A venerable welcome in a modern shopping centre
Shopping on a greenfield site? That was once upon a time. Modern shopping temples roll out the red carpet for their customers in the city centre. The Palais Vest in Recklinghausen is a successful example of the new generation of shopping centres. Architecturally appealing, integrated into the urban landscape and with a differentiated product range, it offers an all-round successful experience in the northern Ruhr region.
A new start on familiar terrain
The location of Palais Vest could hardly be more ideal. On the edge of the old town, opposite the town hall from 1908 – and on the site of the former Löhrhof Center. Built in 1975 on the model of American malls, the Löhrhof Center was no longer in keeping with the spirit of the times at the beginning of the new millennium. In addition, competition in the densely populated Ruhr region had increased enormously – from the Centro Oberhausen to the Thier Galerie in Dortmund.
The demolition of the old high-rise in August 2012 can be seen as the starting signal for a new beginning. In August 2014, the time had come: the new Palais Vest shopping centre with 120 shops on an area of 41,700 sqm was ceremoniously opened. The design was penned by a renowned architectural firm.
(Outside) City – (Inside) Palais
From the outside, the building presents itself as a structured, organic structure which, with its two storeys plus basement, is oriented towards the surrounding buildings. The façade, which is partially clad in sandstone, blends harmoniously but confidently into the cityscape. Inside, the building lives up to its auspicious name. A huge chandelier hovers above the “vestibule”, one of the main entrances. Another highlight: the digital artwork “bit.pulse” by media artist Julius Popp. He created
a “waterfall of words” for the “Hall of Mirrors”. The most frequently mentioned words of current news are projected onto a wall consisting of thousands of movable metal plates.
But it is not only the impression on customers that is to be sustainable. The building is certified according to DGNB. It thus meets the strict criteria of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) with regard to energy efficiency as well as aspects of socio-cultural and real estate sustainability.
“Details such as the entrance mats from emco underline the aspirations of our building.”
Theda J. Mustroph
Centre manager
Here the “red carpet” is the star
The development is of particular importance in both the urban planning and the (interior) architectural concept. Palais Vest opens up to the city with several entrances. At the same time, the entrance areas welcome visitors and get them in the mood for the shopping experience. Here, the red carpet is literally rolled out for the visitor – in the form of red cleanliness systems from emco.
Entrance mats from emco are predestined for a project like this for several reasons. Because the entrance mats are part of the differentiated entrance design. They all have the same red colour. But in terms of shape, almost every mat is unique – round, as a circular segment or square, convex or concave, with profile strips as a design accent or as part of the door system. With their excellent cleaning effect, they also support the idea of sustainability. The entrance mats are completed by dirt traps from emco embedded in the floor – perfectly matched to the function and shape of the mat. Modern entrance mat systems for one of the most modern shopping centres in the Ruhr area.
