Deniz Mall and Cour Bareuzai earn top spots on the "World’s Most Beautiful Shopping Malls" list at Prix Versailles Awards
Two outstanding architectural and design achievements, Deniz Mall in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Cour Bareuzai in Dijon, France, have secured coveted places on the prestigious "World’s Most Beautiful Shopping Malls" list at the esteemed Prix Versailles Awards.
These awards, held under the banner of the 'World Architecture and Design Award at UNESCO', are designed to celebrate good design, with a focus on the retail and hospitality sectors. The winning projects are recognised for their primary role in beautifying and improving the living environment plus innovation, creativity, connection to local heritage, ecological efficiency, and their commitment to fostering social interaction and participation, aligning with the United Nations' core values.
Deniz Mall in Baku, Azerbaijan
Deniz Mall, designed by Chapman Taylor, was awarded as one of the "World’s Most Beautiful Shopping Malls." The 120,000m² scheme, situated on land reclaimed from the Caspian Sea, offers a multifaceted experience that combines entertainment, retail, leisure, and dining across five floors. Notably, it houses the largest shopping centre in the Caucasus region, featuring a stunning 'flame' tower as its centerpiece, surrounded by eight star-shaped wings inspired by Azerbaijan's national emblem.
Originally conceptualized as a congress centre by Chapman Taylor in 2007, Deniz Mall has undergone a remarkable transformation while preserving its original design. The interior's redesign seamlessly complements the building's exterior, creating a harmonious and unified concept for the entire centre. Deniz Mall offers a family-oriented day-out experience, complete with world-class entertainment venues, filling a significant role for the city and the surrounding region. Having opened its doors to the public in June 2020, Deniz Mall has quickly established itself as a premier retail, leisure, and entertainment destination in Baku.
Cour Bareuzai in Dijon, France
Chapman Taylor's Cour Bareuzai project in Dijon, France, earned its place on the "World’s Most Beautiful Shopping Malls Exteriors" list. This project involved the sensitive renovation of a 17th/18th century mansion house building, formerly used as offices for Dijon's local authorities.
Chapman Taylor's vision for Cour Bareuzai aimed to breathe new life into these heritage buildings, contributing to the revitalization of Dijon's city centre. The result is a scheme of high-end retail and restaurant space spread across three floors. The design integrates seamlessly with the UNESCO World Heritage-designated city centre, enhancing the surrounding architectural landscape. Cour Bareuzai, which opened its doors to the public in 2019, has solidified its status as a prominent retail and restaurant destination in Dijon.
These accolades reflect the exceptional fusion of architectural design and cultural sensitivity in the designs of Deniz Mall and Cour Bareuzai, making them standout examples of exceptional architecture in the global retail sector.
The awards celebrate and acknowledge the design quality of our work and the invaluable contribution these projects have made to their respective cities.
#BeautifulEverywhere