Mediacite

Situated in Liege, once the world's foremost centre for steel production and since in economic decline, the building stands out as a symbol of the city's regeneration. The 350 metre long mall weaves through the fabric of the refurbished old market centre at one end, through the new two storey building to connect to the new Belgian national television centre at the other. The design of the roof unites these elements with a complex network of steel roof ribs that undulate through the mall. The lattice of steel sculpts the volume of the mall beneath, varying both in height and structural depth, to form a variety of different spatial experiences. As the structure exits the volume of the main buildings (at the two piazzas and at the link between the old market and new building) the steel ribs wrap downwards, merging into the facade and forming the building's envelope. The structure is entirely free-spanning along its length and width, with 200mm wide steel ribs that vary in depth from 300mm to 1200mm, crossing through each other in a deformed grid-like network. To minimise loadings, the complex three dimensional structure is clad in transparent lightweight ETFE - pneumatic Texlon cushions which allow light to penetrate the roof while moulding themselves to the irregular structure. As the roof gradually transforms into facade, the ETFE cladding merges into curved aluminium rain-screen panels and glazing.

Ron Arad Architects were brought onto the project after construction on site had already begun. Asked to completely rethink the design for the mall but working within site constraints already in place, they entered a highly accelerated programme which required the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of the project within 34 months. They chose to work with steel not only for its close connection with Liege but also for the speed and accuracy with which it can be fabricated, and the freedom it gave to develop something geometrically unique.

The building has been awarded BREEAM certification for sustainable design.