tvsdesign celebrates the opening of the Fifth Largest Retail center in China

TIANJIN, China, Nov. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The global architecture and interior design firm, tvsdesign, celebrates the opening of Galaxy Mall, the retail portion of Tianjin's prestigious new Cultural Center District, which opened in October of 2012.  With 360,000 square meters of total building area, Galaxy Mall ranks among the top five largest retail complexes in China, and is more than 80 percent leased.

Awarded the project upon winning a government sponsored international design competition in 2009, the tvsdesign team conceived of a commercial complex located on the northern edge of the cultural district arranged around a large central lake. The complex opens out to the cultural activities and pedestrian flow of the grand promenade linking the grand Theater and Opera House to the east and the museums, art gallery and library to the south. The central lake extends into the retail site as the water feature flows down a dramatic waterfall and into the below grade retail.

The retail center features five floors rising to a height of 30 meters above ground and a single below grade level linked to the adjacent subway terminals and underground parking. Creating a concept for the interior of the Galaxy Mall organized around four distinctly unique shopping experiences with the Sun, Moon, Star and Earth Courts, tvsdesign conceived of a unique feature in each court with shopping and dining opportunities.

Arranged along a gentle arc, the complex's focal point is a crystalline building of feature restaurants.  This faceted glass building is the sculptural icon of the Commercial Complex, creating a complementary building edge for the buildings across the lake while maintaining the visual prominence and importance of the Opera House.

"We had the opportunity and the responsibility to create a retail project that would be seen and experienced as an integral piece of the city's new cultural landmark," said tvsdesign Principal, Mark Carter. "It demanded a combination of a respectful, sophisticated architecture and a dynamic shopping experience."

About tvsdesign:
tvsdesign is a global design firm whose award-winning solutions reflect more than 40 years of experience in planning, architecture and interior design. With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dubai and Shanghai, the firm's passions for design excellence, sustainability and collaboration produce client-driven results. With projects around the globe, tvsdesign is recognized for its work in multiple market segments including convention and public assembly, cultural arts, retail and mixed-use, office, workplace and showroom, education, government and hospitality. The sustainable design experience of the tvsdesign studios encompasses 23 LEED Certified and 16 LEED registered projects. In 2002, tvsdesign was awarded the prestigious American Institute of Architects Firm Award. www.tvsdesign.com

SOURCE tvsdesign