The Mall: A Cultural and Commercial District in the Desert

Creating a Vibrant Urban Space for Mogadishu

The main aim of The Mall project is to go beyond the traditional concept of a shopping mall and instead support the street life in the whole area. The designers have integrated urban spaces into the complex, which will house a variety of activities and enrich the cultural interaction in the area. Instead of acting like a detached closed building, The Mall will be a part of the city's fabric, supporting the street life and creating a sense of community.

The unique feature of The Mall lies in its location on a desert-like area, on one of the main axes of the city that connects the city center to the airport. The designers have taken into consideration the context and the climatic inputs of the area to create a design that is not only functional but also sustainable.

The complex includes an open shopping area, a convention center, and supporting commercial units such as a bank, a supermarket, restaurants, coffee shops, a kid center, a prayer area, open recreational spaces, and a high-rise building with office-residential units. The plan organization is based on the composition of different functions, their open spaces-courtyards, and the varying relations between them. All circulation and meeting areas are designed to be open spaces, taking advantage of the available climatic values.

The layout design of The Mall, the orientation of the buildings, and the facade organizations are structured and detailed to generate and support the most effective use of natural sources like sunlight, wind, and rain. The buildings are positioned parallel to the west to provide shade for the open spaces. This parallel positioning also creates a wind corridor, supporting continuous natural ventilation and passive cooling. The design also includes partial shadings and a second facade covering the west front of the shopping block to control sunlight and prevent heating. The use of green roofs further helps in blocking sunlight and creating a sustainable environment.

The construction of The Mall will utilize conventional building systems, with the building materials and surface cladding selected from local materials to support sustainable construction logistics. The project is expected to be completed within two years, with the concept studies completed in February 2014.

The Mall has been recognized for its innovative design and sustainable features. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2014, which is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Mall's design integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.