Bärnbach boasts one of the most beautiful shopping centers in the world! The WEZ, which underwent a contemporary redesign by BEHF Architects in 2019, has been recognized with the prestigious Prix Versailles award in the “Shopping Malls Europe” category.
Now, WEZ has made it onto the list of “Worlds Most Beautiful Shopping Mall Interiors” by Prix Versailles, placing us among the top 30 in this international ranking. This is the first time the World’s Most Beautiful Shopping Malls List has been released. We are delighted to receive this renowned award and to see WEZ playing a pioneering role in such a competitive global environment.
Built in the 1970s, the shopping mall WEZ – Das weststeirische Einkaufszentrum in Bärnbach near Graz is an example of the first generation of malls in Austria. Over the course of the years, the property has become dilapidated and has not been particularly inviting. Demolition has been a serious option. Nevertheless, the owners have decided to renovate it and thanks to BEHF Architects, the shopping mall WEZ has been upgraded into a modern-age facility designed to suit contemporary retail trends.
WEZ comes with a novel look and an improved functional organisation. The room layout has been rearranged in such a way that it ensures the optimal use of space and an extended rentable area. The dominant feature in the interior is a large atrium with circular roof lights which enables easy viewing of the stores and an efficient circulation. Round light funnels in the ceiling run along the entire atrium and bring daylight down to the ground.
