The two retail-led developments are part of a major expansion of the Xyami Shopping brand by Real Estate Zahara in the Sub-Saharan country where it has opened four developments in the past two years.
The two mixed use developments – in Nova Vida in the capital Luanda and in Lubango in the province of Huila – are the first two of several schemes being designed and delivered by the practice. Construction is also about to begin on a new shopping centre in Kilamba on the outskirts of Luanda while two others are currently in the planning stages in Huambo province, and Talatona, Luanda.
Each of the developments are anchored by a Kero hypermarket with separate retail units – Lubango has a GLA of 23,000 sqm and Nova Vida 14,000 sqm – and also include offices, a multiplex cinema and additional offers including an auto centre and a play area for children.
Vasco Carvalho, who is leading the project from Broadway Malyan’s Lisbon studio, said the design of the shopping centres used a contemporary architectural language informed by the traditional African colours, while also responding to the aspirations of the Xyami brand.
He said: “Angola is seeing a major expansion in its retail sector and these new Xyami Shopping developments are transforming the retail and leisure offer in terms of their size and the user experience.
“Our approach to these projects has been informed by the desire to ensure that these developments retain a robust Angolan identity while also creating something modern that reflects the direction of the country.
“Common to all the projects are large canopies that shade the façade and help control the temperature rather than thermal insulation. This remains the most efficient solution in such a warm climate and also helps support a brand that is proudly Angolan.
“The facades are a mixture of natural tones and bright colours of the Angolan tradition while the design of the building also incorporates a sophisticated natural light strategy, allowing plenty of controlled daylight to the key interior spaces without adding thermal gain to the building.”