The Bullring in Birmingham, UK

Khan Shatyr in Astana, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan may not be one of the top famous places to go to for a traveler, yet you will be surprised to know that a unique shopping complex lies at the heart of this place. Kazakh houses the Khan Shatyr, which is ingeniously shaped like a dazzling, transparent tent, which lights up magnificently at night. Kazakhstan has more to offer than one expects; this enormous complex is larger than 10 football stadiums put together, has a beautiful boating river inside, and even a beach resort for those who are uninspired by the usual shopping centers.

Il Vulcano Buono in Nola, Italy

Topping off this list is a very strangely shaped mall in Italy. Near the infamous Mount Vesuvius, this mall takes the shape of a small volcano. Named as the good volcano, this one contrasts the nearby mercurial Vesuvius. Designed by Renzo Piano, he took to heart the landscape, and modeled the mall after it. Inside are restaurants and bars, a hypermarket, gallery and cinema, as well as a hotel. It is built in concentric circles, each having a different slope, forming a conical shape that opens at the middle.

Iluma in Singapore

If you think that malls are sanctuaries which you can run into and celebrate in the many items which you can purchase inside, think again. In Singapore, this shopping complex is a complete stop for urbanites who wish to get out of the house and enjoy outside, while still having the comforts they crave. Upon coming close, one will already appreciate the design of the façade; there is some form of crystal mesh which plays with the light. Flat parts of the area are then covered with billboards, which give a playful yet beautiful over-all design.

The Bullring in Birmingham, UK

In Birmingham, this complex stands out among the other more conventional buildings that surround it, making it one of the iconic structures in the place. From its name, one gathers what it looks like; it is literally shaped as a ring, while the department store occupying a part of it is sheathed with aluminum disks that are set against a backdrop of blue, which then light up beautifully at night, creating the most surreal vision ever. There are two buildings which are connected by shops underground. If the design overwhelms the shopper, touch screen computers are scattered inside the malls, for a quick search for shops and other places one wants to be.

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 870