10. Transforming a Parking Garage into a High-end Retail Space in Chile
Atlanta‐based tvsdesign has once again partnered with long‐time client, Mall Plaza, to repurpose the ground level of a
parking garage into a 2,000 sm, high‐end retail destination in Antofagasta, Chile.
The new retail destination is in response to a specialized socio‐economic niche market within the growing global middle
class that caters to affluent shoppers with increased spending power. The new space, with tenants ranging from Roxy
to Umbrale and Saville Row opened in late 2011.
Mall Plaza wanted this new project to be an extension of Aires, an exclusive branded environment created by tvsdesign
in 2010 for its upscale clientele. Aires, a resort‐like shopping district originally located in Plaza Vespucio, is defined by
lush, sculptural landscapes with cascading streams, floating cafes, living rooms and specialty retail woven into a garden
setting. Aires offers a relaxing and sophisticated shopping experience that caters to the needs of the more affluent
shopper.
The Retail Studio of tvsdesign and Mall Plaza have been strategic partners for over 17 years. With dozens of
successful projects completed by tvsdesign, Mall Plaza knew the architecture and interior design firm could transform
the dark, single‐level, column filled parking garage into an open and inviting fashion district. The challenge to
accommodate the client's goals was threefold: how to adapt the Aires brand to fit into such an unusual location, how to
bring the outside indoors and how to develop a design language that spoke to high‐end shoppers.
The design solution creates floating wood soffits spreading out to form focal points above boutique kiosks and
cafes, defining the heart of the space. Water is used as a visual, experiential and auditory design feature to connect the
space to the natural environment. Shallow pools surround public seating areas and specialty cantilevered retail. Elegant
water walls punctuated with flowers suspended in crystal vases greet the guest at each entrance and set the tone for
the distinctive experience inside. Warm wood patterns, relaxing seating groups and a color palette of cool colors and
soft tones brands the area as a high‐end shopping destination in line with the Aires brand.
"We made a conscious break from the traditional double‐loaded corridor of most malls to create a new more intimate
shopping destination that connects the shopper both visually and physically to every store." said Donna Childs, principal
at tvsdesign.
Chilean‐based architecture firm, Luis Villanueva, developed the project construction documents (with peer reviews by
tvsdesign).