Refurbishment & Revitalization
Shopping City Süd, Vösendorf/Wien
Following its comprehensive modernization, Austria’s largest shopping center is convincing visitors with its bright and airy appearance, clear structure, and organic design elements.
The general refurbishment of Shopping City Süd (SCS) in Vösendorf outside Vienna involved not only a comprehensive technical upgrade of all the elements of the sprawling retail complex that was built in 1975, but also the implementation of a new and harmonious overall aesthetic concept.
Less is more
The starting point of our design was to strip the mall back to the essential: By removing all superfluous elements we were able to focus on the shops and the shopping experience. The opening up of the roof and the enlargement of the atrium between the upper and lower retail levels created an overall impression of airiness as the previously somber and seemingly cramped and complicated structure was replaced by a bright and friendly shopping and leisure arena. The modern architectural language of the retail and restaurant spaces, the generous lounges, and the light-filled general areas upgrade the SCS and increase its attractiveness.
Technical refurbishment
One aspect of this general refurbishment was the complete renewal of the building services. The air conditioning plant now uses rotary heat exchangers while the input air system is equipped with a qualitative (CO2 and temperature-controlled) air volume regulator. The cooling and heating plant was adapted to work with district heating and cooling (local absorption chillers). Heat recovery plant and low-energy lighting led to a significant reduction in energy consumption. Coupled with the thermal refurbishment of the facade this means that the building now meets the highest ecological standards.
City flair
Just like in a city, small squares and parks invite visitors to linger awhile. Water-based design elements and rich greenery ensure an organic interior climate and an agreeable atmosphere. A clear new circulation system enhances orientation. The exterior also received a facelift: The “fragmented” facade was smoothed out and unified, the entrances optimized, and the forecourt redesigned.
With 330 shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and cinemas, etc., SCS is the largest shopping center in Austria and one of the largest in Europe. The complex has a shopfront of around 3 km and around 1.6 km of the interior is completely accessible.
