Dittel Assoziierte were commissioned by CBRE Investment Management to carry out the comprehensive revitalisation of the Glacis-Galerie in Neu-Ulm. The focus of the renovation measures is on the restructuring of the food court, a new customer information centre and other communal areas in the shopping centre.
The aim of the overall concept was to take the Glacis-Galerie forwards into the coming decades, to increase its sojourn quality for visitors and to reach new customer groups. Dittel Assoziierte pursued a sustainable design approach with a focus on the responsible use of resources and the growing demand for experiences and comfort. After a restructuring period of just three months, the Glacis-Galerie boasts a new look: attractive leisure and interaction areas, a natural ambience and a wide range of gastronomic options to entice customers to the shopping centre from far beyond the city limits to the new hotspot in Neu-Ulm.
Photographer: Martin Baitinger
Target-group-orientated planning as the key to success
The targeted orientation of the planning and implementation towards the needs of future user groups is currently an essential success factor for the design of modern retail spaces. An upstream target group analysis, which Dittel Assoziierte carried out for the Glacis-Galerie, plays an important role in this. The different usage scenarios were identified and the design concept was developed on this basis.
“We do not only plan for the present but also create experiential spaces that can be flexibly adapted to future trends and needs,” Frank Dittel explains, managing director and owner. “This creates an environment that keeps attracting and inspiring visitors.”
We create experiential spaces that can flexibly adapt to future trends and needs.
A concept in harmony with the environment
Dittel Assoziierte has taken a holistic approach to the modernisation of the Glacis-Galerie, which goes beyond the pure architectural aesthetic and integrates aspects such as sustainability, social considerations and responsible corporate management in all planning phases. ESG standards (Environmental, Social, Governance) form the basis of the design concept and are reflected in a resource-efficient selection of materials, a long-term outlook and attractive meeting zones.
Comfort and flexibility
With the expansion and modernisation of the Glacis-Galerie, Dittel Assoziierte is responding to the demands of young, urban visitor groups and families to whom convenience is important when shopping. New, spacious communal areas and integrated play areas for children set the standard for a family-friendly shopping environment. The wide range of seating options, technical features such as inductive charging at the tables or digital menus, ensure a variety of break times and make visitors linger for longer. The new food pop-up complements the existing gastronomic facilities with seasonal dishes, food trends and take-away options, attracting young people and business people to the food court.
Kemal Düzel, Senior Asset Manager at CBRE Investment Management, says: “With the redesign of the Glacis-Galerie, we are redefining the retail experience and creating a space that focuses on the growing wish for interaction and sustainability. Our priority is the customer experience.”
Innovative technologies
Digital spatial solutions are increasingly important in modern retailing. The comprehensively thought-out design concept for the Glacis-Galerie takes these developments into account by seamlessly integrating innovative technologies. Noteworthy examples include the Curved Display in the food pop-up area that can be individually animated and a large LED screen in the rotunda, which can be dynamically adapted to seasonal highlights and provide additional information and playful interactions. The integration of innovative technologies into the new spatial concept not only promotes customer loyalty but also increases the media reach, by creating “instagrammable” moments through visual highlights that visitors can share on social networks.
Sustainable material selection
A key building block of the project is the selection of environmentally friendly materials with internationally recognised sustainability certificates. For example, durable mineral materials have been used for table surfaces that are certified as Green Guard Gold and EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). For the chairs in the food court, products were chosen that are made of 100 percent recycled plastic and have been awarded sustainability certifications as well as the Declare LBC and EU Eco label. The floor covering consists of durable vinyl, which meets the highest standards such as ISO 14025 and can be laid adhesive-free and recycled thanks to its puzzle format.
Connection between nature and architecture
When designing the Glacis-Galerie, Dittel Assoziierte focussed on a harmonious combination of nature and architecture, which reflects the surrounding Glacis Park and transfers it to the interior of the building. The selected colour and material palette is based on natural green and wood tones, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The nature-themed design is underlined by the use of real green plants, which are not only visually appealing but also contribute to the improvement of the indoor climate.
Two trees, about four and a half metres high, form a special highlight in the central food court, creating a unique spatial atmosphere as design fixtures and provide glimpses into the light-filled, open rotunda. The lighting in the rotunda features flexible, dynamic lighting control from neutral white to colour accents with energy-efficient LED strips that add an atmospheric touch to the ambience. In addition, floor lamps have been integrated, setting subtle accents on the respective seating groups.
The concept is complemented by the intuitive, barrier-free route guidance, which is based on the meandering of the nearby Danube. A variety of floor coverings mark the transitions between walkways and recreation areas, assist orientation and contribute to spatial differentiation.
A range of leisure zones & digital experiences
The Glacis-Galerie can be accessed barrier-free via the entrance areas on the ground floor and the parking areas on the second and third floors. The food court is the new heart of the shopping centre and can be accessed via the escalator from the ground floor as well as through the surrounding shops. Spanning around 370 square metres, it offers a wide range of gastronomic options, public areas and interaction zones and naturally attracts visitors with its open space concept.
The modernisation included the existing Venti café bar, a sushi circle and a newly created food pop-up area. Furthermore, 51 additional seating options – including bar stools, benches and banquet seats – have been integrated, so that the new food court now has a total of 271 seats.
The passageway between the ground-level parts of the centre, open during the day, complements the cityscape as a natural path. Visitors have a direct view of the modern customer information area, which underlines the welcoming culture with an inviting design.
A vibrant place of encounter
After the comprehensive revitalisation, the Glacis-Galerie presents itself as a lively interactive venue that goes far beyond a traditional shopping visit. The combination of sustainable design, digital innovations and a variety of recreation areas has created a unique environment for discovering, spending time and enjoying oneself, which inspires and enthuses a new generation of visitors.
