Médiacité Mall | Ron Arad Architects

Designed by Ron Arad Architects, the new mall, roof and public spaces for the new Belgian development known as Médiacité is a testament to an area that was once at the forefront of the world’s steel industry. Located in the refurbished market place, the new mall runs some 350 meters in and out of buildings and squares, old and new. The roof, uniting these elements is composed of an iconic curved steel frame with ribs of all different dimensions and structural depths (200mm wide and ranging from 300mm to 1200mm depths). These variations create a dynamism to space and allow adaptation to the varying circumstances which arise around the program- the entire space is, after all, clear.

Not a column to be seen or needed. This deformed lattice is clad with an interesting choice for fenestration. Ultra-clear ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, a derivative of Teflon) is used as a more transparent, lighter, and moldable alternative to silicon glass. As the structure makes the transition from roof to the facade, the ETFE commingles with curved aluminum rain screens and traditional glass cladding along more regular openings.