Architectural Gems of Modern Lviv: Expert Rating of Shopping and Entertainment Centers by Innovation, Design and Structural Solutions

I. Introduction: A New Era of Commercial Architecture in Lviv

Lviv, a city with deep historical and cultural heritage, is today experiencing an architectural renaissance that extends far beyond the restoration of monuments. Before our eyes, a new page in its urban development history is unfolding, where the main protagonists are large-scale commercial facilities – shopping and entertainment centers. These structures have ceased to be merely utilitarian spaces for shopping; they have transformed into complex multifunctional complexes that serve as new community centers, points of attraction for residents and visitors. The evolution of Lviv’s shopping centers mirrors broader socio-economic processes in Ukraine: from the first attempts to adapt Western retail models to creating unique, contextual and human-centric spaces that reflect the country’s integration into European cultural and economic space.

Analysis of current trends in shopping center design reveals two key development vectors. The first is the global trend toward “Retailtainment” and the experience economy. Today’s consumer comes to shopping centers not only for goods, but also for emotions, leisure and social interaction. This forces architects and developers to think not in square meters of retail space, but in the quality and diversity of experience that visitors receive. Architecture becomes a tool for creating unique atmosphere: from grand atriums and green zones to interactive installations and thoughtfully designed public spaces. An object’s success is now measured not so much by retail turnover as by the duration and quality of time spent within its walls.

The second, equally important trend is sustainability and energy efficiency. Awareness of environmental challenges and rising energy costs has transformed “green” construction from a fashionable direction into an economic necessity. Implementation of international standards such as BREEAM is becoming not only a matter of reputation, but also a factor in the long-term capitalization of assets. Use of energy-efficient facade systems, rainwater collection systems, LED lighting and intelligent building management systems (BMS) significantly reduces operational costs and increases the object’s attractiveness to international tenants and investors.

This rating is an attempt at deep professional analysis of Lviv’s leading shopping centers through the prism of architecture and construction. Each object was evaluated according to a comprehensive methodology that includes four key criteria:

1. Architectural Concept and Integration: Originality of the idea and the mastery with which the object is integrated into Lviv’s complex urban context.
2. Structural Innovation and Materials: Application of advanced engineering solutions, quality and durability of construction materials used.
3. Design and Human-Centricity: Quality of interior spaces, intuitive navigation, lighting scenarios, inclusivity and overall level of comfort for visitors.
4. Impact on Urban Landscape: The object’s contribution to forming the city’s modern architectural identity and creating new public spaces

II. Comparative Analysis of Lviv’s Leading Shopping Centers

To provide a structured overview of key parameters allowing quick comparison of objects before diving into detailed analysis, the following table was compiled. It serves as a kind of “executive summary” for industry professionals, visualizing the main technical and conceptual differences between the leading players in Lviv’s commercial real estate market.

Table 1: Key Architectural and Technical Characteristics of Lviv Shopping Centers

This table immediately highlights key differentiators: Forum Lviv emphasizes sustainability and integration into the urban environment, confirmed by international certification. Victoria Gardens uses a unique biophilic concept as its main commercial advantage. SPARTAK represents a new generation of multifunctional complexes, while King Cross Leopolis remains the standard of large-scale suburban retail focused on functionality. The ratio of gross (GBA) and leasable (GLA) area allows preliminary conclusions about the efficiency of planning solutions and the volume of public spaces in each project.

III. Detailed Rating of Architectural Achievements: TOP Shopping Centers of Lviv

№1. Forum Lviv: Mastery of Contextual Integration

Architectural Profile

Forum Lviv shopping center, developed by Dutch bureau T+T Design with participation of Tebodin, is a model of contextual architecture. Located on a site with complex terrain near the historic center, it does not attempt to dominate, but conducts a delicate dialogue with its surroundings. The main architectural technique is creating a multi-level structure that cascades down the hillside, effectively repeating its natural lines. This allowed not only to organically “plant” the huge building volume in the landscape, but also to create several levels of entrances and open terraces with panoramic city views. Facade solutions are an attempt at modern interpretation of local materials and textures: the combination of large glass planes, light panels imitating sandstone, and dark cladding creates a restrained yet expressive image that doesn’t clash with historical development.

