CapitaMall Nuohemule, Hohhot

Capitaland Nuohemule stands as a new, comprehensive kind of contemporization: far beyond a simplistic mall refurbishment with superficial re-application of materials, it is about extracting the essence of a building and converting it into a new, adventurous, and futureproof concept that manages to withstand and challenge the strong competition of urban retail precincts with its unique offer.

The revitalisation of an abandoned mall at Hohhot’s Nuohemule station has successfully transformed a dark and barren seven-story concrete structure into a vibrant and diversified experience of plants, greenery and water – an attraction that has become a visitor magnet far beyond its local neighbourhood. Already the opening day generated a visitor flow of over 100,000 people.

To counteract the ‘winter blues’ induced by a harsh climate of long, arid seasons devoid of green and daylight, CapitaMall Nuohemule emerges as the first garden mall in Inner Mongolia: Lush multi-level interior landscaping spreads skywards through a series of atria and out into the horizontal circulation zones, to provide an enjoyably rare public green experience for the surrounding communities。

Challenging the often sterile atmosphere of conventional shopping malls, the retail centre was conceived as a green and natural indoor space. A spirited contemporary interpretation of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, it incorporates horizontal gardening strategies across all retail floors to create social meeting and gathering spots with a fresh identity, interactive potential, and affective qualities.

The outlines of the existing atria were re-drawn into clear geometric shapes that vertically overlap, to dissolve the rigidity and verticality of the space. Reconfigured edge zones, together with newly inserted connecting bridges, were converted into lush landscaped planters across all levels, in an innovative approach towards the positioning and functioning of commercial space.