Design International honoured at the Asia Pacific Property Awards for Lulu Mall Trivandrum
Design International will be honoured at the Asia Pacific Property Awards for one of its projects in India: Lulu Mall Trivandrum has been chosen as the winner of the prestigious IPA Award for the Retail Architecture category in India, a recognition that usually certifies truly innovative projects. The Awards (www.propertyawards.net) are in their 28th year and cover over 45 different residential and commercial categories. Regional heats are staged for Arabia, Europe, Africa, Canada, Central & South America, the Caribbean, USA, UK and the Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific Property Awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts. Judging focuses on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.
Lulu Mall Trivandrum, designed by Design International on behalf of Lulu Group, an Indian company specializing in the construction and management of shopping centres in the Indian Ocean area, is located in Thiruvananthapuram (previously called Trivandrum), the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Kerala. The attractive and rich naturalistic heritage which characterises the Thiruvananthapuram area was the starting point in the design process for this new shopping destination. The rolling hills of the area are reflected in the large façade of the building, which stretches for hundreds of metres and playfully mimics its environment.
The overall area of the project development is 191,500 sqm, consist of a shopping centre GBA 92,500 sqm with over 300 national and international brands, and 12 anchor stores. The mall will house a 12-screen multiplex and a Family Entertainment Centre, which will include a 1,850 sqm Trampoline Park. The Mall will also feature a 2500-seater food court, as well as several restaurants and cafes, that serve various regional, international and speciality cuisines.
“Our main purpose was to create a place that not only works as a shopping destination but also a place for outing, gathering, meet other people, relax, and having fun. This gives us a chance to reformulate the design of the architecture and interior spaces that can offer a unique variety of things in the programming” explains Kollin Akbar, Design Manager of Design International.
The links with the surrounding environment are evident, capable of influencing the design and the proposed solutions: “Every interior space carefully design, from the main entrance to the atriums, and food destination at the top floor with a unique atmosphere is inspired by the rich nature of Kerala” concludes Kollin.
Ashraf Ali M.A, Lulu Group's Executive Director, commented
“Lulu Mall Thiruvananthapuram is a prestigious project for the group, marking our retail presence in the state capital. Apart from Lulu's home brands and 250 plus international and national brands, the mall will house a 12-screen multiplex and a one of a kind Family Entertainment Centre, which will include rides that move across the mall. With ample parking, supported by a multi-level car park, spectacular flagship store designs, combined with an exciting offering of fashion, food and entertainment, the new LuLu Mall will be a true destination mall for the people of Thiruvananthapuram and beyond. The right design is the core that makes our mall remarkably unique. This award has just reaffirmed the fact that we've created a truly international experience for our customers under the expertise of Design International. Our focus in now on getting the mall ready for launch at the earliest.”
With varieties of offers ranging from Lulu supermarket & department store, flagship store, multiple screen cinema, entertainment zone and huge food offer, Lulu Mall Trivandrum will become one of the top destinations for people of Kerala and will set a new benchmark for the future retail in India.
