Budapest, Hungary
European 40 Under 40 laureate Balázs Domokos and the Group Dyer Architects have designed the Etele Plaza Shopping Mall project—the first-ever smart plaza in Budapest (55,000 sqm GLA).
The project was designed with an innovative, tech-oriented and forward-thinking progressive approach with plentiful of lofty, inviting public spaces, sofas, and meeting areas.
Balázs Domokos was recently awarded a 2020 European 40 Under 40 Award from The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum.
Etele Plaza being one of the last grand shopping malls of Hungary, will become the third largest shopping mall of the country. The building planned at the end of the Etele Road will receive outstanding people flow through the proximity of the railway station, bus station and the regional catchment area.
Dominant fashion brands determine the retail mix enriched with two main other components; a grand selection of restaurants, food-court and cafes, and a contemporary movie theatre positioned on a complete top level.
The principle functional structure and layout of the building were already provided to Dyer who were appointed to develop the interior architecture.
During the planning process, to mitigate the length of the corridors of the shopping center between the atriums a central perpendicular circulation axis has been introduced at the midpoint of the building to provide vertical and through circulation and enhance the customer experience.
A dynamic ribbon-like flowing system forms the relationship between the spaces of different qualities, and it also provides a carefully crafted boundary for the internal world by sculpting the bulkheads, edges of floor plates, ceilings, floor finishes.
This pleasantly shaped internal world of flowing elements is defining the internal circulation spaces while providing a clear boundary between internal and external worlds.
This boundary is featuring curved digital media screens facing the atriums, further enhancing the ever-changing spatial experience.
These contemporary media screens are not only suitable for showcasing commercials, but they are also to communicate moods or assist with seasonal decorations.
The pleasantly shaped internal world of flowing elements are defined by the internal circulation spaces while providing a clear boundary between internal and external worlds.
The Etele Plaza will function first and foremost as a community hub, not just a shopping center.
Project: Etele Plaza Shopping Mall
Architects: Balázs Domokos – Group Dyer