Structural and Engineering Systems

The engineering component of the project is no less important than the architectural. Obtaining the prestigious BREEAM environmental certificate with a “Very Good” rating was made possible through a complex of innovative solutions. The foundation is a highly efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that optimizes energy consumption depending on load. Technologies for collecting and reusing rainwater for technical needs are applied, and energy-efficient LED lighting is installed throughout the building. The building’s structural scheme, based on a monolithic reinforced concrete frame, made it possible to create large open spaces without unnecessary supports and to realize impressive cantilever overhangs of observation terraces, which are one of the complex’s hallmarks.

Design and Public Space

Forum Lviv’s interior space develops the idea of “city within a city”. Shopping gallery interiors imitate cozy Lviv streets with their characteristic atmosphere. However, the main value of the project is its contribution to the city’s public space. Open terraces and a rooftop observation deck have become a popular recreation spot for Lviv residents and tourists. Unlike classic “closed” shopping centers, Forum Lviv is permeable and open to the city, giving it a new point of attraction and unique public spaces. This approach demonstrates a high level of social responsibility from the developer and architects.

Conceptual Modernization from “Mehbud”

Despite the undeniably high quality of the project, over time certain zones, particularly the food court and internal galleries, may require acoustic and aesthetic modernization to maintain premium status and meet new comfort requirements. The noisy food court areas create significant acoustic load, and the open terraces, while an advantage, require more effective zoning to create cozy, intimate spaces for relaxation and work.

Visualization: Acoustic Comfort and Modern Aesthetics for Forum Lviv with “Mehbud” Solutions

Imagine Forum Lviv’s food court where the standard ceiling is replaced with “Mehbud” cube-shaped slat ceilings with perforation and acoustic backing. This solution not only dramatically improves acoustics in the noisy space, absorbing excess noise and echo, but also creates a rhythmic, modern pattern that visually emphasizes the interior’s dynamics. For zoning open terraces, the concept proposes installing lightweight, semi-transparent “Mehbud” blinds fences. Their design allows creating private zones for cafes and lounge areas, protecting from wind and sun, while not blocking the panoramic city view, which is a key value of this space. Such a solution will add functionality and comfort while preserving the openness and lightness of the architectural concept.

№2. Victoria Gardens: Biophilic Design as Commercial Advantage

Architectural Profile

Victoria Gardens shopping center, designed by JAZZ ARCHITECTURE, is a striking example of how a strong and consistent concept can become the main success factor. At the heart of the architectural solution lies the idea of “gardens” – creating an oasis of greenery and nature within a large commercial facility. This idea permeates the entire complex, from the name to the smallest interior details. The exterior architecture is more restrained and laconic compared to Forum Lviv. It’s a large, horizontally oriented volume executed in light tones. Its main strength is not in external spectacle, but in creating intrigue and inviting the visitor inside, where a completely different world awaits.

Structural and Engineering Systems

The heart of the complex is a huge central atrium covered with a light-transmitting structure. This is where live trees and numerous green zones are located. The structural solution of this atrium is a significant engineering achievement, ensuring not only strength and safety, but also maximum penetration of natural light. The building’s engineering systems (ventilation, lighting, irrigation) are specially configured to support plant life and create a comfortable microclimate close to natural. Maximization of daylight also helps reduce electricity costs.

Interior Design

Victoria Gardens’ interior design is a consistent implementation of biophilic design principles, which affirm the positive impact of nature on human psychological state. A large number of live trees and plants, use of materials with natural wood texture in decoration, the calming sound of fountains, numerous rest areas reminiscent of park benches – all this creates a unique atmosphere of calm and relaxation. This approach also has a pragmatic purpose: it’s proven that a comfortable environment encourages visitors to spend significantly more time in the shopping center, which directly affects commercial indicators.

