Carrefour Extension
Integration of a new gallery with existing shopping center
Location - Brasov, Romania
Client - S.C. Carrefour Romania
Area - 18.057 mp
Team - Liviu Zarnovean, Mihai Serban Mara,
Dora Flavia Groza.
Status - Finalised in 2017
The main goal set for this project was to extend the commercial gallery sector of the hypermarket, by cancelling part of the existing parking lot situated in front of the building and replacing it with a new gallery, of similar design constraints – a single floor standing at about the same height as the old edifice, embracing the same function (Mall-type commercial gallery).
The new construction had to follow the latest Carrefour concept directives, “Un air de familie”, meant to provide the customers of the commercial chain with a warmer and friendlier atmosphere, through the use of various textures, colours and fonts.
Although from a structural point of view the proposed construction is an independent assembly, functionally speaking it is merging with the existing shopping centre to form a single body.
For a successful merger between the new gallery and the old one, the existing building envelope had to be dismantled and rebuilt nearing the end stages of the intervention. We aimed at obtaining a unitary aspect of the final product, and a subtle balance between the initial building and our project.
In addition, the project implied total renewal of the asphalt layer belonging to the parking lot and partial redesign of functional flows, as well as rehabilitation and construction of heavy traffic road portions inside the lot, for supply trucks and other utility vehicles.
The architectural design of this project presented a unique challenge, requiring the implementation of a buffer space,to serve as a covered transfer area. The solution was found in the implementation of a colonnade element,which not only met the practical needs but also added a striking and visually engaging element to the overall design.
The use of clear volumetric lines,with a preference for filled volumes over empty spaces, helped to achieve a robust and substantial appearance.
Careful consideration was also given to the proportion of the volume,resulting in a well balanced and proportionate structure.
To further emphasize the dynamic nature of the colonnade, a zig_zag line was employed, creating a sense of movement and fluidity.
