Westfield Shopping Centre

Location: West London

Architects: US Architects Michael Gabellini and Kimberly Sheppard

Landscape Architects: AECOM Design & Planning

Outline Brief: Creation of a feature which would provide an uplifting, intriguing and vibrant setting for Westfield shopping centre's outdoor cafés and restaurants. And integrate the shopping centre within its urban context, while making a significant contribution to the quality of environment.

Size: 150,000m² (1.615m ft²)

Floors: 5 
Stores: 270 (High street Brands to Designer Brands)

Parking Space: 4500Cost: £1.7billion

Westfield Shopping Centre is the third biggest shopping centre within the United Kingdom with an space comparable to about 30 football pitches, which. Exterior of the shopping centre is huge as well has the interior, an architectural building which does stand out, with an bold architectural design from the outside which may not be as attractive as it’s interior which has glass roof which covers 43-acre space of the mega mall, lights the interior with natural daylight, does give the impression of an open roof top bringing the sky view inside. With a massive entrance hall of a size of a football pitch surely does amaze visitors of the space it has. Westfield is a shopping centre which does make shopping even more pleasant and comfortable, with 270 stores, up to 60 restaurants and a 14-screen cinema all under one roof is surely a great place to shop during horrible weather. 

Transport is not a problem at all to reach the shopping centre, with the underground just minutes away, with also up to 4500 car parking and not been that expensive does makes life easier for shoppers. 

To my opinion I personally think it’s a great design that has been through out very well with the space been used to its best potential. It’s a design which has been thought out well for its users. 

As well as the architectural context, the landscape design just outside the shopping centre is also a design that fits perfectly well with the architecture.  At the southern terrace, western entrance of the shopping centre is the 170 metre long and four metres tall living wall with native woodland plants planted mainly, which finishes of with a full length water feature adds to the character of the living wall. One of the benefits of the living wall is that it also benefits wildlife habitats. The living wall provides the feel of urban environment, by having an great advantage during summer times by cooling the area, and reducing the traffic noise at its surrounding.

Plant’s that is mainly used within the Living Wall is:

• Ivy
• Moss 
• Sedum Tiles
• Ferns

Up to 200,000 plants are used within the wall, with a mixture use of 5,000 modules. The living wall were grown and installed by ANS Groupe Europe.

The landscape design has a simple and clean finish, it is not overly crowed, and it has the feeling of space connecting to the interior of the shopping centre.  The design has a focal point which is the living wall, which is amazing during night with the lighting and the sound of the water feature gives the feeling of peace. With a great atmosphere and view from the restaurants on the other side.