Set in the heart of Shanghai’s financial district, L+ Mall is situated close to Shanghai Tower and the World Financial Centre. With its prime position in the city and retail offering, L+ Mall is set to become a new hub for the Shanghai’s financial centre. Benoy worked on the commercial space planning, interior design and signage for L+ Mall.
With over 140,000 square metres in gross floor area, the space has ten above ground floors and one underground floor. The striking and futuristic interior design was inspired by the mall’s target market of quality-conscious consumers.
A mesmerising skylight above the main arcade aims to resemble the night sky. Coupled with pastel façades and fluid light bands, a strong visual motif takes visitors on a journey through the space. The concept of the “walkable” skylight structure also allows people to go sightseeing on the roof using the entrance on the 11th floor.
Director Simon Wong commented on the project after the opening; “For this project, we wanted to create something different and eye catching. We’re incredibly proud of our concept of the “Galaxy of Lights” which brings the space to life. Through carefully placed light strips in the void, we were able to create a 3‑dimesional boundary that lights up all eight levels, drawing people upwards.”
In view of the mall’s unique vertical height, Benoy designed a “mid-air stage” by adding an extra floor on the fourth level, solving space constraints within the building. Another highlight of L+ Mall is the Shanghai flagship Galeries Lafayette store. Benoy adapted the interiors to the requirements of both Galeries Lafayette and Lujiazui Group whilst also adding specially designed handrails in the main arcade to set the French department store apart from other retail spaces. This section of L+ Mall is scheduled to open in the second half of 2019.
Of the 35 shopping centres that opened across the city in 2018, L+ Mall is the only mall located in the CBD, signalling its importance. Home to almost 600 brands, retailers range from the globally recognised to the niche. The space also brings together a diverse variety of uses, from restaurants, leisure and entertainment to art spaces.
