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MédiacitéThe <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/15/mediacite-a-new-sustainable-shopping-center-for-liege-belgium/" target="_blank">Médiacité in Liège</a> shopping mall opened last October of 2009 in Belgium, and new photos of the naturally daylit mall and entertainment center have just been released. Located a short distance from <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/09/28/calatravas-high-speed-rail-station-opens-in-liege/" target="_blank">Santiago Calatrava's high speed rail station</a> in the heart of the city, the new multi-use facility has revitalized the former industrial area into a community pole. The exciting new urban infill project is the first shopping and leisure center in Europe to be awarded the “Very Good” mark under the New BREEAM Retail 2008 protocol, and is the first BREEAM certified project in Belgium.1
MédiacitéMédiacité is the first BREEAM certified project in Belgium as well as the first shopping and leisure centre in Europe to be awarded the “Very Good” mark in the New BREEAM Retail 2008 protocol.2
MédiacitéRon Arad Architects designed the mall roof, facades, the interior and the external piazzas.3
MédiacitéJasper Eyers also helped with the design of the project for Wilhelm & Co.4
MédiacitéThe project's main feature includes a 350 meter long naturally daylit spine that runs the length of the mall and connects the various programs together.5
MédiacitéThe spine is composed of a complex network of steel ribs covered in ETFE pillows that allow the sunlight to filter in.6
MédiacitéAs the spine reaches the end of the building, it curves and acts as a rain and sun screen.7
MédiacitéThe structure is entirely free-spanning along its length and width, with 200mm wide steel ribs that vary in depth from 1.2m to 300mm.8
MédiacitéThe complex network of steel ribs is clad in ETFE pillows, which were used because of their light weight as well as their ability to form to an irregular structure.9
MédiacitéBesides daylighting, the project also features a number of sustainable strategies, like rainwater collection, improved indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.10
MédiacitéThe project is situated in the heart of Liege on a former industrial site and works to revitalize the area.11
MédiacitéThe site is conveniently located near the city's high speed rail station along with a number of public transportation options.12
MédiacitéConstruction on the project began in 2007 and was completed in 2009.13
MédiacitéThe Médiacité, multi-functional complex, combines commerce, leisure, culture, media and economic activity.14
