▲ Main entrance and iconic lighthouse © LLA
The Prishtina Mall, designed by Laguarda.Low Architects (LLA), is slated for completion and opening in autumn 2022. Situated in the heart of the Balkan region, it will become the largest cross-regional shopping center in Southeast Europe.
▲ Overall bird’s-eye view rendering © LLA
▲ Interview video with lead designer Ed Jenkins © Prishtina Mall
Project Location
The Prishtina Shopping Center is located just south of Prishtina’s city center, the capital of Kosovo. It lies directly east of Prishtina International Airport (PRN), adjacent to the R6 highway and national highways M2 and M25. This strategic position offers direct access to both the city center and Skopje in North Macedonia.
Thanks to its favorable geographic location, the mall will be easily accessible to residents of Kosovo and neighboring Southeast European regions. It is poised to become a major new commercial hub for leisure, entertainment, and shopping in Southeast Europe.
▲ Project location © Image source network
▲ Surrounding area of the project © Prishtina Mall
Project Overview
The Prishtina Shopping Center covers a total building area of 239,111 square meters, including 115,000 square meters of commercial rental space and 3,000 parking spots. The mall spans three and a half stories and features international brand stores, home furnishing outlets, large cinemas, family entertainment zones, expansive food courts, dining terraces, selected restaurants, and various entertainment facilities.
▲ Aerial night scene rendering © LLA
Design Intent
The mall’s architectural design draws inspiration from the silhouette of Sharr Mountain. The concept embraces nature by reflecting four distinct natural elements—mountains, forests, canyons, and flowing water—through its architectural language.
By integrating local landscape features into the interior spaces, the shopping center offers visitors a captivating and immersive shopping experience.
▲ Street view facade © LLA
▲ Conceptual diagram © LLA
▲ Project construction video © Prishtina Mall
The iconic lighthouse, positioned at the northwest corner and west entrance, symbolizes a mountain peak. The shopping center’s exterior features a modern and rhythmic design with smooth, dynamic lines. It also incorporates the mall’s four signature brand colors seamlessly into the facade.
▲ Street view facade rendering © LLA
▲ Coordination between facade decoration and logo color © LLA
▲ Schematic diagram of green slanted atrium © LLA
▲ Schematic diagram of the stone facade leading to the entrance © LLA
A large glass dome, supported by laminated beams, covers three landscaped entrance courtyards, evoking the atmosphere of a forest. Multiple slanted green atrium entrances on the north facade highlight this forest concept. The laminated beam structure of each atrium opening allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright, transparent, and open environment with beautiful views of Kosovo’s horizon.
The multi-layered central hall, surrounded by continuous glass skylights, symbolizes a valley. The interplay of natural light, colored art walls, and skylights reflects seasonal changes set against the backdrop of mountains and valleys.
▲ East atrium entrance rendering © LLA
▲ East atrium sectional perspective © LLA
▲ Perspective of Northeast Slanted Courtyard © LLA
The water element is represented by fountains at the west and east entrances. A large fountain at the main west entrance energizes both the indoor and outdoor squares of the mall. Meanwhile, an organic fountain in the east courtyard creates a visual focal point of flowing water within the valley-like indoor square.
▲ East atrium entrance rendering © LLA
Featured Spaces
Prishtina Shopping Center boasts an efficient and elegant commercial layout. Each atrium features a unique design and theme. The tall ceilings and transparent glass dome flood the atrium and interior floors with pleasant natural light.
Public corridors and squares are thoughtfully landscaped and adorned with natural, eco-friendly materials. Visitors can enjoy an indoor garden filled with greenery and a 7,623 square meter dining area, perfect for savoring delicious meals, appreciating beautiful views, and relaxing.
▲ Fashion-themed atrium rendering © LLA
▲ Commercial retail area rendering © LLA
▲ Top-level food court rendering © LLA
The mall seamlessly integrates water features, soft furnishings, and greenery to create a stunning courtyard landscape and a unique indoor public interactive space. The natural wood structure at the entrance atrium evokes warmth and tranquility, while natural stone flooring reduces the imposing scale of the large project.
Wooden interior finishes, concrete, and abundant greenery provide visitors with a calming, pleasant atmosphere, adding a human touch to the space.
▲ West atrium entrance rendering © LLA
Numerous glass skylights introduce dynamic natural light throughout the day, eliminating any sense of confinement. Spacious pedestrian bridges and artistic wall decorations provide shoppers with comfortable spots to pause and enjoy the unique surroundings.
▲ South atrium rendering © LLA
The building aims to achieve EDGE green building certification, positioning itself as a leading shopping destination in Southeast Europe. It will also help promote Kosovo as a prime location for leisure, entertainment, and retail tourism.
▲ Site photos before development © LLA
▲ Construction drawing of the main entrance in August © Prishtina Mall
▲ Construction drawings for August © Prishtina Mall
▲ August fashion theme courtyard construction drawing © Prishtina Mall
▲ Construction drawings for August © Prishtina Mall
Project Information
Project Name: Prishtina MALL Shopping Center
Owner: PRISHTINA MALL
Location: Pristina, Kosovo
Scale: 239,111 m²
Status: Under construction, expected to open in 2022
Design Company: Laguarda.Low Architects (LLA)
Design Scope: Architecture and Interior Design
LLA Website: www.laguardalow.com
Project Website: www.prishtinamall.com
Lead Designer: Ed Jenkins (AIA)
Key LLA Design Team Members: Tony Botta, Michael Georgopoulos (AIA, NCARB), Wang Qi (LEED GA), Jin Zhengren (AIA, LEED AP), Christopher Powers (AIA, LEED AP), Sara Yarisolian, Yu Yiheng, Lv Siyang, Shilpa Patel, Matthew Sokol, Wei Haoxiang, Yang Mufeng
Video Production: TATAMATA www.tatamata.tv
Chinese Subtitles: Li Yanni, Wang Qi (LEED GA), Yu Yiheng
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