Conceptual Modernization from “Mehbud”

Despite the thoughtfulness of the interior, the building’s facade, made primarily of smooth composite panels, may lose its visual relevance over time. It lacks the dynamics, texture and depth that would better reflect the unique “natural” concept of the interior space. There’s a certain dissonance between the rich, saturated interior and the somewhat utilitarian exterior.

Visualization: Dynamic “Living” Facade for Victoria Gardens from “Mehbud”

The renovation concept involves updating significant facade areas using a “Mehbud” ventilated system with metal lamellae in the color and texture of natural wood. Arrangement of vertical lamellae with varying width and mounting depth will create a complex, rhythmic pattern reminiscent of tree bark or bamboo forest. This solution will add volume to the facade, play of light and shadow throughout the day, making it visually “alive” and dynamic. This will not only radically update the external appearance, but also increase the building’s energy efficiency through the ventilated gap, creating a harmonious visual connection between the exterior and the “green” heart of the shopping center.

№3. SPARTAK: Synergy of Functions as Architectural Idea

Architectural Profile

SPARTAK shopping center from developer AVR Development represents a new generation of mixed-use developments, where retail is only one component of a successful business model. Combining under one roof retail space, a large sports club with pools, a modern cinema and entertainment zones creates powerful synergy, attracting different visitor flows throughout the day. The architectural solution masterfully unites these functionally diverse blocks into a single, visually cohesive and dynamic volume. The facade, combining large glass planes with metal panels and bright color accents, reflects the energetic and modern character of the complex.

Structural and Engineering Systems

Combining different functional loads in one building poses complex challenges for engineers and designers. It was necessary to provide effective vibration isolation of structures from fitness club zones where heavy equipment is used, and a high level of sound insulation for cinema halls. Engineering systems (ventilation, water supply) also have different specifics: for example, pools require specialized air dehumidification and water purification systems that must be integrated into the building’s overall engineering network. Successful solution of these tasks indicates the project’s high technical level.

Design and Identity

SPARTAK’s interior design deliberately appeals to a young, active and dynamic audience. Bright, saturated colors are widely used in decoration, modern navigational graphics, elements of industrial style (exposed communications, metal structures). This creates an atmosphere of energy and movement that corresponds to the general “sports-shopping-entertainment” concept. The design doesn’t just decorate the space, but forms a clear and recognizable SPARTAK brand identity.

Conceptual Modernization from “Mehbud”

Despite the thoughtfulness of the building itself, the organization of adjacent territory and the object’s perimeter requires a more expressive and stylistically appropriate solution. Standard fencing options don’t fully correspond to the complex’s modern and sporty character, creating a visual gap between architecture and its surroundings.

Visualization: Modern Perimeter for SPARTAK with “Mehbud” Fences

For fencing the territory and clear zoning of parking and pedestrian areas, it’s proposed to use “Mehbud” metal fences “Rancho” model. Horizontal arrangement of wide lamellae creates a strict, yet dynamic and visually permeable barrier. This design perfectly suits SPARTAK’s modern architecture, emphasizing its horizontal lines and technological nature. The “Rancho” fence provides the necessary level of security and access control, while not creating a sense of closedness and isolation, which emphasizes the European approach to organizing comfortable and safe public space.

№4. King Cross Leopolis: Pioneer Legacy and Renovation Potential

Architectural Profile

King Cross Leopolis shopping center, opened in 2010, is a classic representative of first-generation suburban malls in Ukraine. Its architecture belongs to the “big box” typology, where the main priority is functionality, not form. This is a huge, self-sufficient object located outside dense urban development and oriented primarily toward visitors with cars. Its architectural language is simple and utilitarian: large blank facade planes clad with sandwich panels and clearly highlighted entrance groups. At the time of its creation, this was a breakthrough project that set standards for the market.

Structural and Engineering Systems

From the standpoint of structural solutions and logistics, King Cross Leopolis is extremely efficient. The planning structure with a central gallery and large “boxes” for anchor tenants (hypermarket, electronics store, DIY) is classic and time-tested. The structural scheme, based on a metal or precast reinforced concrete frame, is optimized for spanning large spans and ensuring maximum flexibility in planning retail spaces. Engineering systems are designed for high traffic and reliability.

