Graven Images unveils interiors of Radisson Blu Mall of America
British architectural practice Graven Images has unveiled the interior design of the newly-opened Radisson Blu Mall of America (MOA), which is said to be one of the biggest shopping malls of the world.
Directly connected to over 500 shops and restaurants, the Radisson Blu Mall of America features a unique retail environment, which reflects the character and history of its location in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The brand’s second ‘outing’ in the US, the Radisson Blu MOA has been designed according to the needs of both the shoppers and business visitors. Creating a dramatic atmosphere, it features crisp and lustrous Krion wall, which forms the backdrop to the entire first and second floor lobby spaces.
Bespoke individual panels have been modeled into a massive multi-faceted sculptural installation which references a cool, pristine shopping bag and serves a similar function. This not only sets the tone for the brand but also protects and conceals the goods within.
The sculptural installation shelters the Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar from the bright lights of the main lobby space. Adding more to it, the lining of the inside of the wall openings features bright red Krion. Nest hanging loungers from Dedon are suspended 40 feet from the lobby ceiling and hover just above the first floor lobby.
Featuring an escalator, a lift and staircase, the unconventional two-level lobby provides a seamless navigation upon arrival. It guides the guests to the Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar as well as 26,300 square feet of meeting and event space, and 500 guest rooms.
At high level on either side of the hotel entrance courtyard, a façade is featured, which includes a tiny series of windows.
Influenced by the character and topography of Minneapolis and the skyway system that runs throughout Minneapolis, the mall also includes a linking bridge on the front elevation of the courtyard adjacent to the reception. A double helix DNA pattern, acknowledging Minneapolis and St Paul’s unique status as ‘The Twin Cities’, is the inspiration behind the carpet pattern in both the main and junior ballrooms.
A colourful and vibrant rug that sits below hanging loungers adjacent to reception has been designed by taking inspiration from the lakes of Minneapolis. When viewed from the second floor lobby, this gives a tiny abstract impression of the Minnesotan landscape.
The mall also features locally influenced materials, which are used within the hotel. The wood that clads the majority of walls, columns, beams and ceilings in the Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar was reclaimed from old barns throughout Minnesota. This change in detail has merged an interesting little corner of Minnesotan culture with a more contemporary palette of raw materials.
The Scandinavian culture is reflected in the Radisson Blu MOA with a unique colourful version of the Swan chair within the boardroom. The European influence extends to the ‘Gallery’, a concept first developed for Radisson Blu Aqua in Chicago. Individually designed or specified pieces such as the Nest loungers and collection of individual, iconic designer chairs in a variety of vibrant red materials that surround a bespoke 40 feet Krion table in the second floor gallery area, stand alone as unique, relevant and interesting objects.
Exhibiting the creative talent of Minnesota, the Gallery features a mix of pieces procured locally which are hung alongside a number by a surprising Scottish interloper, John Byrne.
