Bamboo, you simply cannot ignore it in the largest shopping center in Italy. The CityLife Shopping District, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, shows the versatility of the natural material. With its distinctive curves and smooth forms, the architect brings an unprecedented dynamic into the shopping mall. The warmth of bamboo emphasizes the welcoming effect.

CityLife sets a new standard for living and working

CityLife is a completely renewed neighbourhood in Milan with museums, apartments, offices and recreational area. This has been built in the old market district of Milan, close to the historic city centre. Tre Torri, three prominent residential and office towers, designed by Zaha Hadid, Arata Isozaki and Daniel Libeskind, form an architectural highlight in the neighbourhood. The CityLife Shopping District is built under and between the towers, incorporating the largest shopping mall in Italy: more than 80 shops, 20 restaurants, bars and a cinema. The three towers and the shopping area are located within more than 170,000 m² of public parks.

Bamboo wood applications in CityLife Shopping District

Bamboo floors and ceilings form the basis of the interior with white, smoothly finished walls. The contrast of white with the natural bamboo wood enhances the dynamic feeling generated by the architecture. Large rounded bamboo pillars form the eye-catchers: here the bamboo wood flows from the floor to the ceiling. With great sense of detail, the bamboo panels have been processed into columns that almost seamlessly flow into the ceiling beams. Thanks to the curves in the ceiling, an impression of motion is created. In the central area, the counters of the information centre and a bar are also made with MOSO bamboo wood. Various restaurants and shops also opted for bamboo floors and furniture. Bamboo wood is visible everywhere in CityLife Shopping district.