Design and Relevance

It’s precisely the architectural simplicity that once was a symbol of modern efficiency that today is the main challenge for the object. In conditions of growing competition from conceptually stronger projects such as Forum Lviv and Victoria Gardens, King Cross Leopolis is beginning to lose in the battle for visitor attention. Its design, both exterior and interior, is functional, but lacks unique atmosphere, “wow-effect” and those public spaces that encourage people to spend time here, not just make purchases. At the same time, its huge, undifferentiated surfaces are an ideal “clean canvas” for architectural rebranding. Facade renovation for such an object is not just cosmetic updating, but a strategic business move aimed at repositioning the asset in the market and changing its identity from “place where you buy” to “place where you spend time.”

Conceptual Modernization from “Mehbud”

The main challenge for King Cross Leopolis is the morally outdated and monotonous appearance of facades. Huge blank planes of sandwich panels require radical rethinking so the object can effectively compete with newer and architecturally more expressive shopping centers. Complete transformation of the external image is needed, which would signal the renewal and modernization of the entire complex.

Visualization: Complete Facade Transformation of King Cross Leopolis with “Mehbud” Cassette Systems

The concept proposes complete visual transformation of the facade using a ventilated facade system with “Mehbud” metal cassettes. This technology allows completely changing the building’s appearance without interfering with load-bearing structures. Using cassettes of different sizes, shapes and colors (for example, in gradations of gray and graphite with bright color accents in entrance group zones) will break the monotony of walls and create a modern, technological and dynamic image. A special element could be integration of perforated cassettes with internal LED backlighting, which in the evening will turn the facade into a giant media screen. Such renovation will not only update the appearance, but also increase the building’s energy efficiency and become a powerful new landmark for the shopping center.

V. Conclusions: Future of Commercial Architecture in Lviv and the Role of Innovative Materials

The conducted analysis of Lviv’s leading shopping and entertainment centers allows us to conclude about the rapid and qualitative evolution of this real estate segment. The market has traveled from simple “boxes for trade” to complex, multifunctional lifestyle centers where architecture and design play a key role in the battle for consumers. Synthesis of identified trends clearly indicates future development vectors. First, it’s the irreversible movement from monofunction to multifunctionality and creation of mixed spaces where retail, entertainment, sports, offices and even housing are combined. Second, it’s the growing importance of unique design, creating an inimitable atmosphere and quality public spaces as the main competitive advantage. Third, sustainability and energy efficiency standards, which today are an advantage of individual projects, will tomorrow become mandatory norm for all new objects.

Statistical data confirms market dynamism. Even in conditions of economic challenges, Lviv’s commercial real estate market demonstrates stability. According to industry reports, by 2022 the total area of quality retail premises in the city exceeded 250,000 sq. m, and the vacancy rate remained one of the lowest in Ukraine, indicating high demand. Investments in new construction and renovation of existing objects continue, stimulating competition and raising the overall quality of supply.

The future of commercial architecture in Lviv and Ukraine in general belongs to projects that will offer not just goods, but unique experience, emotions and a comfortable living environment. Competition will finally move from the plane of “who is bigger” to the plane of “who is better quality, more interesting and more innovative.” In this context, the quality of architectural solutions, durability and aesthetics of building materials become key factors determining not only current success, but also long-term asset capitalization.

Implementation of such ambitious architectural projects, both new and within renovation frameworks, is impossible without access to high-tech and aesthetically refined building materials. Manufacturing companies similar to “Mehbud” factory, which offer the market modern ventilated facades, metal ceiling systems and designer fences, play a decisive role in this process. They are not just suppliers, but full partners of architects, designers and developers, providing them with tools for implementing the boldest ideas and creating the architecture of tomorrow. It’s precisely the synergy of the architect’s creative vision and the manufacturer’s innovative capabilities that shapes the new face of modern Ukrainian cities.