Built in the 1980s, the Eaux-Vives Shopping Centre (formerly known as "Eaux-Vives 2000") is a major axis of this homonymous district. It is the local shopping area for those living on the lake’s left bank. In line with the development of the new station district, the transformation is aiming to rejuvenate the centre’s image and attract users to the shopping arcades, which were previously used as a place to go to the Co-op.
20% of Geneva's territory is covered by parks and the shopping centre is surrounded by those which are most well-known. The project stems from the desire to bring the outside into the centre, instilling the park ambience into its rest and relaxation areas and creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Making the visitor experience similar to a delightful stroll under the trees. This atmosphere is conveyed through the textures, sounds and lights present in the project which use natural elements such as wood, vegetation, and water.
The challenge was to integrate this concept into a partial transformation within the constraints of the existing building (low ceiling height, no natural light, preserved typologies). The site required significant management in several phases, as the centre remained in operation throughout the works, which incidentally were carried out amidst the pandemic.
The CCHE proposal was to merge the 3 car park floors onto the 1st floor, served by three entrances (Jargonnant, Rotonde and Terrassière) by tracing a route linking the interior and exterior flows. The Terrassière entrance was created to give customers an additional direct access point from the street leading to the new Eaux-Vives station.
The structure is clad in wood throughout. Squares have been designed in strategic places and are integrated into the flow, inviting visitors to participate fully in the life of the mall. In the existing mineral universe, these islands of nature are characterised by differentiation in the parquet flooring and an array of flower boxes. The central square, a meeting point, takes root around a wooden tree. Dedicated to younger visitors, the children's square is characterised by a fun trail developed by the CCHE design team.
These zones consist of the thematic square, the central square and the children's square. The first, connected to the Rotunda entrance, is the largest in the centre. Adjacent to a water wall, it has a large terrace which is home to a tea-room and a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
Parallel to the squares, the Rotunda and Terrassière entrances, with their seating and surrounding vegetation, provide an important rest area.
Two project sketches: "Rotunda entrance" and "Water wall" views
All of the centre's signs and signage were developed by CCHE Design. An educational screen concept has been developed to enhance the visitor experience and surprise them with themed animations.
