimensional structure is clad in transparent lightweight ETFE - pneumatic Texlon cushions which allow light to penetrate the roof while moulding themselves to the irregular structure.

As the roof gradually transforms into façade, the ETFE cladding merges into curved aluminium rain-screen panels and glass.

Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe
Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe

The project was completed to a highly accelerated programme, with a duration of only 34 months from inception to completion. Construction began in April 2007 and the building was inaugurated in October 2009.


Mediacite
© Wilhelm & Co
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
© Yves L´Hermite
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
Courtesy of  supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL


Mediacite
© Yves L´Hermite
Mediacite
© Yves L´Hermite
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
Courtesy of supplied by RAAL
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe
Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Peter Cook
Mediacite
© Bernard Boccara
Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe
Mediacite
© Marc Detiffe


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Ron Arad Associates
T +44 20 72844963 F +44 20 73790499
Ron Arad Associates
62 Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AN, United Kingdom