Unusual Architecture + Mall

Linz, Austria: [LENTIA CITY BY LOVE ARCHITECTURE]
Lentia City by LOVE architecture

Lentia City is a shopping center in the center of Linz (Austria’s third largest city) with an expanded sales floor of 20,000 m2. The main entrance is situated on the main road, the busiest street in this part of the city.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture

The goal of this design was to first attract potential Lentia City visitors with a friendly and distinctive appearance in the street and then usher them into the interior of the shopping center.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture

This goal was accomplished using the “Lentia Sky,” a large silver panel fitted with spotlights that evoke a starry sky. It arches from the interior of the center into the street space and blends with the façade.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture

Large, round façade openings with outward-curving plastic dome lights pierce the panel and provide natural lighting for the offices on the upper floors. The Lentia City building is surrounded by 4-5 story old buildings.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture

From an urban planning perspective, its façade, which flows into the center, and the receded entrance area create the feeling of an expansion of the existing street space, an effect which is supported by the bright, slightly reflecting metal façade.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture

The entrance area on the ground floor was designed in a conical shape which opens up into the street space like a funnel, thereby reinforcing the effect of drawing people in.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture

On one side, a parade of shops leads from the mall to the street, while on the other side a panoramic elevator connects the five underground parking levels with the upper floors and also houses the fire escape.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture

In terms of construction, the façade is rendered as a metal curtain wall made of aluminum composite panels on a thermally insulated, reinforced concrete structure.

Lentia City by LOVE architecture
Lentia City by LOVE architecture
Lentia City by LOVE architecture

Location: Linz, Austria Architect: LOVE architecture and urbanism Competition: Invitational architect contest 1. Prize 2007 Planning: 2008 – 09 Façade area: 750 m2 Year: 2011 Client: Kirchmayr & Pfeiffer